There I was again, trying to figure out what to make for lunch. It’s kind of the story of my life. Thank goodness for leftover turkey, it’s so versatile.
Really, I just wanted to make the never-ending-turkey into something the kids would be interested in eating. Since they’ve had it just about every other way this week, I reached for my secret stash of alphabet pasta. I say secret because I have such a hard time finding it in stores. The only place I seem to be able to get it is in the Hispanic section? It’s really the strangest thing. Let me know if it’s different at your market.
Anyway, this is one of those throw together lunches that takes only minutes before it’s ready to serve. You could also use leftover chicken too. I think it’s the alphabet pasta that makes it special. Serve it to your kids after Thanksgiving with any leftover rolls or bread you might have around.
Turkey Alphabet Soup
Ingredients
- 2 (32oz) containers chicken stock
- 2 cups water
- 1 small brown onion, coarsely chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 1 (12 oz) package petite carrots
- 1 (8 oz) package Alphabet pasta
- 2-3 cups leftover turkey, cubed
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a large soup pot add chicken stock, water, onion and celery and bring to a boil. Add carrots and turn down heat to a low simmer. Add pasta and cook according to manufactures directions (probably 6-8 minutes). Add turkey to warm through and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Alphabet pasta is kind of like sprinkles…they make you smile.
Here is something I often finish my soups or sauces with. It gives them all a nice depth of flavor. Try it if you can or let me know if you’ve ever experienced it.
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YUM! I love the alphabet noodles!! Great way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving.
Growing up, Maggi was a mainstay in my German household. Chicken and stars soup was my favorite as a kid, but I refused to eat it without a generous addition of Maggi.
When I was a young woman it used to be called Maggi’s Aroma in Europe (maybe not Germany) which we all thought was funny. However, it’s something I love to use as well.
Never used alphabet noodles, but I often make similar soups with beans or barley.
What a beautiful and fun soup!! I can’t wait for leftover Thanksgiving turkey 🙂
“Alphabet pasta is kind of like sprinkles…they make you smile.” — Yes, absolutely!
I don’t have kids, but I still love making fun-shaped pasta just so I can eat it. Strangely enough, I’ve found a great selection of pastas at HomeGoods (I found turkey pasta there last year right before Thanksgiving!).
LOVE this! I’m going on a search for alphabet pasta this week! My boys would have so much fun eating this! Thanks for the great idea and yummy recipe!
This looks so fun Cathy… And very comforting!
I can normally find it at our Walmart! I actually have two packages in the pantry that I’m been meaning to use! Love this soup! Looks so good!
No it was with the pastas, I almost bought a box today, but opted for bowties.