Velvety Turkey Gnocchi Delight

This creamy turkey gnocchi soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich and deeply satisfying experience in every spoonful. It’s truly the perfect recipe to effortlessly transform your Thanksgiving dinner leftovers into a whole new culinary delight. Say goodbye to the mundane routine of reheating the same holiday meal for days on end and welcome this incredibly delicious and cozy soup into your weeknight rotation!

If you’re constantly searching for creative ways to use up leftover turkey after a big holiday dinner, then look no further! This turkey gnocchi soup recipe is not only exquisitely creamy and incredibly flavorful but also surprisingly simple and quick to prepare. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Inspired by my beloved classic creamy chicken gnocchi soup, this delightful version thoughtfully substitutes the chicken with savory cooked turkey. Just like the original, I’ve opted to include fresh baby spinach, which adds a vibrant pop of color and a subtle earthy flavor. However, if your preference leans towards a more straightforward creamy turkey soup, feel free to omit the spinach. One thing is absolutely certain: once you taste this incredible soup, you are going to fall completely in love with it!

Prepare to elevate your leftover turkey game and dive into a bowl of pure warmth and deliciousness. This recipe proves that leftovers can be even better the second time around, especially when transformed into such a comforting and hearty soup.

Why You’ll Adore This Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup:

• A Masterful Way to Reimagine Leftovers: While the classic turkey sandwich or a reheated plate of holiday dinner certainly has its charm, the novelty can quickly wear off. This recipe offers an exciting and truly delicious alternative, transforming a handful of that succulent leftover turkey into a gourmet meal. It’s a brilliant strategy to combat food waste and culinary boredom – you absolutely won’t regret giving this leftover turkey gnocchi soup a try!
• The Quintessential Comfort Food Experience: Imagine a velvety, rich broth infused with savory herbs, enveloping delicate, tender potato gnocchi, and succulent pieces of flavorful turkey. This combination is the epitome of comfort food, designed to warm you from the inside out and bring a cozy sense of satisfaction to any meal. Each spoonful is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it an irresistible dish.
• Remarkably Quick and Effortless Preparation: One of the most appealing aspects of any gnocchi recipe is its speedy cooking time, and this one is no exception. Because it utilizes pre-cooked turkey, a significant portion of the work is already done. This means you can whip up a hearty and flavorful meal in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade but quick.
• A True Soup Season Superstar: As soon as the crisp, chilly autumn air descends and winter’s embrace begins, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup to chase away the cold. This creamy turkey gnocchi soup is destined to become your go-to recipe during the colder months. Gather your coziest sweater, a sharp knife for prepping a few vegetables, and get ready to settle in for a wonderfully warm and comforting experience.

Essential Ingredients for Your Turkey Gnocchi Soup

Crafting this hearty and delicious creamy turkey gnocchi soup requires a selection of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital:

• Cooked Turkey: This recipe shines as the ultimate solution for utilizing leftover turkey. Whether it’s succulent turkey breast or flavorful dark meat from Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other festive occasion, chopped or shredded turkey is the star. Its savory depth forms the foundation of the soup’s rich flavor profile.
• Potato Gnocchi: These delightful, pillowy potato dumplings are easily found in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores. They cook incredibly fast and absorb the creamy broth beautifully, adding a wonderfully tender texture to the soup. For those with dietary restrictions, excellent gluten-free gnocchi options are readily available and taste fantastic.
• Aromatic Vegetables: A classic mirepoix of onion, carrot, and celery provides the essential aromatic base, infusing the soup with sweet and savory notes. Fresh garlic adds a pungent, warm flavor that is indispensable for depth. These vegetables are sautéed until tender, releasing their full flavor.
• Fresh Spinach (Optional, but Recommended): In season and bursting with freshness, baby spinach is a fantastic addition for both its vibrant color and its mild, earthy flavor. It wilts perfectly into the hot soup, adding a nutritional boost and a pleasant, tender texture without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Broth: Chicken stock or broth is my go-to recommendation for its balanced flavor, which complements the turkey beautifully. However, if you happen to have homemade turkey broth on hand, it would be an even more magnificent choice, intensifying the turkey flavor. Opting for reduced-sodium broth is always a good idea, as it gives you greater control over the final seasoning and saltiness of your soup.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatic vegetables, olive oil contributes a subtle, fruity flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup. If olive oil isn’t available or preferred, you can easily substitute it with avocado oil, vegetable oil, or unsalted butter for a similar rich base.
• Flavorful Seasonings: A blend of dried thyme and Italian seasoning adds an authentic, herbaceous warmth that defines this soup’s character. Salt and black pepper are crucial for seasoning, and it’s imperative to adjust them to your exact preference once the soup has finished cooking. For an extra layer of freshness and aroma, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or additional thyme right before serving.

