Jalapeno Turkey Noodle Soup takes classic comfort food up a spicy notch. An exciting use for turkey leftovers or to warm up a chilly day!
Turkey Noodle Soup is a classic comfort food recipe. It’s also a great option to use up turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving or Christmas.
If you are a fan of spicier foods this recipe is for you!
Jalapeno pepper simmered in the turkey (or chicken) stock gives the soup a zippy heat.
Perfect for a chilly winter’s day.
Jalapeno Turkey Noodle Soup
This recipe was originally developed as a reader request for an after holiday recipe.
Loving a spicy soup the broth is naturally spiced up with some jalapeno.
Loads of vegetables and turkey fill the delicious broth topped off my soft egg noodles (regular or gluten-free).
It’s an easy and satisfying soup recipe.
Whether for kids rolling off a snowy day of sledding or as a pick-me-up to use leftovers; it will become a fast favorite!
Turkey Noodle Soup Ingredients
- Jalapeno Chile Pepper
- Turkey or Chicken Stock, homemade if possible
- unsalted Butter
- Carrots
- Celery stalks
- chopped Turkey
- Egg Noodles, regular or gluten-free
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes
Jalapeno Peppers
Did you know the spiciest part of hot chile peppers comes from the seeds?
Also that when handling the spicy peppers with your hands not to touch your eyes or nose, without washing your hands first?
The spicy oils in the pepper can transfer to the sensitive membranes causing a burning sensation.
I have a great tip to easily remove the seeds that avoids much contact.
You can check it out in this cranberry salsa post.
Turkey Stock or Chicken Stock
I love using homemade stock for this soup recipe. Here are two easy turkey stock recipes:
Slow Cooker Homemade Turkey Stock
Making turkey stock is very easy and a great way to use up the leftover turkey carcass from holiday meals.
Store bought chicken stock may also be used.
Use Celery Stalks with Leaves
Add some of the celery leaves with the chopped stalks (if the celery has leaves still attached).
They add some additional flavors to the soup.
They can have a strong flavor so don’t overdo it!
Chopped Turkey
If making this after a holiday its a perfect way to use up turkey leftovers.
If making outside of a holiday, have the grocery store deli but turkey slices 1/4-inch thick.
This will make the turkey a nice size when chopping it for the soup.
Egg Noodles
Egg noodles are easily available at grocery stores.
For gluten-free eaters I used brown rice egg noodles (Tagliatelle) from Jovial pasta.
Jovial is an Italian brand, shown in these soup photos and these noodles are fantastic.
They have a wonderful creamy consistency when prepared and were perfect for soup.
Since originally developing this recipe there are additional brands of gluten-free egg noodles on the market.
You can see more selections here.
How to Make Turkey Noodle Soup – Step-by-Step
STEP 1: Combine the stock and jalapeno pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer for 10 minutes (photos 1-3).
STEP 2: Melt the butter in a large skillet. Saute the vegetables until soft (about 5 minutes).
STEP 3: Add the turkey and cook an additional 3 minutes (photo 4). Add to the stock.
STEP 4: Allow the soup to simmer for 5 minutes over medium-low heat (photo 5).
STEP 6: Add the noodles and simmer 10-15 minutes until the noodles are cooked and soft (NOTE: the temperature of the soup can be raised to ensure the noodles cook). (photo 6)
Remove the jalapeno pepper before serving.
What to Serve with Turkey Noodle Soup
- Classic Quiche Recipe
- Winter Salad & Warm Cranberry Honey Dressing
- Devils on Horseback (appetizer)
- Apple Cider Moscow Mules
Try These Turkey Leftovers Recipes too
- Coconut Curry Turkey Rice Soup
- Holiday Turkey Hash: the Perfect Turkey Leftovers Recipe
- Turkey Cranberry-Chipotle Quesadillas
- Thanksgiving Leftovers Bacon Provolone Pita Pockets
- Tortilla Soup (make it with chicken or leftover turkey)
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Recipe
Jalapeno Turkey Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 1 large Jalapeno Chile Pepper (3 inches long), seeded and quartered vertically
- 8 cups Homemade Turkey or Chicken Stock (or a combination)*
- 1 tablespoon unsalted Butter
- 3 small Carrots , peeled and sliced
- 2 medium Celery stalks , sliced plus 1 teaspoon celery leaves chopped
- 3 cups chopped turkey
- 4 ½ ounces (dry weight) Egg Noodles regular or gluten-free (I used Jovial brand Gluten-Free Tagliatelle Egg Noodles)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, add jalapeno pepper to the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large skillet over medium high, melt butter. Add carrots, celery, celery leaves; sauté until vegetables begin to soften approximately 5 minutes.
- Add turkey to skillet and saute an additional 3 minutes. Add mixture to stock.
- Allow soup to simmer five minutes over medium-low heat. Add noodles and continue to simmer over medium heat until noodles are soft and cooked, an additional 10-15 minutes. (note: if needed raise the heat to allow the soup to simmer more vigorously so noodles will fully cook)
- Remove jalapeno, salt and pepper to taste (if desired) and serve.
- NOTE: taste stock during the cooking process and remove the jalapeno pepper if the stock begins to become too spicy for your preference. Chile peppers can vary significantly in heat regardless of size; tasting the broth is the best guide.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published: November 24, 2013
This spicy Turkey Noodle Soup is a perfect way to use up turkey leftovers but too good just to make after holidays!
Cathy says
My kids are always begging for homemade soup. I’m really loving the addition of jalapeno in this one!
jade manning says
Healthy, filling and the perfect comfort food!
Claudia Krusch says
I have some turkey in the freezer! Can’t wait to try your recipe! Sounds sooo good!
Tiffany La Forge-Grau says
Now this is a really great soup idea. I love a little kick in my food; looks delicious!
Lindsay Cotter says
This is such a warm and cozy dinner on a cold night! Love the jalapeรฑo in this soup! Nice heat!
anne Marie says
I love the unique twist you added to this recipe. Jalepeno is a welcome addition to any soup!
Taylor says
Love the added flavor that the jalapeno adds! Perfect for leftover turkey!
Catalina says
This is the right season for the noodle soup! I will try it with turkey!