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    Home » Chicken & Poultry

    Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

    Published: Nov 13, 2017 / Updated: Nov 24, 2019 / 92 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This easy leftover turkey soup recipe is fast, simple, and healthy. Full of veggies and flavor!

    easy leftover turkey soup in a white bowl

    This easy turkey soup recipe hits the spot on a cold day. The potatoes melt in your mouth and make this soup extra comforting. A splash of cream makes the broth taste even better without going overboard on the extra calories. I think you'll love this light but creamy turkey vegetable soup.

    My method of making turkey soup is simple, and I don't add the turkey in until nearly the end since it's already cooked and I don't want it to dry out further.

    This is a quick soup that won't feel taxing after you've gone through the production of putting on a Thanksgiving feast!

    healthy turkey soup in a pot

    I'm just going to put it out there that this recipe would work well with cooked chicken as well. Doesn't have to be turkey! Or even leftover turkey breast meat (that's actually what I used in here).

    I confess I did not cook a whole turkey this year. Or last year. Oh darn. Must have forgotten. It's ok if you didn't either.

    Here in Canada we had our Thanksgiving back in October, so for me as a food blogger, it's like this huge drawn-out experience where I'm turkey'd out without even having to roast one. 😀

    leftover turkey, carrot, and potato soup in a bowl

    At least I'm providing you with some leftover turkey ideas this year. I try.

    More leftover turkey recipes you may like:

    • Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Soup
    • Thai Turkey Soup
    • Easy Creamy Leftover Turkey Pasta Recipe
    • Quick and Easy Turkey Noodle Soup

    How to make turkey soup with leftover turkey

    Sauté onions; add the garlic, celery, carrots, potatoes, vegetable broth, water, and seasoning. Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

    Add the turkey meat and simmer for an additional 10 minutes or so. Taste, then add the cream and salt & pepper as needed.

    So easy!

    close-up of easy leftover turkey soup in a pot

    Will you make this leftover turkey soup?

    What's your favorite way to use up turkey meat?

    This easy leftover turkey soup recipe is fast, easy, and healthy. Full of veggies and flavor!

    Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe

    This easy leftover turkey soup recipe is fast, simple, and healthy. Full of veggies and flavor! 
    5 from 25 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Soup
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1/2 medium onion chopped
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 4 sticks celery chopped
    • 3 large carrots peeled & sliced
    • 1.5 pounds little potatoes cut into halves
    • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
    • 2 cups water
    • 4 dashes Italian seasoning
    • 2 + cups cooked turkey meat
    • 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
    • Salt & pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Heat the olive oil in a large pot on medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until it's lightly browned (5-7 minutes).
    • Add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
    • Add the celery, carrots, little potatoes, veg broth, water, and Italian seasoning. Increase the heat to high and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes.
    • Add the turkey meat and allow the soup to simmer for another 10 minutes or so. 
    • Stir in the cream and season with salt & pepper to taste. 

    Notes

    • You don't need to use little potatoes... regular ones are fine as long as the weight is similar. I just find them easy. 
    • I used 2 cups cooked turkey, but you could definitely add a lot more if you need to!
    • Serves 4-6.
    Keyword creamy leftover turkey soup, easy leftover turkey soup
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Lemon Chicken Stuffed Shells Recipe
    Easy Antipasto Skewers »

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    1. Kris says

      December 1, 2022 at 9:53 AM

      If freezing for later use should I wait to add cream?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 1, 2022 at 11:22 AM

        I don't think this one is too big of a deal... it's not like Alfredo sauce, for example, but if you feel more comfortable when adding it after thawing, that would be fine too. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Pat C says

      November 28, 2022 at 1:37 PM

      5 stars
      I added portobello mushrooms. Used Mediterranean oregano instead of Italian seasoning. Used about 1/3 of potatoes, added bok choy chopped with Turkey. Only added 1 cup water. Absolutely delicious flavor. There was a bit of bacon wrapped Turkey in fridge that I threw into onions to get that flavor helped too

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 28, 2022 at 1:48 PM

        Sounds good to me!!

        Reply
    3. Gaylene says

      December 27, 2021 at 6:10 PM

      5 stars
      This was very easy and very delicious!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 27, 2021 at 9:59 PM

        Fantastic!! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Gloria says

      December 2, 2021 at 6:45 PM

      5 stars
      Thanks so much! Delish! I left out the celery and added noodles. Next time I’m going to try adding some shredded Parmesan cheese to thicken it up and add some extra flavor!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 3, 2021 at 11:17 AM

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it and it worked to modify it, Gloria!