Gathering these simple yet powerful ingredients is the first step towards creating a comforting and memorable bowl of creamy turkey gnocchi soup that your family and friends will rave about.

Crafting the Perfect Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this rich and satisfying creamy turkey gnocchi soup is a straightforward process, even for novice cooks. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly balanced and flavorful dish:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the hot oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onions become translucent, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking until fragrant.
2. Build the Broth Base: Pour in the chicken broth (or turkey broth) into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits that may have accumulated at the bottom of the pot – this process, known as deglazing, adds immense flavor to your soup. Next, add the pre-cooked turkey, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, and a initial pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Gnocchi to Perfection: Once the soup is boiling, carefully add the potato gnocchi. Stir gently to ensure they don’t stick together or to the bottom of the pot. Allow the gnocchi to boil for precisely 4 minutes. After this initial boiling time, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook for an additional 4 minutes. It’s crucial not to overcook the gnocchi, as they can become gummy.
4. Introduce the Creaminess: Pour in the milk and heavy cream (or half-and-half) into the soup. Stir well to incorporate the dairy, ensuring a smooth and even consistency. Continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the soup is thoroughly heated through and has thickened slightly to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
5. Incorporate the Fresh Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the soup. Stir it in gently until the residual heat of the creamy soup causes it to wilt completely. This typically happens quite quickly, within 1-2 minutes. The spinach adds a beautiful color and a mild, fresh counterpoint to the richness of the soup.
6. Final Seasoning and Serving: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the intensity of seasonings can change once all ingredients are combined, so a final taste test is essential for achieving perfection. Ladle the hot, creamy turkey gnocchi soup into individual bowls, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy this wonderfully comforting and flavorful meal!

This detailed approach ensures that every component is cooked to perfection, resulting in a harmonious and incredibly delicious soup that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Leftover Soup

Proper storage is key to enjoying your creamy turkey gnocchi soup long after its initial preparation. Here’s how to ensure your leftovers remain fresh and delicious:

• Storage Instructions: Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer any remaining portions to an airtight container. It’s crucial to seal it properly to prevent air exposure and maintain freshness. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This ensures both safety and optimal flavor retention.
• Reheating Tips: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat individual portion sizes as needed. You can do this on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave. Heat until the soup is thoroughly hot and steamy, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165ºF (74ºC) for food safety. If the soup appears too thick after refrigeration, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating to achieve your desired consistency.

By following these simple storage and reheating guidelines, you can savor the comforting flavors of your turkey gnocchi soup for several days, making it an excellent meal prep option.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup

This rich and hearty creamy turkey gnocchi soup is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent suggestions:

• Warm Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth.
• Crusty Bread: A thick slice of crusty artisan bread, like a baguette or sourdough, provides a wonderful textural contrast and is ideal for dipping.
• Focaccia: Herb-infused focaccia offers a delightful chewiness and robust flavor that complements the soup beautifully.
• Crackers: Simple yet satisfying, a handful of your favorite crackers adds a comforting crunch.
• Grissini (Breadsticks): Light and crisp breadsticks are an elegant choice for a lighter accompaniment.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp, light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• White Wine: A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a Pinot Grigio can beautifully cut through the creaminess of the soup, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Choose your favorite pairing to complete a truly satisfying and memorable meal with your homemade turkey gnocchi soup.

Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup

Achieving the perfect bowl of creamy turkey gnocchi soup is simple with a few insider tips. These insights will help you enhance the flavors, textures, and overall enjoyment of your homemade creation:

• Prevent Overcooking the Gnocchi: Gnocchi are delicate and cook very quickly. Overcooking them will result in a gummy, unpleasant texture. It’s essential to adhere strictly to the cooking times indicated in the recipe. I highly recommend setting a timer to ensure your gnocchi remain perfectly tender and light, just as they should be.
• Elevate with Cheese: This soup is wonderfully flavorful and creamy on its own, but if you’re a cheese lover looking to add an extra layer of savory depth, a few tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can work wonders. For an even bolder flavor, consider stirring in some sharp cheddar cheese at the end of cooking. The melting cheese will create a richer, more indulgent broth.
• Incorporate Additional Vegetables: While the recipe includes a foundational blend of aromatic vegetables, don’t hesitate to customize your soup with your favorite extra veggies. Adding more fiber and flavor is always a good idea! Just be mindful that introducing new vegetables might subtly alter the overall flavor profile. Leftover green beans, corn, or peas would be delicious additions. For tender vegetables like fresh green beans or zucchini, add them towards the very end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming soggy and losing their vibrant texture.
• Don’t Skip Deglazing: When you add the broth to the pot after sautéing the vegetables, use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. This “deglazing” process releases concentrated flavors that will significantly enrich your soup’s broth.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your personal preference. Broths can vary in sodium content, and your desired level of seasoning might differ. A final sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, can also brighten the flavors.

By keeping these expert tips in mind, you’re well on your way to crafting a truly exceptional and memorable creamy turkey gnocchi soup.

Creative Variations to Explore with Your Turkey Gnocchi Soup

This creamy turkey gnocchi soup recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy adaptations to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Get creative with these delicious variations:

• Hearty Turkey and Potato Soup: For a more classic and rustic feel, simply substitute the potato gnocchi with 1 pound of peeled and cubed potatoes. Boil the potatoes alongside the sautéed veggies and broth until they are fork-tender (this will take approximately 11-15 minutes, covered). Then, proceed to add the cooked turkey, seasonings, heavy cream, and milk. Finally, stir in the spinach once everything is heated through for a comforting and familiar potato-based soup.
• Indulgent Cheesy Turkey Gnocchi Soup: Transform your soup into an even more decadent experience by adding cheese! Just after stirring in the spinach, stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue to stir gently until the cheese has completely melted into the hot soup, creating a lusciously cheesy and rich broth that is absolutely irresistible.
• Creamy Turkey Rice Soup: If you prefer rice over gnocchi, this variation is perfect. Replace the gnocchi with 1 cup of cooked and cooled rice. Add the rice along with the turkey and seasonings, allowing it to heat through and absorb the delicious flavors of the broth. This provides a different texture while maintaining the soup’s comforting essence.
• Robust Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup: For a completely different flavor profile, substitute the cooked turkey with 1 pound of browned and thoroughly drained mild Italian ground sausage. The savory and slightly spicy notes of the sausage will add a fantastic depth of flavor, creating a robust and flavorful soup reminiscent of a restaurant-quality dish.

These variations offer exciting new ways to enjoy the comforting base of this soup, ensuring there’s a version for every preference.

Handy Substitutions for Your Turkey Gnocchi Soup

Whether you’re adapting to dietary needs or simply using what you have on hand, here are some useful substitutions to make this creamy turkey gnocchi soup work for you:

Using Ground Turkey: If you don’t have leftover cooked turkey, or prefer a different texture, you can easily use ground turkey. Simply brown 1 pound of ground turkey in the pot with 2 teaspoons of olive oil, seasoning it with salt and pepper as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain off any excess liquid or fat before proceeding with the recipe in place of the leftover turkey. This provides a fresh, flavorful base.

Dairy-Free or Without Heavy Cream: The combination of milk and heavy cream can be swapped for 2 cups of half-and-half for a slightly lighter but still creamy option, or 2 cups of evaporated milk for a rich, condensed milk flavor without the heavy cream. While I haven’t personally tested it for this specific recipe, I believe that full-fat canned coconut milk could make a good dairy-free substitute, provided you don’t mind a subtle coconut flavor in your soup. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.

