If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make soup that brings the warmth of home, Pioneer Woman Turkey Noodle Soup might just be your next kitchen favorite. This recipe combines everything that makes soup so special-rich flavors, satisfying texture, and a filling nature that leaves you feeling cozy and nourished. Whether you’ve got leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, a fresh bird ready to be cooked, or you’re just looking for a simple, wholesome dish that the whole family will love, this turkey noodle soup will deliver on all fronts.
Packed with tender chunks of turkey, vegetables, and a deliciously savory broth, this dish is everything you want in a comfort food meal. And what makes it even better? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up! In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the steps and ingredients in-depth, provide some handy tips, and explore potential variations that can take this soup from good to great. Let’s dive right into it!
Pioneer Woman Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, is known for her down-to-earth, crowd-pleasing recipes, and this turkey noodle soup is no exception. It’s a classic, homey recipe that’s perfect for those chilly days when you want something hearty without putting in hours of effort.
Ingredients Needed
To make this soup, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- Leftover turkey (or fresh turkey breast/thighs, about 3 cups, cooked and shredded)
- Egg noodles (about 2 cups or 1 package, depending on how noodley you like your soup)
- Carrots (2 medium, peeled and diced)
- Celery (2 stalks, diced)
- Onion (1 medium, diced)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Chicken broth (6 cups, or a mix of chicken and turkey broth for extra flavor)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley for garnish)
- Bay leaves (2)
- Lemon juice (for brightness, optional but highly recommended)
You don’t need anything fancy or hard to find here-just some basic pantry and fridge staples. And if you’re in a pinch, don’t be afraid to swap out some ingredients, like using frozen vegetables instead of fresh, or adjusting the seasoning to your taste.
Cooking Instructions
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to bring this turkey noodle soup to life.
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Prepare The Vegetables
- Start by dicing the carrots, celery, and onion. If you have kids or picky eaters, you can always make the veggie pieces smaller so they blend in more easily with the soup. Mince the garlic too, as it’ll add a burst of flavor when sautéed.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onions become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. This step is where the flavor base really starts to form!
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Add Broth And Bay Leaves
- Pour in your chicken (or turkey) broth, making sure it covers the veggies. Add the bay leaves at this stage. Bring the soup to a simmer. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. You want the vegetables to become tender but still hold some texture.
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Add Turkey And Noodles
- Once the veggies are soft, stir in the shredded turkey (whether it’s leftover or freshly cooked). Next, add your egg noodles. Stir the soup occasionally to make sure the noodles cook evenly. The noodles will take about 8-10 minutes to cook, so keep an eye on them.
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Finish With Seasonings
- When the noodles are tender, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. You might need to add more salt and pepper, depending on how flavorful your broth is. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten everything up.
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Garnish And Serve
- Once your soup is ready, remove the bay leaves. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, and serve hot. Pair it with crusty bread, and you’re all set for a cozy meal.
Ingredient Insights
- Turkey: This is the star of the soup. Leftover turkey from a holiday meal is perfect, as it adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with chicken. The turkey will break down slightly as it simmers, adding a rich, savory taste to the broth. If you’re using fresh turkey, you can roast or poach it before adding it to the soup.
- Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are a traditional choice for noodle soups because they absorb broth well and have a satisfying, chewy texture. They hold up well without getting mushy, making them a reliable option for this recipe.
- Vegetables: The carrots, celery, and onions (aka the holy trinity in many soups) bring sweetness, earthiness, and savory depth. Together, they form the foundational flavor that makes the soup so hearty. You can always add more veggies like peas or corn if you want to increase the veggie content.
- Broth: Chicken or turkey broth serves as the base of the soup. If you’re using store-bought broth, look for low-sodium varieties to control the saltiness. If you’re using homemade broth, your soup will have an even richer taste, making it extra comforting.
- Herbs and Spices: The bay leaves infuse the soup with a subtle, aromatic flavor, while the garlic brings a little punch. Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme can elevate the soup and add a touch of color and freshness.
Expert Tips
- For a richer broth: Consider adding a tablespoon of butter or olive oil to the pot while sautéing the vegetables. This adds a silky finish to the broth.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Noodles tend to absorb liquid as they cook, so if you leave them in for too long, your soup can become too thick. If you’re making this ahead of time, you can cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving to avoid this issue.
- Season gradually: Broths can vary in saltiness, so it’s important to taste as you go. Start with a pinch of salt, and adjust after everything is combined.
- Make it creamy: For a creamier texture, you could stir in a little heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking. This is especially great if you want a more indulgent version of the soup.
- Store leftovers properly: This soup is even better the next day! The flavors have time to develop, and the noodles will continue to absorb the broth. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Version: If you’re not using turkey, you can replace the meat with chickpeas or lentils. This gives the soup a satisfying protein boost without losing any flavor.
- Spicy Twist: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables. This will give the soup a kick of spice that pairs wonderfully with the savory broth.
- Creamy Version: For an extra velvety texture, stir in a bit of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking. You could also add a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese for a more tangy creaminess.
- Different Noodles: While egg noodles are a classic, you can switch them out for other pasta shapes like rotini, orzo, or even small shells. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the pasta shape.
Final Words
This Pioneer Woman Turkey Noodle Soup is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s simple, filling, and so satisfying that it’s bound to become a staple in your home. Whether you’re using up leftover turkey or making it from scratch, the flavors come together beautifully, creating a dish that’s both nourishing and comforting.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Pioneer Woman’s Turkey Noodle Soup?
To make Pioneer Woman’s turkey noodle soup, you will need turkey (preferably leftover turkey), egg noodles, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken or turkey broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Optional ingredients include fresh parsley and lemon juice for added flavor.
Can I Use Chicken Instead Of Turkey In This Soup Recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute chicken for turkey in this recipe. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well if you’re looking for a quick option.
How Do I Make The Turkey Noodle Soup From Scratch?
To make the soup from scratch, start by sautéing onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil. Then add turkey or chicken, broth, and seasonings. Bring the mixture to a simmer, add the egg noodles, and cook until the noodles are tender. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Can I Freeze Pioneer Woman’s Turkey Noodle Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. However, the noodles may become softer once thawed. If freezing, you may want to freeze the broth and turkey separately from the noodles, and cook the noodles fresh when reheating.
How Long Does It Take To Make Pioneer Woman’s Turkey Noodle Soup?
This soup takes about 30 to 40 minutes to prepare and cook, depending on how long you simmer it for flavor development. If you’re using leftover turkey, it may be ready in as little as 30 minutes.
Can I Use A Slow Cooker To Make This Turkey Noodle Soup?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients except the noodles to the slow cooker, and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from getting too soft.
What Can I Substitute For Egg Noodles In The Turkey Noodle Soup?
If you don’t have egg noodles, you can use other pasta varieties such as elbow macaroni, rotini, or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you use.
What Type Of Broth Is Best For Turkey Noodle Soup?
For the best flavor, use homemade turkey or chicken broth if available. If not, store-bought chicken or turkey broth works well. You can also use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey Noodle Soup?
Store any leftover turkey noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to freeze it, it’s best to separate the broth from the noodles as the noodles can become mushy when frozen.
Can I Make Pioneer Woman’s Turkey Noodle Soup Spicier?
Yes, you can add heat to the soup by incorporating red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños. You can also adjust the amount of black pepper for a bit more spice.