Classic Turkey and Noodles Recipe: Comforting Homemade Dish

A spin on chicken and noodles, this old fashioned turkey and noodles recipe is a hearty and comforting classic just like grandma used to make.

I grew up in the Midwest where farm families put hearty, home-cooked meals on the table every day. One of my favorite comfort foods was chicken and noodles; sometimes my grandmother even rolled the noodles herself. Using leftover turkey instead of chicken gives the same nostalgic comfort with a slightly different flavor. When Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers are around, this is the perfect way to turn them into an easy, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love Old Fashioned Turkey & Noodles

Comfort with a twist – Swapping turkey for chicken creates a cozy, familiar dish that highlights leftover turkey without needing any complicated steps.

One-pot convenience – Everything cooks in a single pot so the noodles absorb the broth and vegetable flavors, making for fewer dishes and richer taste.

Simple pantry ingredients – Apart from frozen egg noodles, this recipe relies on basic ingredients: carrots, celery, onion, broth, and a can of cream of chicken soup for creaminess and body.

Plenty of protein – This recipe is generous with turkey, so you won’t be fishing through noodles looking for meat.

Quick and family-friendly – Ready in about 45 minutes, it feeds a family comfortably and makes excellent leftovers for the next day.

Old Fashioned Turkey & Noodles Ingredients

To make old fashioned turkey and noodles, you will need:

• Turkey: Leftover chopped or shredded turkey is ideal. If you don’t have leftovers, roast a turkey breast or substitute shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Frozen egg noodles: These have a thicker, doughier texture than dried pasta and hold the creamy sauce well.
• Vegetables: A classic mirepoix of carrots, celery, and onion provides the aromatic base. Sauté them in butter until tender.
• Herbs & seasonings: Garlic, thyme, and fresh parsley add depth and brightness. Add thyme before the broth and stir in parsley near the end to preserve its color.
• Chicken broth: Use boxed, canned, or homemade. Low-sodium is a good choice so you can control salt levels.
• Cream of chicken soup: A can provides richness and helps thicken the sauce for a velvety finish.

Refer to the recipe card below for exact measurements and a complete ingredient list.

How To Make Old Fashioned Turkey And Noodles

1. Prep the turkey: Shred or chop leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
3. Build the broth: Stir in thyme, then pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil so the flavors meld.
4. Cook the noodles: Add the frozen egg noodles, stirring gently to separate any clumps. Cover and let the pot return to a boil, then cook until the noodles are nearly tender, about 8–10 minutes total.
5. Add soup and turkey: Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in the cream of chicken soup until smooth. Stir in the turkey and heat through.
6. Finish and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, stir in chopped fresh parsley, simmer briefly until the sauce thickens slightly, then ladle into bowls and enjoy.

Variations, Substitutions, & Cooking Tips

Turkey alternatives – Use leftover chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken if you prefer. The method and flavor remain essentially the same.

Boost the vegetables – Stir in peas, broccoli, asparagus, bell pepper, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.

Try different herbs – Oregano, sage, basil, or rosemary can be used instead of or alongside thyme for different flavor profiles.

Serve over mashed potatoes – For a truly classic comfort presentation, spoon the turkey and noodles over a bed of mashed potatoes.

Make it soupier – Add more chicken broth for a broth-forward noodle soup; serve with crusty bread, biscuits, or rolls.

Crunchy topping option – For a baked version with texture, top with panko breadcrumbs and bake briefly, or broil for a few minutes to crisp the topping.

Old Fashioned Turkey And Noodles Recipe

Yield:
6 Servings

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
25 minutes

Total Time:
40 minutes

A spin on chicken and noodles, this old fashioned turkey and noodles recipe is a hearty and comforting classic just like grandma used to make. Perfect for using leftover turkey and feeding a hungry family.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped or shredded cooked turkey
• ½ stick of butter
• 2 small carrots, diced
• 2 small ribs of celery, diced
• ¼ cup diced onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• 7 cups chicken broth
• 2 12-ounce packages of frozen homestyle egg noodles
• 1 10.25-ounce can cream of chicken soup
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Chop or shred 4 cups of cooked turkey and set aside.
2. Heat ½ stick of butter over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven or large, high-sided pot.
3. Add diced carrot, celery, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the onions are tender and translucent.
4. Stir in thyme, add the chicken broth, and bring to a boil.
5. Add the frozen egg noodles, stirring gently to separate any that are stuck together. Return to a boil and cook until almost tender, about 8–10 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the cream of chicken soup until fully incorporated.
7. Add the turkey to the pot and gently stir to combine. Simmer briefly to heat through.
8. Season with salt and pepper, stir in fresh parsley, and simmer about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the noodles are done.
9. Spoon into bowls and serve warm.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 501
Total Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 170mg
Sodium: 1682mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 36g

This nutritional data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.

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