Turkey Noodle Soup with Leftover Roast is the ultimate comfort food solution when your fridge is packed with post-holiday leftovers. Instead of letting that delicious roasted turkey go to waste, you can transform it into a warm, soothing bowl of broth, vegetables, and tender noodles. It’s a nostalgic classic that tastes like home — simple ingredients, hearty flavors, and a bowl that welcomes you after a busy day.

This soup is not only cozy but smart kitchen economy — it maximizes every part of your turkey roast, including the bones for a rich homemade stock if you choose. Perfect for cold weather, quick weeknight meals, or healing comfort when you need something warm and nourishing.

Why I Love This Recipe

• ✔ Uses leftover roast — flavorful and waste-free
• ✔ Ready in under an hour
• ✔ Nourishing, loaded with vegetables & protein
• ✔ Customizable — swap noodles, herbs, or broth base
• ✔ Great for family meals and meal prep

Every spoonful reminds you of a comforting holiday roast — but in a fresh, delicious new form.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This soup checks every box:
✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Nutrient-packed
✅ Perfectly balanced flavors
✅ Loved by both kids and adults
✅ A warming bowl of pure comfort

If you love chicken noodle soup, think of this as its richer, cozier cousin.

Recipe Details

Category	Details
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cooking Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes
Servings	6 bowls
Calories	~320 kcal per serving
Course	Main / Soup
Cuisine	American comfort food

Ingredients

• 2–3 cups leftover roasted turkey, shredded or chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 cups turkey or chicken broth (homemade preferred)
• 1 ½ cups egg noodles (or pasta of choice)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Optional: parsley for garnish, a squeeze of lemon for brightness

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

1️⃣ Sauté vegetables
Heat oil or butter in a large soup pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 6–8 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 1 minute.

2️⃣ Add broth & seasonings
Pour in broth. Add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.

3️⃣ Cook noodles
Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 7–10 minutes).

4️⃣ Add turkey
Stir in shredded turkey during last 5 minutes of cooking just to heat through — avoid overcooking.

5️⃣ Finish & taste
Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning — add a splash of lemon juice if desired.

6️⃣ Serve warm
Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley.

How to Serve

Serve this soup hot with:

• Warm crusty bread or dinner rolls
• A sprinkle of fresh herbs
• Small side salad
• Crackers for crunch

Perfect as a light lunch or nourishing dinner!

Helpful Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the turkey — add at the end to keep it tender.
• Soup too thick? Add a bit more broth.
• Soup too thin? Simmer longer or add slightly more noodles.
• Prefer a richer soup? Add ½ cup cream or milk at the end.
• Add turkey bones to simmer with broth for a deeper roasted flavor.

Variations (Make It Your Own!)

Variation	What To Do
Gluten-Free	Use gluten-free pasta
Low-Carb	Replace noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice
Creamy Turkey Soup	Add ½ cup heavy cream at the end
Herb Lovers	Add rosemary or sage for strong fall flavors
Veggie Boost	Add peas, corn, or spinach during the last minutes
Spicy Twist	Add crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce

Storage & Freezing

Method	How Long?	Notes
Refrigerator	3–4 days	Keep tightly sealed
Freezer	2–3 months	❗Best to freeze without noodles (they get mushy)

Special Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Ladle
• Cutting board & sharp knife
• Airtight containers for storage

FAQ

Q: Can I make this with rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes! It works perfectly — follow the exact same steps.

Q: My broth tastes bland — how do I fix it?
Add extra herbs, lemon juice, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.

Q: Can I use uncooked turkey?
Certainly — but cook it ahead or simmer longer until turkey is fully cooked and tender.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! But keep noodles separate to maintain texture.

Conclusion

Turkey Noodle Soup with Leftover Roast is everything we love about comfort cooking: warm, sustainable, budget-friendly, and filled with love and nourishment. It takes holiday leftovers and transforms them into a fresh, unforgettable meal that tastes even better than the original roast.

Whether you’re healing from a cold day, reliving the holiday spirit, or simply craving a wholesome homemade bowl — this recipe is a winner every time.