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5.0 from 15 votes

Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

This soup is perfect for using leftover turkey and is packed with wholesome ingredients to warm you up on a chilly day! Enjoy a cozy bowl of this nourishing soup. 

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 -8 servings
Calories: 247 kcal
Course: Main Course , Soup
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 large carrots chopped
  • 2 talks celery chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 4 prigs fresh thyme
  • 6 cups turkey or chicken stock preferably homemade
  • ½ - ¾ cup small pasta of choice amount depends on how dense you like it. Pasta: pastina, orzo, ditalini, elbow macaroni, or pearl couscous work well.
  • 2 cups cooked leftover turkey or chicken shredded
  • 2 bay leaves
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • Parmigiano Cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
  3. Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the Herbs and Stock:
  1. Tie the thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine for easy removal later, or you can simply add them directly to the pot.
  2. Pour in the turkey or chicken stock, and add the bay leaves.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Cook the Pasta:
  1. Add the orzo, ditalini, or pearl couscous to the boiling soup.
  2. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is just tender.
Add the Turkey:
  1. Stir in the shredded leftover turkey or chicken.
  2. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Season and Serve:
  1. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the pot.
  2. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
  4. If desired, sprinkle with Parmigiano cheese for an added touch of richness or a squeeze of lemon to a fresh twist.
  5. Enjoy: Serve hot with crusty bread for a comforting, nourishing meal.

Notes

  • Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, sauté the vegetables until they are slightly caramelized before adding the stock. This enhances the natural sweetness and adds a rich, savory note to the soup.
  • Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs whenever possible. If using dried herbs, remember that they are more concentrated, so adjust the quantities accordingly—usually, about 1/3 of the fresh amount.
  • Pasta Cooking: Cook the pasta separately if you plan to have leftovers. This prevents the pasta from becoming overly soft or absorbing too much broth when stored. Add it to the soup just before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories 247kcal (12%) Carbohydrates 23g (8%) Protein 19g (38%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 5g Trans Fat 0.003g Cholesterol 38mg (13%) Sodium 423mg (18%) Potassium 536mg (15%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 4181IU (84%) Vitamin C 6mg (7%) Calcium 38mg (4%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6-8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 247

% Daily Value*

Calories 247kcal 12%
Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Protein 19g 38%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Trans Fat 0.003g 0%
Cholesterol 38mg 13%
Sodium 423mg 18%
Potassium 536mg 11%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 4181IU 84%
Vitamin C 6mg 7%
Calcium 38mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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