Making it Gluten-Free: Achieving a gluten-free version of this soup is very simple and yields equally delicious results! I have tested this recipe with gluten-free gnocchi, and it performs beautifully. The other key ingredient to double-check is your chicken broth. Some commercial broths may contain barley, which is a source of gluten. Most reduced-sodium broths tend to be gluten-free, but it’s always important to carefully read the label to ensure it’s certified gluten-free.

Low Carb / Keto Friendly Adaptations: For a low-carb or ketogenic version, swap the traditional potato gnocchi for cauliflower gnocchi or, even simpler, use fresh cauliflower florets. To maintain creaminess, use extra heavy cream or half-and-half in place of the milk. If desired, you can replace the carrot (which has a higher carb count) with an extra rib of celery or other low-carb vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to further reduce the carbohydrate content.

These flexible substitutions ensure that almost anyone can enjoy a comforting bowl of this delicious turkey gnocchi soup.

Instant Pot Instructions for Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup

For a quicker, one-pot solution, your Instant Pot is perfect for preparing this creamy turkey gnocchi soup. Follow these tailored instructions for a fast and flavorful meal:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
2. Deglaze and Add Base Ingredients: Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to carefully scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, ensuring you deglaze thoroughly to prevent a “Burn” notice and to maximize flavor. Add the cooked turkey, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
3. Bring to a Simmer: With the pot still on the “Sauté” setting, bring the soup mixture to a gentle simmer. This helps to meld the flavors before pressure cooking.
4. Add Gnocchi and Seal: Once the soup is simmering, add the potato gnocchi and stir gently to ensure they are submerged in the liquid and don’t stick together. Hit the “Cancel” button to turn off the sauté function. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and flip the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position.
5. Pressure Cook: Using the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function, set the Instant Pot to cook for “0” minutes. This setting is ideal for quick-cooking ingredients like gnocchi, as the pot will come to pressure and cook the gnocchi almost instantly.
6. Quick Pressure Release: The Instant Pot will reach pressure, and then beep to indicate that the cooking cycle is complete. Immediately, and carefully, flip the steam release valve to the “Venting” position for a quick pressure release. Stand clear of the valve to avoid the hot steam.
7. Add Cream and Milk: Once all the pressure has been released and the float valve has dropped, carefully open the lid. Pour in the heavy cream and milk (or half-and-half). Switch the Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” setting.
8. Thicken and Add Spinach: Cook the soup, stirring often, for about 3-5 minutes until it is heated through and has thickened slightly to your desired consistency. Finally, add the fresh spinach and stir it in until it wilts completely from the residual heat of the soup, which typically takes 1-3 minutes.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Ladle your delicious creamy turkey gnocchi soup into bowls and serve immediately for a quick, comforting, and hearty meal!

This Instant Pot method makes preparing this delightful soup even more convenient, perfect for busy schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Turkey Gnocchi Soup

• Can I use frozen gnocchi? Yes, you can absolutely use frozen potato gnocchi for this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand. Simply add them directly to the simmering broth as instructed, and they will cook perfectly in the same amount of time.
• What kind of turkey works best? Any cooked turkey will work! Whether it’s white meat, dark meat, or a mix, shredded or diced, from a roasted turkey, a smoked turkey, or even rotisserie chicken (if you don’t have turkey). The key is that it’s already cooked and ready to add to the soup.
• Can I make this soup ahead of time? While the soup can be made ahead, gnocchi can tend to absorb a lot of liquid and soften further upon sitting. For the best texture, I recommend cooking the gnocchi just before serving. You can prepare the broth base (with turkey and vegetables) in advance, store it in the fridge, and then bring it to a simmer and add the gnocchi and spinach just before you’re ready to eat.
• How can I make the soup thicker? If you prefer an even thicker soup, you have a few options. You can create a simple cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the simmering soup at the end, cooking for a few minutes until thickened. Alternatively, you can mash a small portion of the cooked gnocchi or vegetables against the side of the pot to release starches and naturally thicken the broth.