Looking for a delicious way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey? This easy Leftover Turkey Orzo Soup is a comforting meal made with homemade turkey broth, tender orzo pasta, carrots and spinach. It's one of my favorite ways to turn holiday leftovers into another delicious dinner!

The best part is that you can use the leftover turkey carcass to make a flavorful homemade broth. Simply simmer the bones with water to create a rich turkey stock, then add your vegetables, shredded turkey and orzo. It's an easy and economical way to make a big pot of homemade soup.

You can also make this turkey orzo soup with leftover cooked turkey if you already have turkey broth on hand. Either way, it's a cozy meal that's perfect for the day after Thanksgiving or anytime you have leftover turkey.

Why You'll Love This Turkey Orzo Soup

A great way to use leftovers: Don't throw away that turkey carcass! My Thanksgiving turkey has a homemade rub on it that helps to make a delicious homemade broth.
Budget-friendly: A few simple ingredients turn leftover turkey into another satisfying meal.
Easy to make: Most of the cooking time is hands-off while the turkey carcass simmers.
A complete meal: Turkey, vegetables and orzo make this a hearty soup that's perfect for lunch or dinner.
Great for meal prep: Make a big pot and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Ingredients Needed

A turkey (or chicken) carcass - You can use a whole carcass from a chicken or turkey. A bone in turkey breast carcass works well too. Whatever you use should have enough leftover meat attached to make 2 cups of shredded chicken or turkey.
water - cooking the tukey in water will create a homemade turkey stock.
salt and pepper - season to taste
veggies like carrots, spinach and/or celery - Use whatever leftover vegetables you have from Thanksgiving. I like onions, carrots, chopped celery stalks and spinach. The recipe below contains carrots and spinach because that is what I had on hand.
dried basil or your favorite dried or fresh herbs - other herbs that work well are fresh thyme, tarragon, dill, fresh parsley or a bay leaf.
dried orzo - regular or whole wheat is great for this leftover turkey soup recipe. Also check out the pasta and rice substitutions below.

How to Make Turkey Soup From a Carcass

Making turkey soup from a carcass is easier than you might think. The bones create a flavorful homemade broth that makes this soup extra delicious.

Simmer the turkey carcass. Place the leftover turkey carcass in a large soup pot or Dutch oven. Cover with water and add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 2 hours.
Strain the broth. Carefully remove the carcass from the pot. Strain the broth to remove any small bones or bits. Let the carcass cool enough to handle.
Remove the turkey meat. Pick the remaining meat off the bones and discard the skin and bones. Add the shredded turkey meat back to the pot along with the strained broth which should be about 8 cups.
Add the vegetables. Stir in the carrots and spinach. Season with salt, pepper and dried basil.
Cook the orzo. Bring the soup to a boil, add the orzo and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Turkey broth: You can substitute prepared turkey or chicken broth if you don't have a leftover carcass.
Chicken: A leftover chicken carcass works just as well as turkey.
Pasta: Small pasta shapes such as ditalini or small shells can replace orzo.
Vegetables: Celery, onions, peas or additional carrots are all good additions.
Herbs: Try fresh parsley, thyme, dill or a bay leaf for additional flavor.

Tips for Making the Best Turkey Orzo Soup

Make sure there is some turkey meat left on the carcass for the best results.
Simmer the carcass gently rather than boiling it rapidly.
Strain the broth carefully to remove any small bones.
Remove the turkey meat from the bones before adding it back to the soup.
If the soup becomes too thick, add a little extra broth or water.
If you are planning to freeze the soup, cook and store the orzo separately

How to Store Leftover Turkey Soup

Store leftover turkey orzo soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

The orzo will absorb some of the broth as the soup sits. Add a little water or broth when reheating to loosen it up.

For freezing, I recommend freezing the turkey soup without the orzo. Cooked orzo can become soft after freezing and reheating. When you're ready to serve, heat the soup and add freshly cooked orzo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make turkey soup with a leftover turkey carcass?

Yes! A leftover turkey carcass is perfect for making homemade turkey soup. Place the carcass in a large pot, cover it with water and simmer for about 2 hours. Strain the broth and remove any remaining turkey meat from the bones before making your soup.

Can I make turkey orzo soup without a carcass?

Absolutely. If you already have cooked leftover turkey, you can use prepared turkey or chicken broth instead of making homemade stock. Add shredded turkey and follow the remaining recipe instructions.

Can I use a chicken carcass instead of turkey?

Yes. A leftover roasted chicken carcass works well in this recipe. Follow the same instructions to make homemade chicken broth.

Can I freeze turkey orzo soup?

Yes, but I recommend freezing the soup without the orzo. The pasta can become mushy after freezing and reheating. Add freshly cooked orzo when you're ready to serve.

What can I substitute for orzo?

Small pasta shapes such as ditalini, small shells or acini di pepe work well. You can also use cooked rice, adding it toward the end of cooking.

More Recipes using Leftover Turkey

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A big bowl of leftover turkey orzo soup.

RECIPE

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5 from 18 votes