If you’re craving a comforting, nourishing bowl that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, you’re going to love this Hearty Turkey Soup with Pasta, Vegetables, and Herbs Recipe. It combines tender turkey pieces with vibrant vegetables, perfectly cooked pasta, and a fragrant mix of herbs to create a soup that’s both satisfying and full of soul. Ideal for cozy evenings or when you want to stretch your leftover turkey in the most delicious way, this recipe is wholesome, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to bring together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in the simplicity of its ingredients, each one playing an essential role in the final taste and texture. Fresh vegetables add natural sweetness and crunch, herbs provide aromatic depth, and the pasta gives the soup a hearty touch that makes every spoonful feel complete.
- Olive oil: for a light and healthy sauté base that enhances vegetable flavors.
- Chopped carrots: add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- Chopped yellow onion: brings a savory depth as it softens and caramelizes.
- Chopped celery: offers a subtle earthiness and crunch to balance the softness of other ingredients.
- Minced garlic: infuses the broth with a rich, aromatic punch.
- Turkey stock or chicken broth: forms a flavorful and nourishing base for the soup.
- Thyme, rosemary, and sage: fresh or dried, these herbs bring a fragrant, warm undertone that complements the turkey perfectly.
- Ground nutmeg (optional): adds a whisper of cozy spice that elevates the overall flavor.
- Dry rotini pasta or medium egg noodles: hearty and tender, they turn the soup into a satisfying meal.
- Salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Leftover cooked turkey: the star protein ingredient, shredded or chopped for easy eating.
- Leftover turkey gravy or heavy cream (optional): enriches the soup, adding both flavor and a velvety texture.
- Frozen petite corn: provides sweetness and a little pop of texture without extra prep.
- Chopped parsley: freshens the soup with a burst of color and mild herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Hearty Turkey Soup with Pasta, Vegetables, and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, yellow onion, and celery, cooking them gently for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re nearly soft and fragrant. Then stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just a minute more to ensure it releases its full flavor without burning.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Broth
Next, pour in the turkey stock (or chicken broth if you don’t have turkey stock on hand). Add the fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, sage, and a pinch of ground nutmeg if you’re using it. Season the broth with salt and black pepper according to your taste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to just below medium and cover. Let those flavors meld beautifully for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Once your broth is fragrant and seasoned, add the rotini pasta or egg noodles directly into the pot. Cooking times vary depending on the pasta you use, so keep a close eye and cook until tender, usually between 6 and 12 minutes. The pasta will soak up some of that wonderful broth flavor, making every bite irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Turkey, Corn, and Gravy
With the pasta tender and the base ready, stir in your leftover cooked turkey, the frozen petite corn for a touch of sweetness, and the turkey gravy (or heavy cream if you prefer a richer finish). Allow everything to warm through thoroughly—this is the stage where the soup truly comes together in hearty harmony.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Optional Brightness
Turn off the heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. If you want to add a little extra lift, a bit of lemon zest or a quick spritz of lemon juice can brighten the entire soup, balancing the richness and herbs to perfection.
How to Serve Hearty Turkey Soup with Pasta, Vegetables, and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful and tasty garnish, sprinkle with more fresh parsley or a few grates of Parmesan cheese. A swirl of sour cream or a drizzle of good olive oil can also add lovely richness and visual appeal. Fresh cracked black pepper right at the table adds a final pop of flavor.
Side Dishes
This soup shines best alongside warm crusty bread or homemade biscuits, ready for dunking. A light side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, adding a fresh contrast without overpowering the hearty soup’s flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Hearty Turkey Soup with Pasta, Vegetables, and Herbs Recipe in rustic bowls to bring home that cozy, kitchen-made vibe. For parties, present it in mini mugs as a comforting appetizer or in a bread bowl for a fun twist that’s sure to impress guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making reheated servings even better.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in portion-sized containers. Because of the pasta, the texture may change slightly after freezing, but it will still taste delicious and comforting. Consider cooking extra pasta when reheating to restore the perfect texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Re-season as needed and consider fresh herbs to revive brightness after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought broth instead of homemade turkey stock?
Absolutely! While homemade turkey stock adds a richer flavor, good-quality store-bought chicken or turkey broth works perfectly and is a convenient shortcut without sacrificing much taste.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Rotini and medium egg noodles are great choices because they hold up well without getting mushy quickly. Smaller shapes like ditalini or small shells also work well if you prefer a different texture.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
This recipe relies on turkey and gravy for its signature flavor, but you could substitute vegetable broth and omit the turkey, adding beans or mushrooms for protein and texture to keep it hearty and satisfying.
Is it okay to add heavy cream instead of gravy?
Yes! Heavy cream gives the soup a rich, velvety texture as an alternative to gravy. Use about half a cup and stir it in at the end to gently warm without boiling, so it doesn’t separate.
How can I add more veggies to this soup?
Feel free to toss in other chopped vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or spinach. Add these near the end of cooking so they stay vibrant and retain their texture within the soup.
Final Thoughts
Give this Hearty Turkey Soup with Pasta, Vegetables, and Herbs Recipe a try and experience how a few simple ingredients can create something truly special. It’s perfect for using up leftover turkey or simply enjoying a wholesome, flavorful meal any time of year. Warm, satisfying, and loaded with comforting flavors, this soup will quickly become one of your all-time favorites to share with family and friends.
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Hearty Turkey Soup with Pasta, Vegetables, and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting turkey soup is a perfect way to use up leftover turkey, combining fresh vegetables, herbs, and pasta in a flavorful homemade turkey stock base. Simmered until tender and finished with a touch of parsley and optional lemon zest, it makes a warming, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups chopped carrots (about 3 large carrots)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 medium)
- 1 1/4 cups chopped celery (3 ribs)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)
- 1 1/4 cups frozen petite corn (white)
- 3 Tbsp chopped parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
Liquids and Broth
- 8 cups homemade turkey stock or store-bought chicken broth
- 3/4 cup leftover turkey gravy (or 1/2 cup heavy cream, optional)
Protein and Pasta
- 3 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded or chopped into bite-size pieces
- 2 cups dry rotini pasta (or medium egg noodles; about 5 oz)
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 tsp each minced fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage (or 3/4 tsp dried of each)
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, onion, and celery and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are nearly soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Stock and Herbs: Pour in the turkey stock or chicken broth. Stir in the minced thyme, rosemary, sage, and optional nutmeg. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to just below medium. Cover and let simmer gently for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook Pasta: Add the dry rotini pasta or egg noodles to the soup. Continue to cook uncovered until the pasta is tender, which will take approximately 6 to 12 minutes depending on the type of pasta used. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Turkey, Corn, and Gravy: Stir in the leftover cooked turkey pieces, frozen petite corn, and turkey gravy (or heavy cream if using). Heat through until everything is warmed evenly throughout the soup.
- Finish with Parsley and Lemon (Optional): Stir in chopped parsley for freshness. For an extra bright flavor, optionally add a little lemon zest or a spritz of lemon juice before serving. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth for turkey stock if unavailable.
- Use fresh herbs if possible for the best flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
- Adjust pasta type based on preference; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- The gravy or heavy cream adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter soup.
- Leftover turkey should be shredded or chopped in bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Adding lemon zest or juice at the end brightens the soup and balances richness.
