If you’ve ever wished for a comforting, delicious soup that’s super easy to whip up and a genius way to use leftover turkey, you’re about to fall in love. This Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly that—light, flavorful, and packed with aromatic spices that make every spoonful feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. I absolutely love how this turns out and how it gives that cozy, homemade vibe without hours spent in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it every time you want something quick but special.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Yet Flavorful: The broth simmers with warming spices that pack amazing depth without complicated steps.
  • Perfect for Leftovers: It turns leftover turkey into a star once again, so nothing goes to waste.
  • Customizable Toppings: You can top it with whatever fresh herbs or sauces you love, keeping it interesting every time.
  • Quick to Make: You’ll have a comforting pot on the table in about 25 minutes total—comfort food without the wait.
A white bowl filled with clear broth at the bottom, holding a nest of white rice noodles in the center. On top, there are two thick slices of cooked chicken with crispy golden-brown skin resting partially on the noodles. Around the edges, there are fresh bean sprouts, small chopped green onions, and a green chili slice floating in the broth. A few sprigs of fresh cilantro are placed on the chicken and noodles as garnish. Wooden chopsticks rest across the top edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here lies in simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together to create a broth that’s both soothing and rich in flavor. I like grabbing good-quality turkey broth or making my own if you have time, and some of the spices might feel exotic but totally worth it—you can find them easily at most grocery stores or an Asian market.

  • Turkey broth: The base of your soup—if you can roast a turkey or save broth from leftovers, you’ll get the best depth.
  • Fish sauce: Adds umami and a subtle saltiness that transforms the broth.
  • Star anise: This spice brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic warmth, essential for that signature flavor.
  • Cloves: A little goes a long way to spice up the broth.
  • Cilantro stems: Use stems for fresh, herby flavor; don’t toss them out!
  • Dark brown sugar: Balances the savory spices with a touch of sweetness.
  • Cinnamon stick: Adds cozy warmth and depth.
  • Ginger: Fresh ginger is a flavor game-changer here—peel and chunk it for the broth.
  • Rice noodles: These soak perfectly in the broth and keep the dish light.
  • Shredded leftover turkey: The star protein that makes this soup hearty and satisfying.
  • Fresh herbs and toppings: Cilantro, mint, lime, hot sauce, chili peppers, sprouts, and more—add whatever you love to make it your own!
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Over the years, I’ve tweaked this Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe depending on what we have in the fridge or what the weather calls for—feel free to mix it up! It’s one of those recipes where you can add or subtract spices, swap noodles, or customize toppings based on your mood or dietary needs.

  • Vegetable Boost: I sometimes toss in some chopped carrots or bok choy while the broth simmers to add a fresh crunch and color.
  • Spice It Up: When I want a little heat, I add sliced fresh chili peppers or a splash of chili garlic sauce to the broth or as a topping.
  • Gluten-free Switch: Using rice noodles keeps this naturally gluten-free, but you can swap in shirataki or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
  • Protein Swap: If turkey’s not on hand, shredded chicken or even tofu can work wonders as a substitute.

How to Make Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Create Your Inviting Broth

Start by combining the turkey broth, fish sauce, star anise, cloves, cilantro stems, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and ginger in a large stockpot. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let all those flavors meld together for about an hour. This slow simmering is what makes your broth sing with layers of warmth and subtle sweetness. The smell alone will have you hovering in the kitchen! Once done, strain the broth through a fine mesh colander and discard the solids—you won’t want any of those hard spice bits floating around.

Step 2: Soak the Noodles and Add Turkey

Return your strained broth to the stove and add the rice noodles straight into it. Let them soak and soften right in the aromatic broth for about 10 minutes. You’ll see them go from stiff to silky tender, soaking up all those cozy flavors. Then gently stir in your shredded leftover turkey just to warm it through—no need to overcook here since the turkey is already cooked.

Step 3: Serve and Top with Love

Ladle your turkey noodle soup into bowls, making sure to heap the noodles and turkey in the center before generously pouring the broth over it all. This way, every bowl looks inviting and well put together. Now comes the fun part: topping. Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, a squeeze of lime (don’t skip the lime!), and a dash of hot sauce or chili peppers—these add brightness and a little kick, making the whole soup irresistible.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe

  • Use Good Broth: I learned the hard way that a flavorful turkey broth makes all the difference—homemade or high-quality store-bought works great.
  • Don’t Overcook Noodles: Rice noodles soak in hot broth rather than cook on high heat—this keeps them tender, not mushy.
  • Customize Your Toppings: Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime give the soup its brightness; I always add more lime than the recipe calls for!
  • Simmer Gently: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer to prevent the spices from becoming bitter and to keep flavors balanced.

How to Serve Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a clear broth at the bottom layer, topped with thin white rice noodles arranged in a small pile on one side. On top of the noodles, there are several slices of light brown cooked meat with a slightly darker edge. Over the meat, dark brown sauce and some red sauce are drizzled in lines. Bright green slices of jalapeño and chopped green onions are scattered around the bowl. Fresh green herbs, including cilantro leaves and basil, are placed on top, adding a vibrant, leafy texture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with wooden chopsticks resting on the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I never skip fresh cilantro and mint—they add such a lovely lift and freshness to the soup. A generous squeeze of lime right before digging in is my go-to, and I usually keep hot sauce and sliced jalapeños on the table for anyone who wants extra heat. Sprouts add a fantastic crunch if you have them, but honestly, it’s the herbs and lime that make this soup shine for me.