        Reply
    5. Leah says

      November 28, 2021 at 5:31 PM

      5 stars
      Best turkey soup recipe EVER! I found this last year and repeated this year! It’s just so amazing.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 28, 2021 at 9:37 PM

        I'm so pleased to hear that, Leah!! Thanks for coming back. 😀

        Reply
    6. Alyssa says

      November 26, 2021 at 5:51 PM

      5 stars
      Day after thanksgiving leftover recipe win!! So I made this recipe today and ir was awesome. However, I did change a little something about it. Instead of using cream I whisked in leftover mashed potatoes and it was amazing! Will be making this again!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 26, 2021 at 5:59 PM

        That's a great idea!

        Reply
    7. Anne Kee says

      November 15, 2021 at 2:29 PM

      5 stars
      I made this soup. Very good. I used some left over smoked turkey. The turkey flavor really came through.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 15, 2021 at 3:25 PM

        Excellent!! So pleased to hear that, Anne! 😀

        Reply
    8. Molly says

      November 4, 2021 at 4:46 PM

      Could Turkey Broth be used instead of Vegetable or Chicken?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 4, 2021 at 5:58 PM

        Absolutely 🙂

        Reply
    9. Michele Liddick says

      February 9, 2021 at 6:17 PM

      5 stars
      This came out sooooo yummy!!!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 9, 2021 at 8:51 PM

        Awesome!!

        Reply
    10. Alyce says

      January 9, 2021 at 11:52 AM

      Suggestions for use a different cream other than heavy cream .

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 9, 2021 at 1:46 PM

        There's a chance half-and-half or something with a lower fat content will curdle... so heavy (or whipping cream) is probably your best bet unless you want to do a little experimenting.

        Reply
      • Alyssa says

        November 26, 2021 at 5:54 PM

        I used leftover mashed potatoes! It was awesome

        Reply
    11. Morgan S. says

      December 30, 2020 at 11:45 PM

      5 stars
      Yummy recipe, I make it ahead of time and freeze it and leave our the cream and add it in when I’m heating it up for dinner later when I need a good soup for a cold day. You can do that with any soup which requires milk, sour cream etc.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 31, 2020 at 10:29 AM

        I'm so glad you like the soup and great tip for making it ahead! XO

        Reply
    12. Jennifer Allen says

      December 29, 2020 at 5:11 PM

      5 stars
      I’ve made this several times now. Had to make my own Italian seasoning which was fine. Oregano, thyme, parsley, garlic powder, basil and pepper. Very tasty. I used chicken this time and it’s amazing. I will always make my “turkey soup” this way from now on. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 29, 2020 at 8:31 PM

        I'm so happy to hear that! 🙂

        Reply
    13. Jill says

      December 3, 2020 at 5:43 AM

      5 stars
      Great recipe. I used some small russet potatoes I had left over from Thanksgiving. I also used unsweetened coconut milk less calories and we don’t do much diary. I added some dried sage, basil, and red pepper flakes. Very yummy soup

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 3, 2020 at 9:55 AM

        I'm so glad it worked out for you, Jill! 🙂

        Reply
      • Debbie says

        January 8, 2023 at 7:20 PM

        This is a very easy recipe to follow and make! Definitely a winner. I did add cabbage and less potatoes.. Added coconut milk with no sugar for creaminess!!
        Very delicious!
        Thank you

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          January 8, 2023 at 7:50 PM

          You're welcome!

          Reply
    14. Krystal says

      November 27, 2020 at 7:50 AM

      5 stars
      I made this recipe last year, wanting to just try something different.....OMG it was absolutely amazing and my picky daughters, and their best friend have raves about it all year waiting for the day when I would make it again. I’m so glad I found the recipe so thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 27, 2020 at 9:59 AM

        That's great!! I'm so glad to hear that. 🙂 You're very welcome. I hope your daughters and their friend enjoy it this year too!

