Old Fashioned Turkey and Noodles Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal, you’re going to want to try my Old Fashioned Turkey and Noodles Recipe. This dish feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, combining tender turkey with silky egg noodles in a creamy, comforting broth that’s just perfect. Whether you’re dealing with leftover turkey or just want a homestyle meal that brings everyone around the table, this recipe is a fan-freaking-tastic way to make magic happen in your kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Old Fashioned Turkey and Noodles Recipe is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a rich and satisfying meal. I always recommend using good quality broth and fresh veggies — they make a noticeable difference.

• Cooked turkey: Preferably shredded or chopped; leftover roast turkey works beautifully here.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the veggies; I stick with salted for extra flavor.
• Carrots: Diced small so they cook evenly and add a hint of sweetness.
• Celery: Diced to balance the carrots with that classic base flavor.
• Onion: Gives a lovely aromatic foundation; I use yellow or white.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic for that subtle zing.
• Thyme: Just a touch to bring a herbaceous note that pairs perfectly with turkey.
• Chicken broth: The backbone of the soup — homemade is best, but store-bought works in a pinch.
• Frozen homestyle egg noodles: I love the texture these bring, and using frozen cuts down prep time.
• Cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and body to the broth without needing cream.
• Salt & Pepper: To season perfectly to your taste.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped and stirred in last for a pop of color and freshness.

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on what I have on hand or what my family’s craving. The beautiful part? This Old Fashioned Turkey and Noodles Recipe is super versatile, so don’t be shy about customizing it to your taste or dietary needs!

• Use leftover chicken: If you don’t have turkey on hand, shredded roast chicken works just as well, and it changes things up nicely.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the turkey, use vegetable broth and add mushrooms or tofu for a different but still hearty version.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or wide rice noodles to keep it celiac-friendly.
• Extra herbaceous: Add rosemary or sage along with thyme for a deeper herb flavor that reminds me of the holidays.

How to Make Old Fashioned Turkey and Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Turkey and Vegetables

The first thing I do is chop or shred about 4 cups of cooked turkey—leftovers are perfect here. Then, in a dutch oven or a large, deep pot, I melt 1/2 stick of butter over medium-high heat. While the butter’s melting, dice your carrots, celery, and onion nice and small — this helps them cook quickly and blend beautifully into the soup.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies and Build Flavor

Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add those diced veggies and the minced garlic. Stir them around and let the onions soften until they’re tender and translucent — about 5 minutes. This is where you build an incredible base of flavor, so don’t rush it! Then add the thyme right in, swirling it around to release its aroma.

Step 3: Add Broth and Noodles

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the whole pot to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add both packages of frozen homestyle egg noodles. Stir gently to separate any noodles that got stuck together. Keep an eye on it and boil gently for about 8 to 10 minutes — this cooks the noodles perfectly without getting mushy.

Step 4: Cream It Up and Add Turkey

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the cream of chicken soup. It might seem thick at first, but it melts into the broth giving you that rich, creamy texture. Once that’s incorporated, add the shredded turkey and gently stir so everything combines well and heats through.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Season with salt and pepper to taste — I usually start with a little and adjust as needed. Then fold in the fresh parsley for brightness. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens up just right. Keep an eye on the noodles; they should be tender but not overcooked.

Spoon it all into bowls, and that warm, creamy, satisfying Old Fashioned Turkey and Noodles Recipe is ready to dive into!

How to Serve Old Fashioned Turkey and Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a fan of simple garnishes that add both color and flavor — a sprinkle of fresh parsley really brightens the dish. Sometimes I toss a little cracked black pepper or even a few drops of hot sauce if I want a subtle kick. Crispy fried onions on top can add a fun crunch, too.

Side Dishes

This hearty bowl pairs wonderfully with a light crisp salad or steamed green beans to balance things out. Occasionally, I’ll serve warm crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls alongside to soak up every bit of that delicious broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this old fashioned turkey and noodles recipe in individual soup tureens or rustic bowls with a garnish of fresh herbs and a dollop of sour cream right on top. It makes the meal feel extra special without requiring extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve noticed the noodles soak up a lot of broth overnight, so I typically add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring it back to silky perfection.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well in portions. I usually pack it in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. When I thaw it, I gently reheat on the stove with some extra broth because frozen noodles can thicken the dish.

Reheating

The trick I learned is to reheat slowly over medium heat on the stove, stirring regularly. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps loosen the sauce and prevents the noodles from getting mushy while keeping the turkey tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Old Fashioned Turkey and Noodles Recipe turns out every single time—it’s like homemade comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just looking for a genuinely satisfying dish to cozy up with, this recipe delivers every time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s one of those timeless meals that keeps everyone asking for seconds. So grab your pot and turkey leftovers, and let’s make some magic happen in your kitchen!

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