Side Dishes

Since this soup is light and packed with flavor, I like pairing it with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. Sometimes I serve it alongside a simple green salad or even some spring rolls for a more substantial meal. My family goes crazy for the contrast of warm soup and crisp, fresh sides!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or when I want to impress, I’ve served this soup in individual rustic bowls with layered toppings artistically placed on top—some sprouts, a few mint leaves, and thin slices of red chili peppers. Adding a lime wedge on the side makes it feel festive and inviting. Trust me, presentation can totally up the wow factor for a humble turkey soup!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pro tip: Keep the noodles and broth separate if possible, because noodles tend to soak up broth and get mushy when stored together. If you don’t have separate containers, just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen things up.

Freezing

Freezing works well for the broth itself but not the noodles, so I recommend freezing soup without noodles. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the broth and heat it up, then cook fresh noodles separately. This keeps the texture fresh and the flavors vibrant.

Reheating

I usually reheat in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the noodles look thickened or sticky. Stir gently and warm until steaming hot—you want to avoid boiling, which can break down the turkey and noodles. Adding fresh toppings after reheating brings that fresh taste back to life.

FAQs

  1. Can I use store-bought turkey broth for this soup?

    Absolutely! High-quality store-bought turkey broth works perfectly here if you don’t have homemade broth on hand. Just pick one with good flavor and low sodium so you can adjust seasoning as needed.

  2. What can I substitute if I don’t have fish sauce?

    If you’re out of fish sauce, soy sauce or tamari can be a good substitute, though it will change the flavor slightly. You could also try a small splash of Worcestershire sauce for some umami depth.

  3. Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

    Definitely! Use vegetable broth instead of turkey broth and skip the turkey meat. You can add tofu or hearty mushrooms for protein and still enjoy the same warming, spiced flavors.

  4. How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

    The key is to add the noodles only at the end and let them soak rather than boil vigorously. Also, avoid storing the cooked noodles in broth for too long, or cook noodles fresh just before serving or reheating.

  5. Is the star anise essential in this recipe?

    Star anise adds a unique sweet and licorice-like flavor that really sets this soup apart, but if you don’t have any, you can omit it or add a small piece of fennel seed to mimic its flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe has become my go-to comfort dish when I want something both nourishing and quick—especially after a big turkey dinner when I hate to waste leftovers. The combination of spiced broth, tender turkey, and fresh herbs creates a harmony that always brings smiles around our table. I hope you’ll try it out and discover your own favorite way to top and enjoy it. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, every single time.

Print
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Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe

4.5 from 149 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Turkey Noodle Soup is a light, flavorful dish perfect for using up leftover turkey. Combining aromatic spices, rice noodles, and fresh herbs, this comforting soup simmers gently to develop deep, warm flavors ideal for chilly days or anytime you crave a cozy bowl of homemade goodness.

Ingredients

Broth Ingredients

  • 6-8 cups turkey broth
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 whole star anise
  • 6 whole cloves
  • 1/4 cup cilantro stems
  • 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 3-inch piece of ginger, peeled and cut into pieces

Soup Ingredients

  • 8 ounces rice noodles
  • 2 cups shredded leftover turkey
  • Fresh cilantro, mint, lime wedges, hot sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, chili peppers, sprouts, or any other toppings of choice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the broth: In a large stock pot, combine the turkey broth with fish sauce, star anise, cloves, cilantro stems, dark brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and ginger. Simmer gently for about an hour to allow the spices and aromatics to infuse the broth.
  2. Strain the broth: Pour the broth mixture through a fine mesh colander to remove the solids, reserving the clear, flavored liquid for the soup.
  3. Cook the noodles and turkey: Return the strained broth to the pot and bring it back to heat. Add the rice noodles and allow them to soak until soft, approximately 10 minutes. Then add the shredded turkey to warm through.
  4. Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup with noodles and turkey into bowls, placing the noodles and turkey in the center and pouring broth over them. Top with your choice of fresh herbs, lime wedges, hot sauce, and other favorite toppings. Be sure not to skip the lime for a bright finish.

Notes

  • This soup is light yet packed with flavor, making it a perfect way to use leftover turkey.
  • The aromatic spices like star anise, cloves, and cinnamon impart a warm, comforting depth to the broth.
  • Rice noodles soften in the broth without boiling, providing a delicate texture.
  • Customize toppings to your liking for added freshness and zing.
  • Using fresh lime juice just before serving enhances the soup’s brightness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 213
  • Sugar: 3.5 g
  • Sodium: 1450.7 mg
  • Fat: 2.4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.1 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35.2 g
  • Fiber: 1.8 g
  • Protein: 11.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 32.8 mg
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Hi, I’m Julia! A foodie who believes in keeping cooking simple, fun, and full of flavor. From quick weeknight meals to tasty treats, I’m here to share recipes that make life a little easier—and a lot more delicious. Let’s get cooking!

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