        Reply
    15. Jk says

      January 3, 2020 at 1:07 PM

      Can you reheat soup with the cream in it?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 3, 2020 at 1:10 PM

        Absolutely. Just try not to boil it. 🙂

        Reply
    16. Laureen says

      December 4, 2019 at 11:35 AM

      Hi!!! Could I substitute Milk for the Heavy Cream?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 4, 2019 at 3:31 PM

        Hi! That should be fine in this recipe. 😊

        Reply
    17. Lynette says

      December 3, 2019 at 8:37 PM

      Very good . I think adding Tarragon will really help boost the flavor.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 4, 2019 at 3:31 PM

        Good idea!!

        Reply
    18. Jenny L. says

      December 2, 2019 at 9:25 PM

      5 stars
      So easy and delicious! I used frozen carrots, added leftover ham and turkey and used fat free half and half. Plus a bay leaf!
      Thanks for your inspiring recipes 😊

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 2, 2019 at 9:44 PM

        You’re very welcome!! ❤️❤️

        Reply
    19. Leanne says

      December 2, 2019 at 12:37 PM

      This was so good ! Just enough creaminess. Making another batch with the rest of the leftover turkey
      since my family loved it so!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 2, 2019 at 2:27 PM

        Excellent! So pleased to hear it, Leanne. Thanks for leaving me a comment. 🙂

        Reply
    20. Liz L says

      December 1, 2019 at 9:12 PM

      5 stars
      Loved it! Simple and tasty. Just what I was looking for. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 1, 2019 at 9:38 PM

        Excellent! Thanks for letting me know! So glad you enjoyed it. 🙂

        Reply
    21. Mark Pursley says

      November 30, 2019 at 9:48 PM

      5 stars
      Made this tonight and the wife was thrilled, mother in law also enjoyed. I love the cream element.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 1, 2019 at 10:09 AM

        That's great!! Thanks for letting me know, Mark! 🙂

        Reply
    22. Monika says

      November 30, 2019 at 8:22 PM

      Could you add zucchini and corn to this for extra heartiness? How is it without any milk or cream?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 30, 2019 at 8:59 PM

        I haven’t made this in a couple years, but I think any of those would work fine. It’s a pretty forgiving soup. 😊

        Reply
    23. Debbie says

      November 30, 2019 at 4:41 PM

      Can this be frozen??

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 30, 2019 at 4:44 PM

        Yes, it should be ok frozen. Just thaw it on a low heat.

        Reply
    24. JMP says

      November 20, 2019 at 4:16 PM

      5 stars
      Delicious and easy for left over night!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 20, 2019 at 4:30 PM

        So glad to hear it!

        Reply
    25. Teri says

      January 3, 2019 at 12:31 PM

      Do you have the nutritional info for this recipe?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 3, 2019 at 2:23 PM

        Sorry, Teri, I do not. You could try plugging the exact ingredients you use into a calorie calculator like My Fitness Pal. The calculators aren't always super accurate, so I tend not to post nutritional info on my recipes (only calorie counts on a select few recipes where I'm confident I can get it right).

        Reply
    26. Jennifer says

      December 31, 2018 at 4:03 PM

      5 stars
      I substituted sweet potatoes for white potatoes! Such a delicious soup for a cold, rainy night!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 31, 2018 at 8:27 PM

        Excellent, so happy it worked well! 🙂

        Reply
    27. Cher says

      December 29, 2018 at 8:32 PM

      5 stars
      Very yummy! Nice to do something without noodles or rice. I did make it with coconut milk as I had no cream, seasoned it with extra veggie seasoning and added a tablespoon of light cream cheese. Also topped with green onion and seasoned croutons! Thank you

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 29, 2018 at 9:07 PM

        I'm so happy you liked it, Cher!! Your adaptations sound delicious.

        Reply
    28. Bev Whaley says

      December 28, 2018 at 4:35 PM

      5 stars
      Great soup recipe, was soooi yummy!!!! Thanks for sharing, I hate casseroles but love soup!!!! Perfect and probably freezable.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 28, 2018 at 7:07 PM

        Awesome!! I'm so pleased you liked it. I think it'll freeze although I haven't tried.

        Reply
    29. Iris says

      December 26, 2018 at 9:08 PM

      5 stars
      Just made this soup it was delicious! Great way to use up leftover turkey.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 27, 2018 at 12:52 PM

        Yay! So happy you liked it, Iris!

