This easy leftover turkey soup recipe is fast, simple, and healthy. Full of veggies and flavor!
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!
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. 😀
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!
Will you make this leftover turkey soup?
What's your favorite way to use up turkey meat?

Easy Leftover Turkey Soup Recipe
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.
Kris says
If freezing for later use should I wait to add cream?
Natasha says
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. 🙂
Pat C says
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
Natasha says
Sounds good to me!!
Gaylene says
This was very easy and very delicious!!
Natasha says
Fantastic!! 🙂
Gloria says
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!
Natasha says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it and it worked to modify it, Gloria!
Leah says
Best turkey soup recipe EVER! I found this last year and repeated this year! It’s just so amazing.
Natasha says
I'm so pleased to hear that, Leah!! Thanks for coming back. 😀
Alyssa says
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!
Natasha says
That's a great idea!
Anne Kee says
I made this soup. Very good. I used some left over smoked turkey. The turkey flavor really came through.
Natasha says
Excellent!! So pleased to hear that, Anne! 😀
Molly says
Could Turkey Broth be used instead of Vegetable or Chicken?
Natasha says
Absolutely 🙂
Michele Liddick says
This came out sooooo yummy!!!
Natasha says
Awesome!!
Alyce says
Suggestions for use a different cream other than heavy cream .
Natasha says
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.
Alyssa says
I used leftover mashed potatoes! It was awesome
Morgan S. says
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.
Natasha says
I'm so glad you like the soup and great tip for making it ahead! XO
Jennifer Allen says
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!
Natasha says
I'm so happy to hear that! 🙂
Jill says
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
Natasha says
I'm so glad it worked out for you, Jill! 🙂
Debbie says
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
Natasha says
You're welcome!
Krystal says
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!
Natasha says
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!
Jk says
Can you reheat soup with the cream in it?
Natasha says
Absolutely. Just try not to boil it. 🙂
Laureen says
Hi!!! Could I substitute Milk for the Heavy Cream?
Natasha says
Hi! That should be fine in this recipe. 😊
Lynette says
Very good . I think adding Tarragon will really help boost the flavor.
Natasha says
Good idea!!
Jenny L. says
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 😊
Natasha says
You’re very welcome!! ❤️❤️
Leanne says
This was so good ! Just enough creaminess. Making another batch with the rest of the leftover turkey
since my family loved it so!
Natasha says
Excellent! So pleased to hear it, Leanne. Thanks for leaving me a comment. 🙂
Liz L says
Loved it! Simple and tasty. Just what I was looking for. Thank you!
Natasha says
Excellent! Thanks for letting me know! So glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Mark Pursley says
Made this tonight and the wife was thrilled, mother in law also enjoyed. I love the cream element.
Natasha says
That's great!! Thanks for letting me know, Mark! 🙂
Monika says
Could you add zucchini and corn to this for extra heartiness? How is it without any milk or cream?
Natasha says
I haven’t made this in a couple years, but I think any of those would work fine. It’s a pretty forgiving soup. 😊
Debbie says
Can this be frozen??
Natasha says
Yes, it should be ok frozen. Just thaw it on a low heat.
JMP says
Delicious and easy for left over night!
Natasha says
So glad to hear it!
Teri says
Do you have the nutritional info for this recipe?
Natasha says
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).
Jennifer says
I substituted sweet potatoes for white potatoes! Such a delicious soup for a cold, rainy night!
Natasha says
Excellent, so happy it worked well! 🙂
Cher says
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
Natasha says
I'm so happy you liked it, Cher!! Your adaptations sound delicious.
Bev Whaley says
Great soup recipe, was soooi yummy!!!! Thanks for sharing, I hate casseroles but love soup!!!! Perfect and probably freezable.
Natasha says
Awesome!! I'm so pleased you liked it. I think it'll freeze although I haven't tried.
Iris says
Just made this soup it was delicious! Great way to use up leftover turkey.
Natasha says
Yay! So happy you liked it, Iris!
Rosemary says
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!
Natasha says
I am so happy you liked it! And Tuscan herb olive oil sounds so tasty!
stephanie holmes says
don't have celery so can I use celery seeds or salt to give it that taste of celery being in it
Natasha says
You could add a pinch or just leave it out altogether 🙂
Lisa says
Excited to make this tonight!
Natasha says
Hope you like it! 🙂
Doris says
Hi,
Would it be okay to use Almond Milk? Haven't made this yet but it looks really good.
Thanks,
Natasha says
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!
Michelle Lowell says
This was amazing!!!! I made it with leftover chicken. So simple but so good!
Natasha says
So happy you liked it, Michelle!!
Danielle says
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).
Natasha says
Hi Danielle! I wouldn't add the cream of chicken soup, but do you have milk?
Robert Henderson says
I MADE THIS TONIGHT AND IT WAS DELICIOUS. MY WIFE LOVED IT. THANKS FOR THE RECIPE.
Natasha says
So glad to hear it! Thank you
Amanda says
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
Natasha says
Half and half will be delicious, I'm sure. 🙂 Thanks, Amanda. Hope you like the recipe. Happy holidays to you as well.
Jennifer Farley says
Thanks for this awesome leftovers idea!
Natasha says
You’re welcome! ☺️
Natasha's Sister says
Can you make this without turkey and bring it to me at work?
Natasha says
No.
Magz says
Hahahahahah!!! 😂😂😂
Leigh Ann says
Looks so comforting and delicious! What a great way to use leftovers!
Leslie says
Could I use coconut cream instead if heaven cream?
I'm lactose intolerant.
Natasha says
You could definitely try that, Leslie! Enjoy.
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says
My fave way to use leftovers!
Matt Robinson says
I want a big comforting bowl of this the day after Thanksgivinf!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Love how hearty and comforting this looks! So PERFECT for all those leftovers Natasha!
Marissa says
I was just talking with my mom about what we'll do with leftover turkey this year - this looks perfect!
Natasha says
Thanks so much!! I hope you like it. 💛
Robin says
marvelous turkey soup recipe. Thank you so much!
Natasha says
So happy you liked it, Robin!