Turkey Noodle Soup

Prep: 15 min Cook: 105 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Turkey Noodle Soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender turkey, fresh vegetables, and flavorful noodles. Perfect for a cozy meal, it offers rich broth and wholesome ingredients that appeal to family gatherings and casual dinners alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 turkey carcass, cut in pieces
  • water
  • 1 cup sliced celery
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • salt to taste
  • 8 oz. medium noodles

Instructions

  1. Put turkey carcass pieces in a large kettle and cover with water. Cover the kettle and simmer for 1.5 hours.
  2. Skim surface to remove excess fat.
  3. Add sliced celery, sliced onion, sliced carrots, and salt. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Add noodles and simmer for about 15 minutes.
  5. Serve hot.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider roasting the turkey carcass before simmering. If you don't have a turkey carcass, a rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute. For added depth, throw in some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. You can also use egg noodles or whole wheat pasta instead of medium noodles based on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the turkey noodle soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside a slice of your favorite pie, such as Hurry-Up Pie, to round out the dining experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to maintain consistency. You can also freeze the soup for up to three months; just allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Turkey Noodle Soup contains roughly 50 calories, with 0g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 923mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).

50 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.2g
Total Fat 0.1g
Carbs 12g 4% DV
Fiber 0.4g 2% DV
Sugar 0.6g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 922.9mg 40% DV
Potassium 57.1mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 0.9mg 1% DV
Calcium 14mg 1% DV
Iron 0.4mg 2% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover turkey instead of a carcass?

Yes, absolutely! If you have leftover turkey, simply boil it in water with the vegetables to create a flavorful broth. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as you won't need to simmer as long as with a carcass.

What can I do if my soup is too salty?

If your soup turns out too salty, you can add more water or broth to dilute it. Another good trick is to add a peeled potato to the soup; it will absorb some of the saltiness. Remove the potato before serving.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of water and omit the turkey carcass. Add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and texture. You could also include lentils or chickpeas for protein.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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