        Reply
    30. Rosemary says

      December 7, 2018 at 5:39 AM

      5 stars
      This was Delicious!! My family and my neighbors gave it rave reviews. Nice change from the usual turkey noodle soup after the holidays. I sautéed the onions and garlic in a Tuscan herb infused olive oil. Thank you so much for this recipe!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 9, 2018 at 10:56 AM

        I am so happy you liked it! And Tuscan herb olive oil sounds so tasty!

        Reply
    31. stephanie holmes says

      November 28, 2018 at 4:40 AM

      don't have celery so can I use celery seeds or salt to give it that taste of celery being in it

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 29, 2018 at 11:22 AM

        You could add a pinch or just leave it out altogether 🙂

        Reply
    32. Lisa says

      November 27, 2018 at 4:46 PM

      Excited to make this tonight!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 27, 2018 at 8:45 PM

        Hope you like it! 🙂

        Reply
    33. Doris says

      October 15, 2018 at 8:25 PM

      Hi,
      Would it be okay to use Almond Milk? Haven't made this yet but it looks really good.

      Thanks,

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 16, 2018 at 8:12 AM

        Hi Doris! I haven't tried it with almond milk, but if it's something you're comfortable adding to soups (I don't often cook with it), then I don't see why it wouldn't work. 🙂 Hope you enjoy the recipe!

        Reply
    34. Michelle Lowell says

      January 6, 2018 at 11:57 AM

      5 stars
      This was amazing!!!! I made it with leftover chicken. So simple but so good!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 6, 2018 at 11:59 AM

        So happy you liked it, Michelle!!

        Reply
    35. Danielle says

      December 2, 2017 at 3:11 PM

      Hi, instead of whipping cream could I use cream of chicken soup or would that change the recipe? (I'm just looking in my cupboard for a substitute).

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 2, 2017 at 3:53 PM

        Hi Danielle! I wouldn't add the cream of chicken soup, but do you have milk?

        Reply
    36. Robert Henderson says

      November 28, 2017 at 8:57 PM

      5 stars
      I MADE THIS TONIGHT AND IT WAS DELICIOUS. MY WIFE LOVED IT. THANKS FOR THE RECIPE.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 28, 2017 at 9:26 PM

        So glad to hear it! Thank you

        Reply
    37. Amanda says

      November 28, 2017 at 12:45 PM

      5 stars
      Trying this today with half and half because that’s all I have in the fridge. Hope it turns out as well as yours looks. Thank you so much for the recipe! Happy Holidays

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 28, 2017 at 12:50 PM

        Half and half will be delicious, I'm sure. 🙂 Thanks, Amanda. Hope you like the recipe. Happy holidays to you as well.

        Reply
    38. Jennifer Farley says

      November 15, 2017 at 12:34 AM

      Thanks for this awesome leftovers idea!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 15, 2017 at 9:49 AM

        You’re welcome! ☺️

        Reply
    39. Natasha's Sister says

      November 13, 2017 at 7:40 PM

      5 stars
      Can you make this without turkey and bring it to me at work?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 13, 2017 at 11:05 PM

        No.

        Reply
        • Magz says

          December 27, 2019 at 5:13 PM

          Hahahahahah!!! 😂😂😂

          Reply
    40. Leigh Ann says

      November 13, 2017 at 5:16 PM

      Looks so comforting and delicious! What a great way to use leftovers!

      Reply
    41. Leslie says

      November 13, 2017 at 12:46 PM

      Could I use coconut cream instead if heaven cream?

      I'm lactose intolerant.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 13, 2017 at 11:05 PM

        You could definitely try that, Leslie! Enjoy.

        Reply
    42. Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says

      November 13, 2017 at 11:52 AM

      My fave way to use leftovers!

      Reply
    43. Matt Robinson says

      November 13, 2017 at 11:47 AM

      I want a big comforting bowl of this the day after Thanksgivinf!

      Reply
    44. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      November 13, 2017 at 11:28 AM

      Love how hearty and comforting this looks! So PERFECT for all those leftovers Natasha!

      Reply
    45. Marissa says

      November 13, 2017 at 10:36 AM

      5 stars
      I was just talking with my mom about what we'll do with leftover turkey this year - this looks perfect!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 13, 2017 at 10:58 AM

        Thanks so much!! I hope you like it. 💛

        Reply
      • Robin says

        November 27, 2018 at 3:58 PM

        marvelous turkey soup recipe. Thank you so much!

        Reply
        • Natasha says

          November 27, 2018 at 8:45 PM

          So happy you liked it, Robin!

          Reply

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