Old Fashioned Turkey and Noodles Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that feels like a cozy hug from your childhood, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Old Fashioned Turkey and Noodles Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something hearty, simple, and downright comforting. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less. Ready to cozy up and make a batch together? You’re going to love how this turns out.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Old Fashioned Turkey and Noodles Recipe is how all the ingredients come together to create a rich, soulful dish. Each component has its purpose—whether that’s the silky cream of chicken soup or the fresh parsley that brightens it all up at the end.

• Cooked turkey: Use leftover turkey, shredded or chopped, for tender and flavorful bites throughout the dish.
• Butter: Essential for that rich sauté base, I always go for unsalted so I can control the saltiness.
• Carrots: Diced small so they soften nicely and add just a touch of sweetness.
• Celery: Adds a subtle freshness and crunch during the sauté stage.
• Onion: Finely diced to melt down and create that classic flavor foundation.
• Minced garlic: A little goes a long way to deepen the savory notes.
• Thyme: This herb brings earthy warmth—you can use fresh if you have it, but dried works beautifully too.
• Chicken broth: The liquid base that fills this soup-noodle combo with flavor. Homemade or store-bought both work.
• Frozen homestyle egg noodles: My secret shortcut—they cook perfectly in the broth and add that nostalgic noodle texture.
• Cream of chicken soup: This thickens the broth and adds creamy comfort; it’s the soul of this recipe.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste—season gradually and adjust as you go to balance flavors.
• Fresh parsley: Freshly chopped to sprinkle over at the end for a pop of color and brightness.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Old Fashioned Turkey and Noodles Recipe quite a bit over time. It’s flexible enough to handle little tweaks, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Here’s what I’ve learned from experimenting:

• Use Chicken Instead of Turkey: If turkey isn’t your thing or you don’t have leftovers, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic substitute—equally comforting and tender.
• Mushroom Lovers’ Twist: I sometimes swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom to add an earthier depth that my family adores.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice noodles to make it allergy-friendly without losing flavor.
• Fresh Noodles: If you can find fresh egg noodles, use them instead of frozen—they cook even faster and feel extra special.

How to Make Old Fashioned Turkey and Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Turkey

Start by chopping or shredding about 4 cups of cooked turkey. I usually grab whatever leftover meat I have, removing excess skin or bones—keeping it simple. Having evenly sized pieces makes every bite balanced and easy to eat.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

Heat half a stick of butter over medium-high heat in a dutch oven or any pot with high sides. Once melted, toss in your diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions turn tender and translucent—around 5-7 minutes. This base is where your flavor begins to build, so take your time here.

Step 3: Bring in the Broth and Herbs

Sprinkle in your thyme next and then pour in 7 cups of chicken broth. Turn up the heat and bring everything to a gentle boil. The broth will absorb all those lovely aromatics you just sweated out, creating a rich foundation.

Step 4: Add the Noodles and Cook

Stir in both packages of frozen egg noodles gently, separating any that might be stuck together. Returning to a boil, let the noodles cook in the broth for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they’re tender but not mushy—this step is key to that perfect, comforting texture.

Step 5: Creamy Goodness and Turkey

Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in one can of cream of chicken soup. Mix gently until the soup is fully incorporated, creating a creamy sauce that hugs those noodles. Then, fold in the chopped turkey to warm through without breaking it apart too much.

Step 6: Season and Simmer

Add salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle in fresh chopped parsley. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the noodles are done. This final simmer blends all the flavors so perfectly—don’t rush it!

Once done, scoop generous portions into bowls and enjoy that homemade goodness.

How to Serve Old Fashioned Turkey and Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving—it adds a lovely brightness and color contrast that really lifts the dish. Sometimes, a little cracked black pepper or even a dash of paprika over the bowl adds a cozy finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is pretty hearty on its own, I like pairing it with something light and crisp, like a simple green salad or steamed green beans. For something warmer, buttery dinner rolls or crusty bread are perfect for sopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or family gatherings, I’ve served this turkey and noodles in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of grated parmesan and fresh herbs. It looks charming and gives everyone a personal bowl of comfort. You could even add a side of roasted brussels sprouts or glazed carrots to elevate the spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This dish holds up well for 3-4 days. When I dig back in, the flavors have even mellowed and deepened—like a bonus treat!

Freezing

If I want to freeze it, I usually undercook the noodles just slightly the first time around. When freezing, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it keeps well for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I prefer reheating on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but stirring occasionally helps keep it creamy and prevents the noodles from drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Old Fashioned Turkey and Noodles Recipe is one of those dishes that I always come back to when I want an uncomplicated, cozy meal that feels like home. I love how the flavors come together with minimal fuss but maximum comfort. If you’re looking for a recipe that will warm your heart and fill your belly with something familiar yet satisfying, give this one a try—you’ll be making it again and again, just like I do!

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