If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’ve got to try this Creamy Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out—rich, creamy, and packed with wholesome veggies and tender turkey. Whether you’re using up leftover turkey or craving something nourishing to cozy up with, this soup hits all the right notes. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step so your soup comes out perfectly every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Creamy: The blend of homemade turkey stock and a splash of cream gives it that luxurious, silky mouthfeel I crave on chilly evenings.
- Loaded with Veggies: I love how the carrots, mushrooms, green beans, and potatoes add texture and natural sweetness without overwhelming the turkey flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of fancy stuff—just a handful of everyday pantry staples and fresh herbs.
- Perfect for Leftovers: I discovered this trick when wanting to transform turkey meat into a new meal, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser at my house.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe lies in how these wholesome ingredients come together. I always recommend using good quality turkey stock—if you can make it at home, it’s a total game-changer. Fresh veggies bring brightness, while the herbs add that cozy, aromatic touch.
- Olive oil: Use a nice extra virgin for sautéing to add subtle fruity notes.
- White mushrooms: Don’t skip sautéing these first—they add umami depth and a nice meaty texture.
- Carrots: Peeled and chopped to add natural sweetness and color.
- Onion: I prefer yellow onions for their balance; they give a gentle sweetness when cooked.
- Russet potato: Peeled and diced; it thickens the soup naturally and makes it more filling.
- Turkey breast meat: Diced turkey is perfect here, but chicken works in a pinch.
- Turkey stock: Homemade if you can swing it! It brings unmatched flavor to the soup.
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, tarragon): Tying them into a bundle helps infuse the soup without leaving bits behind.
- Green beans: Cut into bite-sized pieces; they add a vibrant pop and crunchy tenderness.
- Heavy cream: Just a bit swirled in makes the soup silky without overwhelming the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: To taste — adjust carefully to bring out flavors without oversalting.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Creamy Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily swap in veggies you have on hand or adjust it to fit your diet. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it!
- Make it dairy-free: I’ve replaced heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream when I want a lighter, dairy-free option—it still feels silky and rich.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes gives it a nice warmth that my family sometimes craves.
- Heartier version: Toss in barley or small pasta noodles to turn it into a filling meal, especially on cold days when everyone wants leftovers.
- Vegetarian twist: Skip the turkey and use mushroom or vegetable stock with extra beans; it’s deliciously satisfying too!
How to Make Creamy Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté mushrooms to build flavor
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced white mushrooms and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until they’re nicely browned and have released their natural juices. This step adds a deep umami flavor base to your soup. Once they’re ready, transfer the mushrooms to a small bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the onions and carrots
Use the same pot, add the remaining olive oil, then toss in the chopped onions and carrots. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the veggies soften but don’t brown too much—this gradual softening brings out their sweetness and layers flavor beautifully.
Step 3: Simmer with potatoes and herbs
Grab your bundle of fresh herbs—thyme, rosemary, and optional tarragon—and tie them together with kitchen string. Add the diced potatoes, turkey stock, and the herb bundle to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until the potatoes get tender and soak up all that aromatic richness.
Step 4: Add green beans and turkey
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the green beans, cover again, and simmer for another 5 minutes so the beans become crisp-tender. Then, gently fold in the diced turkey meat and sautéed mushrooms, letting everything warm through for a couple of minutes.
Step 5: Finish with cream and seasoning
Finally, stir in the heavy cream for that silky texture. Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper— adjust gradually because the stock might already be salty. Give it a good stir and you’re ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Sauté mushrooms separately: This step deepens the soup’s flavor and keeps the mushrooms from getting soggy—trust me, it makes a big difference.
- Use a herb bundle: Tying thyme, rosemary, and tarragon together keeps the soup fragrant while making it easy to remove herbs before serving.
- Don’t rush the simmer: Letting the soup gently simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully; patience here is key to a rich broth.
- Adjust cream at the end: Add cream last to preserve its texture and avoid curdling or breaking when heating.
How to Serve Creamy Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a fresh green pop—it brightens the flavors right before serving. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or even a dash of smoked paprika adds a little surprise kick.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread or flaky biscuits—my favorite combo! Sometimes I add a side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, balancing out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this soup in mini pumpkin bowls or hollowed-out bread bowls, which everyone loves. You can also top it with a dollop of crème fraîche or a swirl of pesto for a seasonal twist that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover Creamy Turkey Vegetable Soup in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes really well! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it seems a bit thick after reheating, just stir in a splash of stock or water to loosen it up without losing that creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use leftover turkey meat for this soup?
Absolutely! This Creamy Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe is perfect for using leftover turkey from holiday dinners or meal prep. Just dice the turkey meat and add it near the end of cooking to warm through without drying out.
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What if I don’t have homemade turkey stock?
Store-bought turkey or chicken stock works just fine. I recommend going for a low-sodium option so you can control the saltiness in the soup. If you want to boost flavor, simmer your stock with a bay leaf or extra herbs before using.
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Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. This keeps it creamy and delicious while accommodating dairy-free diets.
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How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Add the cream at the very end of cooking, and avoid boiling once it’s in. Gently warm it through on low heat to keep the texture smooth and velvety.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe has genuinely become one of my go-to comfort foods—especially when I want something wholesome but a bit fancy in the kitchen. It’s straightforward enough for weeknights but special enough to make guests feel cared for. I encourage you to give it a try and make it your own. From the cozy aroma filling your kitchen to that first satisfying spoonful, I promise it’ll quickly become a family favorite. Happy cooking, friend!
Print
Creamy Turkey Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Turkey Vegetable Soup is a comforting and hearty dish made with tender turkey breast, fresh vegetables, and a rich turkey stock, finished with a swirl of heavy cream. Perfect for using up leftover turkey or simply enjoying a nutritious, flavorful soup any time of year.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 large russet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2″ pieces
- 5 sprigs thyme
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1-2 sprigs tarragon (optional)
- 8 ounces green beans, cut into 1″ pieces
Protein and Liquids
- 3 cups turkey breast meat (or chicken), diced
- 6 cups turkey stock (or chicken stock, preferably homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Oils and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 3-5 minutes until browned and they release their liquid. Transfer mushrooms to a small bowl and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Carrots: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Stir in chopped onions and carrots, cooking for 3-5 minutes until they are tender and fragrant.
- Prepare Herb Bundle: Tie the thyme, rosemary, and optional tarragon sprigs together with kitchen string to create a bouquet garni. Set aside.
- Simmer Potatoes and Stock: Add diced potatoes, turkey stock, and the herb bundle to the pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add Green Beans and Continue Cooking: Add the green beans to the soup and simmer, covered, for an additional 5 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
- Finish Soup: Stir in the sautéed mushrooms, diced turkey meat, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the herb bundle before serving. Serve hot with cornbread or biscuits if desired.
Notes
- The soup is best made with homemade turkey stock for rich flavor, but quality store-bought stock can be used as well.
- Feel free to substitute chicken or other white meat poultry if turkey is not available.
- The optional tarragon adds a unique herbal note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Serve with warm cornbread or biscuits to complement this creamy, hearty soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 426
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 623 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 53 mg