Name: Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6-8 cups turkey broth (see notes); 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; 8 ounces rice noodles; 2 cups shredded leftover turkey; Cilantro; Mint; Lime wedges; Hot sauce; Fish sauce; Soy sauce; Chili peppers; Sprouts; Any other toppings your turkey noodle soup heart desires

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting bowl that makes the most out of your leftovers, you’re going to adore this Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup turns out—light, flavorful, and bursting with fresh herbs and warming spices that transform simple turkey broth into something spectacular. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving cozy comfort food, or just want a quick weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and healthy, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-tos.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Flavor Boost: The combination of star anise, cinnamon, and ginger infuses the broth with deep, comforting warmth that you won’t believe comes from so few ingredients.
Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is the ultimate way to elevate leftover turkey without much fuss—making weeknight dinners feel special.
Customizable Toppings: You can add whatever fresh herbs, hot sauce, or crunchy sprouts you love to make it truly your own.
Quick and Easy: From simmer to bowl in under half an hour, this soup is a speedy fix when you need comfort in a flash.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that play so well together. When shopping, grab good quality turkey broth or make your own from your leftover turkey carcass for a richer flavor.

Turkey broth: Using homemade broth takes this soup to the next level, but store-bought works perfectly in a pinch.
Fish sauce: Don’t let this ingredient intimidate you — it adds a subtle savory depth that’s truly magic.
Star anise: Adds that distinctive, warm licorice flavor, infusing the broth with a lovely aromatic touch.
Cloves: A little goes a long way—these bring a mild sweetness and complexity.
Cilantro stems: Often overlooked, I love using the stems here for extra herbal nuance.
Dark brown sugar: Just enough to balance the savory and spice components perfectly.
Cinnamon stick: A classic warming spice that melds beautifully with the star anise and cloves.
Ginger: Fresh and zesty, it gives the broth a bright, fresh zing.
Rice noodles: These soften up gorgeously and soak in all that broth flavor.
Leftover turkey (shredded): This is where your extra protein and hearty texture come in.
Fresh herbs and toppings: Cilantro, mint, lime, hot sauce, crunchy sprouts—feel free to get creative here!

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

One of my favorite things about this Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or feel like eating. I often switch up the herbs or add a little something special for warmth or crunch.

Spicy Kick: I once added thinly sliced fresh chili peppers and a splash of extra hot sauce—my family went crazy for the added heat!
Vegetable Boost: Sometimes I toss in thinly sliced carrots or bok choy towards the end for some extra color and nutrients.
Low-Carb Swap: Use shirataki or spiralized zucchini noodles if you’re avoiding carbs but still want that noodle feel.
Herb Swap: If you don’t have cilantro or mint, Thai basil or parsley work amazingly well too.

How to Make Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Infuse Your Broth

Start by combining your turkey broth with the star anise, cloves, cilantro stems, dark brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and ginger in a large stock pot. Bring it all to a gentle simmer and let it gently bubble away for about an hour. This step is where all those fragrant spices get to mingle and infuse the broth with that unmistakable aroma. Don’t rush it here—slow simmering will make a noticeable difference!

Step 2: Strain and Noodle Time

After simmering, pour the broth through a fine mesh colander to remove all the solids. Return the clear, spiced broth back to the pot and add your rice noodles. Let them soak gently for about 10 minutes or until they’re tender but not mushy—rice noodles can quickly go from perfect to falling apart, so keep an eye on them.

Step 3: Add the Turkey & Customize

Once your noodles are just right, stir in the shredded leftover turkey to warm it through. Then, ladle everything into bowls with the noodles and turkey piled in the center and broth poured over the top. Now comes the fun part—load up with fresh cilantro, mint leaves, a generous squeeze of lime, chili peppers, hot sauce, sprouts, or whatever else makes your heart sing. I never skip the lime; it brightens the whole bowl beautifully!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe

Low and Slow Simmering: Patience here really yields the best flavor; don’t boil the broth fast or the flavors won’t develop as nicely.
Noodle Timing Is Key: I learned the hard way that rice noodles get mushy quickly, so soak them gently and check often to keep that perfect texture.
Use Fresh Herbs Generously: Adding cilantro and mint fresh right before serving lifts the soup and adds bright, fresh complexity.
Don’t Skip the Lime: The acid balances the sweetness and savory notes, and skipping it really changes the experience.

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

My absolute favorite garnishes are fresh cilantro and mint leaves, a good squeeze of lime juice, and thinly sliced chili peppers. For crunch, I love adding bean sprouts or chopped roasted peanuts. A dash of fish sauce or soy sauce right at the table lets you adjust the saltiness perfectly. These toppings make every spoonful burst with layers of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this soup with a simple green salad or a crusty slice of bread to soak up every last drop of that gorgeous broth. Sometimes I serve it alongside steamed greens or even a light vegetable stir-fry for an extra veggie boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve the broth and toppings separately—the noodles and turkey go into the bowl first, and I ladle the hot, fragrant broth over top at the table. This way, the noodles don’t get soggy beforehand, keeping their perfect texture. Plus, it looks so elegant and invites everyone to customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If possible, keep the noodles and broth separate—they tend to soak up too much broth and become mushy if stored together. When reheating, gently warm the broth on the stovetop and add the noodles just before serving to keep everything perfect.

Freezing

I freeze the broth and shredded turkey (without noodles) in freezer-safe containers. When you want to enjoy it later, thaw it overnight in the fridge and add freshly cooked rice noodles when reheating. This trick preserves the texture and flavor wonderfully.

Reheating

Reheat the broth gently on low heat—avoid boiling as it can muddy the flavors—and stir in the turkey until warmed through. Cook fresh noodles in boiling water separately and add them just before serving. Finish with your favorite garnishes and that essential squeeze of lime!

FAQs

Can I use chicken broth instead of turkey broth in this soup?

Absolutely! Chicken broth is a great substitute if you don’t have turkey broth on hand. While turkey broth adds a richer, more distinct flavor, chicken broth will keep the soup light and delicious. Just follow the same steps and your soup will still be wonderful.
What type of noodles work best for this soup?

Rice noodles are the traditional choice for this recipe because they absorb the broth beautifully and soften nicely without overpowering the soup. However, thin egg noodles or even soba noodles can be used if that’s what you have. Just adjust the soaking or cooking times accordingly.
How can I make this soup spicier?

To add heat, I recommend topping servings with sliced fresh chili peppers, a few dashes of hot sauce, or chili oil. You can also add dried chili flakes during the simmering process but start with a small amount to avoid overpowering the warming spices.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

For a vegetarian or vegan version, swap the turkey broth for a rich vegetable broth and omit the turkey. You can add tofu or mushrooms in place of the turkey for protein and texture, and keep all the wonderful spices and herbs to maintain that signature flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Turkey Noodle Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and a smart, flavorful solution for leftover turkey. I hope you find it as comforting and simple to make as I do. Give it a try, top it just the way you like, and enjoy every spoonful. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your regular recipe rotation!