In recent years, my family has really embraced all of the easy soups and this one—which is similar to my Chicken and Stars Soup and Chicken Noodle Soup for Kids—is a favorite to make with Thanksgiving turkey leftovers. It’s easy, fast, and nutritious and is packed with plenty of kid-friendly flavor. (Though to be very clear, our whole family enjoys this!) You can use any type of fully cooked turkey meat you have access to, and leftover roasted turkey is perfect for this. You can also use rotisserie chicken if that’s easier. And know that you can use fresh vegetables or frozen ones, depending on what you have and what is easiest for you. Serve this on its own, or pair it with simple sides such as sliced fruit, Cinnamon Apples, cheese and crackers, Healthy Pumpkin Bread, or Mini Cranberry Muffins. (You may also like my White Turkey Chili, Macaroni Soup and Alphabet Soup recipes, and toddler stocking stuffer ideas for this time of year!)
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need for this Turkey Noodle Soup recipe so you know what to add to your grocery list or pull out of the fridge and pantry. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Carrots: I use freshly diced carrots here, but you can also use frozen diced carrots if that’s easier.
Celery: I use freshly diced celery to add a base of flavor. Reduced-sodium broth: You can use turkey broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth according to your preference. Small pasta: I use small pasta here since it cooks through fastest and is nice to eat in a soup, so look for small shells, star pasta, or orzo. Fully cooked turkey:My lemon herb Spatchcock Turkey recipe is a great base for this soup, which makes this a great post-Thanksgiving or Christmas recipe. Parmesan cheese, minced fresh parsley, fresh lemon juice (optional) to top.
TIP: I don’t add minced onion or garlic because my kids dislike seeing little bits of those ingredients, but you can add them if you’d like.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is an overview of this Turkey Noodle Soup recipe so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of the recipe for the full amounts and timing.
How to Store
Store any leftover Turkey Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the fridge. Warm to serve, adding more broth or water as you like (the pasta will likely absorb all of the broth in the storage container).
Best Tips for Success
I like to make this with my Vegetable Broth, but chicken broth or turkey broth also works. If using any other pasta shape, check the cooking time on the package and adjust accordingly. The pasta continues to absorb the liquid as it sits, so the soup will continue to thicken. You can add more broth if desired, though thicker soup is easier for the kids to eat. I usually freeze portions of leftover Thanksgiving turkey so I can pull them out to make this soup quickly on busy days. Use fresh or frozen minced vegetables as you like. Use pasta or egg noodles in this easy soup for kids. Add herbs including thyme, fresh parsley, or rosemary to add more flavor. Find more Thanksgiving recipes for kids with other ideas, too.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
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This post was first published November 2023.
