Ingredients

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

2 stalks celery, sliced

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

1 leek, cleaned and chopped, whites and light green parts only

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 c. turkey stock (or low-sodium chicken broth) 

3 c. water

Small bunch thyme

Small bunch rosemary

1 bay leaf

1 tsp. dried oregano

Pinch crushed red pepper flakes

1 (12-oz.) package egg noodles

3 c. cooked shredded turkey

Preparation

Step 1In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add carrots, celery, onion, and leek and cook until soft, 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more. Step 2Add broth, water, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, oregano, and pinch red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then add egg noodles. Cover and cook until pasta is cooked through, 7 minutes. Discard thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Step 3Add turkey and simmer until warmed through, 5 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper.

Do I have to use leftover turkey? You don’t have to! We love to use this recipe post-Thanksgiving dinner to use up any leftovers of the delicious roast turkey, but if you don’t have any, this soup is reason enough to go out and buy yourself a turkey breast or two. What noodles should I use?  We love the taste and shape of twisty egg noodles, but you can use any shape of pasta or noodle that you’d like. Just make sure you cook it for the appropriate amount of time.  Do I have to make my own broth?  We love how easy and flavorful our homemade turkey broth is, and it’s a great way to use up all of your Thanksgiving turkey in the most delicious way. Once you’ve made it, you can also use it for other comforting recipes like our perfect gravy or turkey tetrazzini. But, it’s not necessary to make your stock homemade for this recipe. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth for an equally satisfying result in this soup.  Try our turkey carcass soup or turkey casserole for even more ways to use up any leftovers of your star bird.  Made this comforting soup? Let us know how it came out in the comments below!