Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup

This creamy turkey noodle soup delivers cozy comfort in every spoonful. Creamy broth, tender turkey, fresh vegetables, and melted cheddar come together in this one pot wonder that is ready in thirty minutes and perfect for chilly evenings or using up leftover holiday turkey. Whenever I make this warming soup, it disappears fast and everyone always asks for seconds.

I whipped up this soup last Thanksgiving to use up the turkey and it has been my go to comfort dinner ever since. Even picky eaters have asked for the recipe. It is always a hit at our table.

Ingredients

• Butter: the foundation for the soup’s richness choose high quality unsalted for best control
• Carrot: shredded for subtle sweetness and color look for firm bright orange carrots without cracks
• Celery: adds fragrant freshness use crisp stalks with leaves for extra flavor
• All purpose flour: thickens the soup and gives a creamy base check label for freshness
• Chicken broth: brings depth and rounds out the flavor opt for low sodium broth if possible
• Half and half cream: makes the soup luscious and silky check for freshness and shake well before using
• Two percent milk: slightly lightens the base while providing creaminess use the freshest you have
• Uncooked egg noodles: kluski or broad egg are best look for ones with a springy texture when dry
• Cooked turkey: transforms leftovers into a new meal darker meat adds extra savor
• Shredded cheddar cheese: melts into a smooth cheesy finish use sharp cheddar and shred your own if you can
• Salt and pepper: let you season to taste adjust as needed for balance

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Add shredded carrot and chopped celery. Stir frequently and cook for about five minutes. Wait until the vegetables are soft and fragrant but not browned. This careful sauté releases sweetness and serves as the flavor foundation.

Build the Roux and Liquid Base:

Sprinkle flour evenly over the cooked vegetables. Stir constantly to coat and cook for one minute which removes any raw flour taste. Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour completely before adding half and half cream and milk. This process ensures your soup gets extra creamy and smooth with no lumps.

Thicken the Soup:

Increase heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring the whole time. Watch for it to start thickening which takes one or two minutes. Keep the soup moving to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom.

Add the Noodles:

Tip in your uncooked egg noodles. Lower the heat slightly to keep the soup just simmering. Stir gently every minute or two so the noodles do not clump or stick to the pot. Let the noodles cook uncovered for about ten minutes until they are just al dente and still have a slight bite.

Finish with Turkey and Cheese:

Gently stir in the cubed cooked turkey, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep the heat low and stir until the cheese melts completely and the turkey is hot throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and creamy.

The cheddar is absolutely my favorite ingredient here. Its nutty tang blends so well and gets perfectly silky when melted into the soup. My kids always want to help sprinkle it in and sneak pieces before they hit the pot. This is how I learned to always buy extra cheese.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The soup does thicken as it sits so just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore the original consistency. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave stirring every so often for even warming.

Ingredient Substitutions

No turkey left Switch in cooked chicken or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Out of egg noodles Try small pasta shapes like ditalini or rotini. You can use whole milk if you do not have half and half for a similar creamy effect. Want extra richness Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with warm crusty bread or fluffy homemade rolls. Add a quick green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal. For extra comfort top each bowl with extra grated cheddar or a pinch of fresh chopped chives.

Cultural and Seasonal Roots

Creamy turkey soups have long been a classic post holiday tradition in American homes especially after Thanksgiving and Christmas. The tradition comes from making use of every bit of the bird and stretching resources for several meals. This recipe is a delicious way to honor that legacy with a modern creamy flair.

Seasonal Adaptations

Add in diced parsnips or turnips for winter flavor. Stir in a handful of sweet corn or peas in spring. Swap in roasted butternut squash for added color in fall.

Success Stories

Friends have texted me photos of their bubbling pots of this soup with happy kids beaming beside it. My neighbor brought a quart to a new mom down the street and she said it was the first hot meal she truly enjoyed since baby arrived. It can really make someone’s day.

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze this soup for later let it cool completely and ladle into freezer safe containers. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge then gently reheat on the stove adding a bit of broth or milk to loosen. If making ahead for the freezer I like to leave out the noodles and add fresh ones as the soup reheats for the best texture.

This soup is so versatile and always comforting. With a few staple ingredients, you can whip up a meal everyone loves any day of the year.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can leftover chicken be used instead of turkey?

Absolutely, cooked chicken can easily substitute for turkey, providing similar flavor and texture.

→ What kind of noodles work best?

Kluski or other egg noodles hold their shape well and add a classic bite, but any medium noodle works.

→ Is it possible to freeze this soup?

Freezing is possible, though the texture of the noodles and dairy may change slightly upon reheating.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese and butter as desired.

→ Can other vegetables be added?

Feel free to include peas, corn, or spinach for extra color and nutrition in your finished dish.