Slow Cooker Grandma’s Turkey Noodle Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a nostalgic nod to traditional home cooking, offering a delicious way to repurpose leftover turkey. The slow cooking process melds flavors beautifully, resulting in a rich and satisfying soup. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and fills your home with inviting aromas.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 7 cups turkey stock or chicken broth

• 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced

• 1 cup carrots, sliced

• 1 cup celery, sliced

• 1 cup white onion, diced

• 2 bay leaves

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste

• 8 oz fettuccine noodles, broken into pieces and cooked separately

directions

1. In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine turkey stock, cooked turkey, carrots, celery, onion, bay leaves, thyme, pepper, and salt.

2. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

3. About 15 minutes before serving, cook the fettuccine noodles separately until just shy of al dente. Drain and add them to the slow cooker.

4. Stir to combine and let the soup continue to cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavors.

5. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 8 hours 30 minutes
Total time: 8 hours 50 minutes

Variations

• Substitute fettuccine with egg noodles or your preferred pasta.

• Add chopped spinach or kale for added greens.

• Incorporate a splash of lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.

• Use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey for convenience.

• Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup without noodles for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. If frozen without noodles, cook fresh noodles separately and add them when serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, cooked chicken is a suitable substitute for turkey in this recipe.

Do I have to cook the noodles separately?

Cooking noodles separately prevents them from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely, feel free to add vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans.

How can I make the soup creamier?

Stir in a splash of cream or milk towards the end of cooking for a creamier texture.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free noodles and ensure your broth is gluten-free to make this soup gluten-free.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, dried herbs work well; adjust quantities to taste.

How do I make the soup more flavorful?

Enhance flavor by adding garlic, additional herbs, or a splash of white wine.

Can I cook this soup on high to save time?

Cooking on high for 4-5 hours is possible, but low and slow yields better flavor.

What type of noodles work best?

Fettuccine, egg noodles, or any sturdy pasta hold up well in this soup.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the soup without noodles and refrigerate. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Grandma’s Turkey Noodle Soup is a timeless recipe that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. Its simplicity and rich flavors make it a favorite for utilizing leftover turkey and creating a satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy. Give this recipe a try and savor the taste of home-cooked goodness.

Slow Cooker Grandma’s Turkey Noodle Soup

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Slow Cooker Grandma’s Turkey Noodle Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that brings back the warmth of home-cooked meals. Made with leftover turkey, fresh vegetables, and tender noodles, slowly simmered to perfection.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

7 cups turkey stock or chicken broth

3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced

1 cup carrots, sliced

1 cup celery, sliced

1 cup white onion, diced

2 bay leaves

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste

8 oz fettuccine noodles, broken into pieces and cooked separately

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine turkey stock, cooked turkey, carrots, celery, onion, bay leaves, thyme, pepper, and salt.
2. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
3. About 15 minutes before serving, cook fettuccine noodles separately until just shy of al dente. Drain and add to slow cooker.
4. Stir to combine and cook on high for additional 15-30 minutes to let noodles absorb flavors.
5. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Notes

• Substitute fettuccine with egg noodles or preferred pasta.
• Add chopped spinach or kale for greens.
• Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
• Use rotisserie chicken instead of turkey for convenience.
• Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for spice.
• Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days.
• Freeze soup without noodles for up to 3 months; add fresh noodles when reheating.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 65mg