There is hardly a better way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers than a simple pot of turkey noodle soup, and this three-ingredient version is about as practical and comforting as Midwestern home cooking gets. It turns leftover roast turkey into something warm and generous with almost no fuss, just tender shreds of meat, broad egg noodles, and broth simmered together until the whole kitchen smells like supper all over again.
Serve this soup with saltine crackers, buttered bread, or a simple grilled cheese if you want to stretch it into a heartier meal. A little black pepper at the table is always welcome, and if you have leftover cranberry sauce or a crisp celery-and-apple salad on the side, that sweet-tart bite makes a nice contrast to the rich, mild broth.
3-Ingredient Turkey Noodle Soup
Servings: 6
Ingredients
6 cups turkey broth or chicken broth
3 cups cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
4 cups thick egg noodles
Directions
1. Pour the broth into a large pot and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
2. Stir in the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions until just tender, stirring now and then so they do not stick.
3. Add the cooked turkey and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the meat is heated through and the flavors come together.
4. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Richer Broth: If your turkey broth is very mild, let the soup simmer an extra few minutes after the noodles are tender so the starch from the noodles lightly thickens the broth and gives it a fuller homemade taste.
Noodle Timing: Egg noodles can go from just right to overly soft in a hurry, so keep an eye on them and serve the soup soon after cooking for the best texture.
Freezer Tip: If you plan to freeze leftovers, it is best to freeze the broth and turkey together and cook fresh noodles later, since noodles tend to soften too much after thawing.
Make It Heartier: This may be a three-ingredient soup at heart, but if nobody is counting, a handful of chopped celery, carrots, or parsley stirred in can make it feel like a whole new supper without much extra work.