Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs autumn wraps its arms around us, I find myself dreaming of warm, comforting meals that invite us to gather around the table. Enter my Creamy Turkey Soup with Spinach, a dish that elevates those leftovers into something truly special. It’s an easy way to transform forgotten turkey into a delightful experience rather than simply another sandwich or noodle soup. With its hearty blend of flavors and nutritious punch from fresh spinach, this recipe checks all the boxes for cozy cooking. Plus, it’s incredibly quick to whip up—perfect for those busy weeknights when you still crave a home-cooked meal. So why not give your holiday leftovers a second life? Ready to dive into this creamy comfort? Let’s get started! Why is this Turkey Soup special? Comforting Flavors: This Creamy Turkey Soup with Spinach combines the rich, savory notes of tender turkey with fresh spinach, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Quick and Easy: Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe allows you to whip up a hearty meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for those hectic evenings when you just want comfort food. Customizable Goodness: With the flexibility to incorporate your favorite vegetables or grains, like adding quinoa or even green beans, this soup remains versatile and exciting. Utilizes Leftovers: A fantastic way to repurpose leftover turkey, transforming it into a dish that steals the spotlight at any dinner table. Embrace the flavors just like in my cozy Tortellini Soup Cozy or the hearty Chicken Spinach Casserole. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Its creamy texture and vibrant colors make it appealing for everyone, ensuring that your family or guests will savor every last spoonful. Turkey Soup with Spinach Ingredients For the Soup Base Turkey – Use leftover roasted or cooked turkey for the best flavor and convenience. Carrots – These add a hint of sweetness; substitute with parsnips if desired. Celery – Essential for the classic mirepoix base, offering both aroma and crunch. Onion – Provides robust depth; shallots can be used for a milder flavor. Garlic – Fresh cloves infuse the soup with a delightful, aromatic kick. For the Creamy Texture Spinach – Packed with nutrients; kale or Swiss chard can work as tasty alternatives. Cream or Milk – Achieves that luscious creaminess; opt for half-and-half for a lighter option. For the Flavor Boost Broth (Chicken or Vegetable) – Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content in your soup. Herbs (Thyme, Parsley) – Fresh herbs enhance flavor; dried herbs are a suitable backup. Pepper & Salt – Adjust these for seasoning based on your broth’s saltiness. This Turkey Soup with Spinach is a delightful way to enjoy leftovers while staying cozy and satisfied! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Turkey Soup with Spinach Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery, and onion, along with minced garlic. Sauté these aromatics for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. The vibrant colors should glisten invitingly as they cook, creating a warm base for your Turkey Soup with Spinach. Step 2: Add the Turkey Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the shredded leftover turkey. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the turkey to warm through and absorb the flavors of the sautéed veggies. You want to see a light steaming rising from the pot as you mix everything together, melding the comforting essence of the soup. Step 3: Pour in the Broth Now, gradually pour in your low-sodium broth, ensuring all the ingredients are submerged. Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This should take about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when tiny bubbles begin to form at the surface, signaling that your Turkey Soup with Spinach is developing its hearty flavor. Step 4: Stir in Spinach and Cream Gently fold in the fresh spinach and cream, allowing them to become part of the soup’s lush texture. Simmer for another 5-8 minutes or until the spinach is beautifully wilted and vibrant green. The soup should look thick and creamy, with a rich color that invites you to spoon it into a bowl. Step 5: Adjust Seasonings and Serve Taste your soup and make any final adjustments with salt and pepper. If desired, sprinkle in fresh or dried herbs for an extra flavor boost. Once everything is well-seasoned, serve your delightful Turkey Soup with Spinach hot, garnishing with parsley for a pop of color and freshness to brighten each bowl. Variations & Substitutions for Turkey Soup with Spinach Feel free to personalize your Turkey Soup with Spinach; it’s all about making it your own! Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of cream for a creamy texture without dairy. This lends a unique flavor twist that enhances the overall warmth. Protein Boost: Substitute turkey with shredded chicken or even diced tofu for a different protein source. Both work wonderfully while keeping the soup hearty. Extra Veggies: Toss in vibrant green beans or bell peppers for a delightful crunch and added nutrition. The more color, the happier your meal will be! Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a warm kick. Spice levels can be adjusted based on personal preference to keep things exciting. Hearty Grains: Add in cooked quinoa or barley for a fulfilling texture and added fiber. These grains soak up the soup’s flavors beautifully, turning it into a cozy, wholesome meal. Herb Magic: Experiment with fresh dill or basil instead of thyme for a fresh, aromatic flavor. These herbs offer a lovely twist that brings a new dimension to the classic dish. Vegetable Variety: Incorporate hearty vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes for a hearty, filling addition. Their natural sweetness complements the savory broth perfectly. Slow Cooker Option: For a hands-off approach, simmer all ingredients in a slow cooker for 4-6 hours on low. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, just like in my Slow Cooker Soup. With these variations, your Turkey Soup with Spinach can be a roundabout journey of flavor each time you make it! What to Serve with Creamy Turkey Soup with Spinach As you ladle this luscious soup into a bowl, imagine complementing it with delightful sides that enhance your meal experience. Crusty Bread: The perfect vessel for soaking up that creamy broth, crusty bread adds a satisfying crunch to your cozy dinner. Simple Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully, balancing the soup’s richness with its crispness. