Description
A comforting and hearty leftover turkey soup made with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and orzo pasta. Perfect for using up leftover cooked turkey or chicken, this flavorful soup simmers gently to meld all the ingredients into a nourishing meal that serves six.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 ribs celery, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, sliced ¼-inch thick
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low sodium chicken broth
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
Protein and Pasta
- 3 cups chopped cooked leftover turkey (or leftover cooked chicken)
- ¾ cup orzo pasta (4 ounces)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and sliced carrots. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 6 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth, then add the chopped fresh rosemary, thyme sprigs, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer Soup: Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce to a low simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to soften fully.
- Add Turkey and Pasta: Stir in the chopped cooked turkey and orzo pasta. Cover the pot again and continue simmering for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the orzo is cooked al dente, tender but with a slight firmness.
- Remove Herbs and Season: Carefully remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the soup and discard them. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful turkey soup!
Notes
- Use leftover turkey or chicken to save time and reduce food waste.
- Orzo pasta cooks quickly and adds a nice texture; avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
- Low sodium broth allows you to control the salt level in the soup.
- Fresh herbs provide better flavor than dried, but dried herbs can be substituted if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
