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Hearty Leftover Turkey Soup with Kale and Pasta

This hearty leftover turkey soup with kale and pasta is the perfect way to transform holiday leftovers into a wholesome, comforting meal. Tender turkey, vibrant vegetables, and earthy kale come together in a rich broth, while orecchiette pasta adds just the right amount of heartiness. Ready in under an hour, this easy soup is nourishing, flavorful, and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or light post-holiday meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2-3 cups leftover turkey meat shredded, with bones if available
  • 1.5 cups orecchiette pasta or pasta of choice
  • 6 cups water
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 3-4 cups kale roughly chopped
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 large carrot chopped to preferred size
  • 1 rib celery chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Main Instructions
  1. In a large pot, heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in the chopped celery and carrots. Continue to sauté for 2 minutes to release their flavor.
  3. Pour in the water and chicken stock. Add bay leaves and turkey bones if available. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat slightly and simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
  5. Add the pasta along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook 2 minutes less than the package instructions to avoid overcooking.
  6. Stir in the shredded turkey meat and kale. Bring the soup back to a gentle boil and cook for 2 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat. Discard bay leaves and bones if desired. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

  • You may keep the bones in the soup for flavor or remove them before serving.
  • Soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
  • If the pasta absorbs too much liquid when reheating, add extra broth or water.