If you’re looking for a heartwarming way to transform your leftover turkey into something delightful, look no further than this Leftover Turkey Alphabet Soup! This cozy, whimsical dish not only warms the soul but also brings a smile to your table with its playful pasta shapes. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a nourishing meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or a comforting lunch. Ready to dive into a bowl of nostalgia? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 1 cup alphabet pasta
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing and dicing the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the diced onions, carrots, and celery for approximately 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the alphabet pasta to the boiling broth and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded leftover turkey, ensuring the meat is evenly distributed throughout the soup.
- Sprinkle dried parsley over the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors and ensure the turkey is heated through.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This way, you can simply toss them into the pot when you’re ready to cook.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, like peas or corn, for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Broth Matters: For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth if you have it. Store-bought broth works well too; just be mindful of the salt content.
- Pasta Perfection: Keep an eye on the alphabet pasta as it cooks; overcooking can lead to mushy pasta. Aim for al dente for the best texture.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning. A dash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors if you find it too rich.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream can elevate your soup, adding freshness and a touch of elegance to your dish.
- Make it a Meal: Serve your soup with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 55mg
