If you’re craving something comforting and hearty but want to keep things simple, then this Easy Crock Pot Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe is going to be your best friend. I absolutely love this soup because it’s packed with tender turkey, fresh veggies, and those perfectly cooked egg noodles—all slowly simmered to perfection in your Crock Pot. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re nursing a cold, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just add everything to your Crock Pot and let it do the work while you relax or catch up on your day.
- Deliciously Hearty: The combo of turkey, fresh veggies, and herbs creates a rich flavor that feels homemade and satisfying.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, and you can easily freeze it (without the noodles) for later.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this soup; it’s always requested at chilly meal times or after holiday turkey dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are straightforward and easy to find in any grocery store, which is part of what makes this an easy crockpot soup recipe. Using fresh herbs and homemade or good-quality stock really boosts the flavor in a way that’s simply comforting.
- Shredded cooked turkey: Perfect for using up leftovers or a rotisserie bird—adds protein and rich flavor.
- Onion: Brings a sweet depth once it softens in the slow cooker.
- Carrots: Sliced fresh carrots add just the right touch of sweetness and texture.
- Celery: Adds an aromatic crunch that balances the soup.
- Minced garlic: A punch of warmth and robustness—fresh minced garlic is best.
- Chicken or turkey stock: The soup’s backbone—homemade or store-bought, just look for low sodium if you want more control.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: They infuse subtle earthiness; don’t forget to remove them before serving.
- Dried Italian herbs: An easy way to layer in Italian-inspired flavor without any fuss.
- Kosher salt: Balances and brightens all the flavors.
- Pepper: A little kick to keep things interesting.
- Egg noodles: Added near the end so they stay tender but not mushy.
Variations
I love to mix up this Easy Crock Pot Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. Don’t be afraid to customize it to your taste—this soup is super forgiving and flexible.
- Make it spicy: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce gives the soup a nice kick, especially on those cold winter nights.
- Gluten-free version: Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice noodles to keep it friendly for sensitive stomachs.
- Vegetarian twist: Skip the turkey and use vegetable broth with hearty mushrooms and extra veggies—I’ve done this and still got that cozy feeling.
- Add more greens: Toward the end, stir in fresh spinach or kale for an added nutritional boost and vibrant color.
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine Everything Except the Noodles
Start by tossing the chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, shredded turkey, broth, fresh thyme sprigs, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper right into your Crock Pot. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly. This is where the magic begins—slow-cooked flavors develop without any hands-on fuss. Set it to HIGH and let it cook for about 3 hours.
Step 2: Add the Egg Noodles
After approximately 2 ½ hours, take off the lid and stir in your egg noodles. This timing is crucial to prevent the noodles from overcooking and turning mushy. Once you add them, pop the lid back on and let it cook for the final 30 minutes. You’ll soon have tender noodles soaking up all those savory broth flavors.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Before serving, be sure to fish out the fresh thyme sprigs—they’ve done their job infusing the soup with that lovely herbal note. Ladle the warm soup into bowls, and you’re ready to enjoy some ultimate comfort food!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Crock Pot Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
- Use Leftover Turkey: I always use leftover turkey from a roast or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time and add incredible flavor.
- Don’t Add Noodles Too Early: I discovered this trick when noodles kept turning mushy; adding them 30 minutes before the end keeps their bite just right.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Using fresh thyme sprigs elevates the soup’s aroma and taste beyond dried herbs alone.
- Taste Before Serving: Season with additional salt or pepper at the end because slow cooking can sometimes mellow out flavors.
How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my bowl of turkey noodle soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few twists of freshly ground black pepper. Sometimes a dash of grated Parmesan adds a subtle savory kick that my family adores. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavors too—especially if you want a little zing.
Side Dishes
For a full meal, I like pairing this soup with warm crusty bread or classic grilled cheese sandwiches. You can’t go wrong with a simple green salad on the side, especially one with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls—everyone loves the rustic feel and getting to tear into the bread once they’re done slurping! Another fun idea is layering fresh herbs and vegetables on top before serving so the bowls look vibrant and inviting on the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover turkey noodle soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it usually keeps beautifully for 3-4 days. I always remove the noodles if I’m planning to keep it longer—this step helps avoid soggy pasta and keeps the soup tasting fresh.
Freezing
This Easy Crock Pot Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully but make sure to freeze it without the egg noodles. I freeze mine in portioned containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, I thaw fully, reheat, and add fresh noodles just before serving. This trick keeps the noodles perfectly tender instead of mushy.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I prefer warming the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat to prevent scorching, stirring occasionally. If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between so it heats evenly. Adding a splash of chicken stock or water helps thin it out as the noodles absorb broth when refrigerated.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought turkey or chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! I often use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey from a holiday meal. Just make sure it’s shredded well to distribute the meat evenly throughout the soup.
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What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
You can substitute dried thyme instead—use about one teaspoon dried since it’s more concentrated. Just add it at the beginning with the other herbs so it has time to release its flavor.
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Can I make this soup without a Crock Pot?
Yes! You can make it on the stove, simmering the ingredients for about 45-60 minutes until everything is tender, then adding noodles for the last 10 minutes. Slow cooking just makes it hands-off and extra flavorful.
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How do I prevent noodles from getting mushy?
The key is to add noodles late in the cooking process—about 30 minutes before the soup is done, just like in the recipe. This keeps them tender and prevents them from soaking up too much broth and falling apart.
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Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! I’ve experimented with peas, green beans, or even corn. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and add quicker-cooking veggies toward the end to keep them crisp-tender.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crock Pot Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals, especially on days when I want something wholesome but easy to prepare. I love how it transforms simple ingredients into this soul-warming dish that feels like a hug from the inside. If you’ve got leftover turkey or just want to enjoy a cozy bowl of homemade soup without much fuss, I’m telling you—this one’s a winner. Give it a try, and I’m pretty sure your family will be asking for it again and again!
Print
Easy Crock Pot Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Crock Pot Turkey Noodle Soup is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish perfect for using leftover turkey. Combining tender turkey, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and classic egg noodles, this slow-cooked soup delivers warmth and nourishment with minimal effort. Ready in just over three hours using a Crock Pot, it’s an ideal recipe for busy days or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2–3 cups shredded cooked turkey
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken or turkey stock
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups egg noodles
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, shredded turkey, chicken or turkey stock, fresh thyme sprigs, dried Italian herbs, Kosher salt, and pepper into the Crock Pot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Soup: Place the lid on the Crock Pot and set the temperature to HIGH. Cook for 3 hours total, but at the 2 ½ hour mark, proceed to the next step.
- Add Noodles: After 2 ½ hours of cooking, carefully remove the lid and stir in the egg noodles. Replace the lid and continue cooking on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the fresh thyme sprigs from the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- This recipe works perfectly with leftover turkey or chicken.
- For freezer storage, omit noodles; freeze the soup separately for up to 3 months. Add noodles fresh when reheating.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg