If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that warms you up from the inside out, you’ve got to try this Turkey Vegetable Soup with Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love this soup because it’s hearty, packed with wholesome veggies, tender turkey, and just the right amount of pasta to make it comforting without weighing you down. Whether you’re using leftover turkey from the holidays or just craving something nourishing, this soup will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips so you can nail it every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Nutritious: Loaded with vegetables and protein, it’s a balanced, filling meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Perfect for Leftovers: I discovered this trick to breathe new life into holiday turkey — no waste, just deliciousness.
- Easy Weeknight Dinner: Minimal ingredients and fuss, but maximum cozy vibes on your plate.
- Customizable and Flexible: You can swap veggies or pasta types with no problem, making it a versatile staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Turkey Vegetable Soup with Pasta Recipe come together to create a rich, savory broth with plenty of texture and flavor. I love how the combination of fresh and pantry staples makes this recipe approachable — and you probably have many of these on hand already!
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity depth to sautéed vegetables and helps develop a flavorful base.
- Butter: I like to use butter alongside olive oil to give the soup that luscious, comforting mouthfeel.
- Onion: Diced onion brings sweetness and savory notes once softened—don’t rush this step.
- Celery: Provides a gentle crunch and earthy flavor that balances the richer ingredients.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brightens the broth with its aromatic punch.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup slightly for a velvety texture without heaviness.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that lifts the soup’s flavor profile beautifully.
- Chicken broth (low sodium): Using low sodium lets you control the saltiness and keeps the soup light.
- Petite diced tomatoes: Adds a gentle acidity and pleasant color contrast.
- Cooked chopped turkey: Perfect for using leftovers, it’s the protein star that makes this soup hearty.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Thawed or previously cooked veggies work wonderfully – this is a great way to clear out the fridge.
- Medium pasta: I use small shapes like macaroni or small shells, which cook quickly and soak up the broth.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course! Season gradually and adjust at the end.
Variations
I love playing around with this Turkey Vegetable Soup with Pasta Recipe depending on the season and what’s in my pantry. It’s forgiving and can easily accommodate what you have on hand.
- Vegetable swaps: I’ve swapped in kale, spinach, or green beans instead of frozen mixed veggies — just add them later in the cooking process so they don’t get mushy.
- Pasta choices: Sometimes I use gluten-free pasta or even tiny orzo — whatever cooks quickly and holds up well in soup.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives this soup a nice little kick that my family really enjoys.
- Turkey substitute: Not a turkey fan? Chicken or even cooked sausage work beautifully here.
How to Make Turkey Vegetable Soup with Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies for Depth of Flavor
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Cook everything gently for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften and the onion turns translucent. This step builds the soup’s savory base, so be patient — it’s worth it!
Step 2: Create the Roux and Add Seasoning
Next, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and Italian seasoning while stirring constantly. Cook for about 2 minutes; this will take away the raw flour taste and slightly thicken the soup later on. Keep stirring so nothing sticks to the bottom or gets lumpy.
Step 3: Pour in Broth, Tomatoes, and Turkey
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and canned petite diced tomatoes with their juices. Add your cooked, chopped turkey pieces too. Bring everything up to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it gently bubble uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes to meld all those flavors together perfectly.
Step 4: Add Veggies and Pasta, Then Simmer
Once your broth has developed a nice body, stir in the thawed frozen mixed vegetables and pasta. Cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on it because cooking times vary by pasta type. Taste and season with salt and pepper to balance everything just right.
Pro Tips for Making Turkey Vegetable Soup with Pasta Recipe
- Don’t Skip Sautéing the Veggies: I’ve learned that softening the onions and celery early unlocks so much more flavor than dumping everything in at once.
- Cook Pasta Separately for Leftovers: If you plan to keep leftovers, cook pasta separately and add it when reheating to avoid sogginess.
- Use Low Sodium Broth: It lets you control the seasoning better and prevents the soup from becoming too salty as it simmers down.
- Stir Frequently While Adding Flour: This helps avoid lumps and ensures the broth thickens nicely without clumping.
How to Serve Turkey Vegetable Soup with Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley on top, sometimes a little grated Parmesan, just to add brightness and a pop of color. If you like a touch of creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on your bowl really elevates the experience.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread or a warm baguette is my go-to pairing. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of that rich broth. A simple side salad with a zesty vinaigrette is another great option to keep things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls — it’s a fun presentation that always impresses! Another time, I ladled it into colorful mugs for an informal, cozy vibe during a chilly afternoon get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge, where it stays good for about 3-4 days. Just remember, if you added pasta straight into the soup, it might soak up more broth and get softer on day two, which is totally fine but a good thing to know.
Freezing
This Turkey Vegetable Soup with Pasta Recipe freezes well if you hold off on adding the pasta before freezing. Freeze the soup base on its own — it’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw and cook pasta fresh to keep it tasting like homemade.
Reheating
I reheat this soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much, adding a splash of broth or water helps bring it back to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen in the Turkey Vegetable Soup with Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or green beans work wonderfully. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering so they don’t overcook and stay tender-crisp.
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What’s the best type of pasta to use in this soup?
I recommend small shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or orzo since they cook quickly and blend well in the soup. Avoid large or thick pasta that might overpower the delicate broth and veggies.
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Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the turkey with beans or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Skip the butter and use olive oil if you want it fully vegan. The soup still tastes hearty and comforting with these swaps.
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How can I prevent my pasta from getting mushy in leftover soup?
This is a common issue. My advice is to cook pasta separately and add it to individual servings when reheating. Otherwise, pasta will continue absorbing liquid and become overly soft.
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Is it okay to use leftover turkey in this soup?
Definitely! Using leftover turkey is one of the best parts of this recipe. It’s an economical and delicious way to enjoy that holiday bird without monotony.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Vegetable Soup with Pasta Recipe has been a true kitchen lifesaver for me, especially after big family meals when I want something straightforward, tasty, and nourishing. There’s just something about the way the tender turkey, vibrant vegetables, and comforting pasta come together that makes everyone at the table smile — and isn’t that what cooking’s all about? I hope you enjoy making this soup as much as I do, and remember, a little love and patience turn simple ingredients into something truly special. So grab your pot, and happy cooking!
Print
Turkey Vegetable Soup with Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Turkey Vegetable Soup is a perfect way to use leftover turkey, combining tender turkey chunks with mixed vegetables and pasta in a flavorful broth seasoned with Italian herbs. It’s a hearty, nutritious soup that’s easy to prepare and ideal for a cozy meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 ribs celery, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Soup Liquids and Main Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 14.5 ounces canned petite diced tomatoes, with juices (1 can)
- 3 cups cooked chopped turkey or shredded turkey
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed or leftover cooked vegetables
- 6 ounces medium pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
- Add Flour and Seasoning: Stir in the all-purpose flour and Italian seasoning. Cook this mixture for 2 minutes to form a roux and develop the flavors, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add Broth and Main Ingredients: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine with the roux. Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the chopped or shredded turkey. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Vegetables and Pasta: Stir in the thawed mixed vegetables and the medium pasta. Continue cooking the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the vegetables are heated through.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- This soup is a great way to utilize leftover holiday turkey, making it both economical and delicious.
- You can substitute the mixed vegetables with any vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots, peas, or green beans.
- Use gluten-free flour and pasta if you want to make this soup gluten-free.
- For a creamier soup, add a splash of cream or milk at the end of cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 274 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 857 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 19 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg