Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness that’s also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This slow cooker turkey soup recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It’s a healthy meal, packed with flavor, and requires minimal hands-on time – leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy the delicious results. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, providing a quick dinner idea that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly. It’s one of the best recipes you’ll find for a truly delicious and easy soup!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced (leftover turkey works perfectly!)
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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Add Turkey and Pasta: Add the shredded turkey and uncooked pasta to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pasta is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become.
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Season and Serve: Once the soup is cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt to your preference. Stir in the fresh parsley (if using) before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy your homemade, healthy and delicious turkey soup!
Tips for the Best Turkey Soup:
- Use leftover turkey: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey or any other roasted turkey you might have. It’s a great way to reduce food waste and maximize flavor.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Start checking the pasta for doneness about 15 minutes before the recommended cooking time. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
- Adjust the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to your soup, such as diced potatoes, green beans, or corn.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
Variations:
- Wild Rice Turkey Soup: Add 1 cup of wild rice along with the pasta for a heartier soup.
- Turkey Noodle Soup: Substitute egg noodles for the pasta.
- Spicy Turkey Soup: Add a diced jalapeño or some chili powder for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This slow cooker turkey soup recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Its ease of preparation and delicious taste make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a healthy and flavorful alternative to other quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!