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery breadsticks with a hint of garlic provide a luscious texture to nibble alongside your warming soup. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring a burst of flavor and vibrant color, making your meal both hearty and visually appealing. Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa tossed with fresh herbs and veggies adds a wholesome, protein-packed side to fill you up. Herb-Infused Rice: Lightly seasoned rice garnished with fresh parsley is a delightful base that complements the soup’s flavors. Apple Crisp: For a sweet touch, follow up your savory meal with a warm apple crisp—a comforting dessert that caps off the evening perfectly. Expert Tips for Turkey Soup with Spinach Perfectly Sautéed Veggies: Ensure your vegetables are cooked until tender before adding broth; this creates a robust flavor base for your Turkey Soup with Spinach. Thickening Trick: For a creamier consistency, puree a portion of the soup before stirring in cream; this adds richness without extra calories. Fresh Spinach Timing: Avoid letting the spinach overcook as it can turn mushy; add it near the end for that bright, vibrant color. Seasoning Wisely: Adjust salt and pepper based on your broth’s seasoning; start with a little and taste as you go for the best flavor balance. Customize for Variety: Don’t hesitate to mix in your favorite veggies or grains; this keeps your Turkey Soup with Spinach exciting and tailored to your family’s tastes. Make Ahead Options These Creamy Turkey Soup with Spinach options are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the soup base—sautéed vegetables and turkey—up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just remember to refrigerate it separately from the cream and spinach to maintain freshness and prevent curdling. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bring the base to a simmer, add the fresh spinach and cream, and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes until everything is heated through. This way, you’ll have a hearty and delicious meal with minimal effort on busy weeknights! How to Store and Freeze Turkey Soup with Spinach Fridge: Store leftover Turkey Soup with Spinach in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the soup fresh while maintaining its creamy texture. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to the freezer. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth to restore its delightful consistency. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Cooling Tips: Let the soup cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing to prevent condensation and maintain quality. Creamy Turkey Soup with Spinach Recipe FAQs What type of turkey should I use for this soup? Absolutely! Using leftover roasted or cooked turkey works best as it adds robust flavor and substance. If you’re short on leftovers, you could also use pre-cooked turkey breast, just ensure it’s shredded or diced well before adding to the soup. How should I store leftover Creamy Turkey Soup with Spinach? For optimal freshness, store the leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to let it cool to room temperature before sealing. This way, the soup maintains its creamy goodness without losing flavor. Can I freeze Creamy Turkey Soup with Spinach? Very much! You can freeze this soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to prevent ice crystals from forming. When reheating, simply warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to bring it back to life. What if my vegetables are still crunchy after cooking? Not a problem! Just simmer the soup a bit longer, allowing the vegetables to soften. If you prefer, you can also puree a portion of the soup and mix it back in for a creamier texture while maintaining some vegetable chunks for added interest. Is there a way to adapt this recipe for dietary restrictions? Certainly! For dairy-free or vegan options, substitute cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. You can also replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure the turkey is omitted altogether, making it a lovely vegetable soup too! What can I do if my soup is too thick? If your Creamy Turkey Soup with Spinach turns out thicker than you like, simply stir in a bit of broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Gradually add the liquids while continuously stirring to ensure even blending. Enjoy the comforting warmth this soup brings! Creamy Turkey Soup with Spinach for Cozy Comfort Evenings No ratings yet A delightful and cozy Turkey Soup with Spinach that's perfect for using up leftovers while providing comfort and nutrition. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SoupCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base2 cups Diced Turkey Use leftover roasted or cooked turkey for best flavor.2 medium Carrots Diced2 stalks Celery Diced1 medium Onion Chopped2 cloves Garlic MincedFor the Creamy Texture4 cups Fresh Spinach1 cup Cream Or milk; opt for half-and-half for lighter texture.For the Flavor Boost4 cups Low-Sodium Broth Chicken or vegetable broth.1 teaspoon Dried Thyme1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley Chopped, for garnish.to taste Pepperto taste Salt Equipment large pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery, and onion, along with minced garlic. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until tender and fragrant.Once vegetables are tender, stir in the shredded turkey. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the turkey through.Gradually pour in the low-sodium broth and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, about 5 minutes.Gently fold in the fresh spinach and cream, allowing them to mix into the soup. Simmer for another 5-8 minutes or until the spinach is wilted.Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnishing with parsley. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 24gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg NotesStore in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed. 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