Hearty Ground Turkey Soup with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pasta

I remember the first time I had a truly good bowl of ground turkey soup. It was at my friend Sarah’s house after a long, chilly Saturday spent watching our kids’ soccer tournament. We were all cold to the bone, and she brought out this huge pot of steaming, fragrant soup. It was hearty, healthy, and exactly what we needed. I loved how comforting it was, but my little recipe developer brain started turning immediately.

Her version was lovely, but I knew I could take it from simply “good” to “unforgettable.” Ground turkey is a wonderful lean protein, but let’s be honest, it needs a little help in the flavor department. It doesn’t have the rich, beefy punch of ground chuck. So, my mission began. I wanted to add a layer of flavor that was savory, a little bit sweet, and had some real depth to it. The answer came to me when I was staring into my pantry.

That’s where I found my secret weapon, a jar of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Finely chopped and sautéed with the aromatics, they practically melt into the soup, releasing this incredible, concentrated tomato flavor that perfectly complements the lean turkey and smoky fire-roasted tomatoes. It adds a little something special, a touch of Tuscan sunshine that makes this cozy soup really sing. Now, it’s my go-to recipe for a satisfying and impressive weeknight meal.

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Why This Ground Turkey Soup Recipe Works

This ground turkey soup recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for so many reasons, and I know it will in yours, too. At its core, it’s a classic vegetable and pasta soup, a style of cooking that has comforted families for generations. It’s popular because it’s a one-pot wonder, packed with lean protein and wholesome vegetables, making it a complete meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

What sets this recipe apart, however, is the careful layering of flavors. We’re not just throwing ingredients in a pot. We start by browning the turkey properly to build a savory foundation. Then, we add not just onion, carrots, and celery, but also a quartet of flavor powerhouses: smoked paprika, fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh herbs, and my special twist.

The secret ingredient that truly elevates this soup is the finely chopped, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. While a standard ground turkey soup can sometimes taste a little flat, the sun-dried tomatoes introduce a deep, slightly sweet, and intensely savory umami flavor that you just can’t get from tomato paste alone. They dissolve into the broth, creating a richness that beautifully balances the lean turkey. Paired with the smokiness from the fire-roasted tomatoes and paprika, it transforms the soup from a simple weeknight dinner into something that tastes like it simmered for hours. It’s a simple addition that delivers a huge flavor payoff, making the soup feel robust and special.

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Soup

The beauty of this soup is how simple pantry staples come together to create something truly delicious. While the list might look long, each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor that make this ground turkey soup so special. Quality matters here, so choose fresh vegetables and good-quality canned goods when you can.

The most important ingredient, and my little secret, is the oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Please don’t use the dry-packed kind for this recipe. The ones packed in oil are softer and have a richer flavor. Plus, you can even add a little of that flavorful oil to the pot for an extra boost. When finely chopped, they melt right into the broth, ensuring every spoonful has a hint of that sweet and savory depth. Another key player is the can of fire-roasted tomatoes. They provide a subtle smokiness that regular crushed tomatoes just can’t match. It’s a simple swap that makes a world of difference.

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make this soup:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground turkey (I prefer 93/7 for a good balance of flavor and leanness)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (This is the key!)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little warmth)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or small shells)
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Ground Turkey Soup

Making this soup is a straightforward process, all done in one pot, which makes cleanup a breeze. We’ll focus on building flavor at each step. I recommend using a heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven for this; they distribute heat evenly and are perfect for browning meat and simmering soups without scorching.

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

First things first, heat your olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add the ground turkey. The key here is to get a nice brown crust on the meat, not just cook it until it’s gray. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small crumbles. Let it sit for a minute or two between stirs to allow it to brown properly. This develops a deep, savory flavor that will form the base of our soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Once the turkey is cooked through and nicely browned, don’t drain the pot. Add your diced onion, carrots, and celery right in with the turkey. Stir everything together and let the vegetables cook until they start to soften up, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. They’ll pick up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 3: Bloom the Aromatics

Now for the big flavor burst. Add the minced garlic, those finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir constantly for about one minute until everything is incredibly fragrant. This step, called “blooming,” toasts the spices and aromatics in the fat, which deepens their flavor immensely. Season with a good pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes and the chicken broth. Use your spoon to scrape up any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is called deglazing, and it’s where so much flavor lives. Bring the mixture to a lively boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. This gives all those wonderful flavors time to get to know each other.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Wilt the Spinach

Turn the heat back up slightly to maintain a gentle simmer and stir in your uncooked pasta. Cook it directly in the soup according to the package directions, until it’s just al dente. A common mistake is overcooking the pasta, so keep an eye on it. Once the pasta is ready, toss in the fresh spinach by the handful. It will look like a lot, but it wilts down in just a minute or two.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Take the pot off the heat and stir in the fresh parsley. This adds a final touch of bright, fresh flavor. Give the soup one last taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if it needs it. Ladle your beautiful ground turkey soup into bowls and finish with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese. It melts into the hot soup and is just heavenly.

How To Serve Ground Turkey Soup

Once you have a steaming pot of this gorgeous ground turkey soup ready, serving it is half the fun. This soup is a hearty meal all on its own, but the right accompaniments can turn a simple dinner into a memorable feast. My family’s favorite way to enjoy it is with something crusty and delicious for dipping into that savory broth.

A warm, crusty baguette is a classic choice for a reason. You can also serve it with garlic bread, cheesy toast, or even simple salted crackers. A fresh, simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, offering a crisp, cool contrast to the warm, comforting soup. It creates a well-rounded meal that hits all the right notes.

If you want to get a little more creative with your toppings and pairings, here are a few ideas to get you started:

• A Dollop of Dairy: A spoonful of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can add a lovely tangy creaminess that balances the richness of the tomato broth.
• Herby Goodness: While the soup has parsley, you can add even more freshness with a dollop of pesto or a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano right before serving.
• Extra Crunch: Top your bowl with homemade croutons, toasted pumpkin seeds, or even some crispy fried onions for a satisfying textural contrast.
• More Cheese, Please: Besides Parmesan, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or sharp white cheddar that gets all melty on top is absolutely divine.

No matter how you choose to serve it, this soup is all about comfort. Ladle it into big, cozy bowls, gather your family around the table, and enjoy a meal that’s guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out. It’s perfect for a chilly evening or any time you need a little extra comfort in a bowl.

How To Store & Reuse Ground Turkey Soup Leftovers

One of the best things about making a big pot of soup is having leftovers for the next day. This ground turkey soup is fantastic on day two, as the flavors have even more time to meld together and deepen. Proper storage is key to making sure it’s just as delicious when you reheat it.

First, always let the soup cool down before storing it. A good rule of thumb is to let it sit at room temperature for about an hour, but no longer than two hours, before transferring it to the refrigerator. Storing hot soup directly in the fridge can raise the internal temperature, which isn’t safe for the other food in there. I like to portion the soup into airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Here are my go-to methods for storing and reheating this wonderful soup:

• In the Refrigerator: The soup will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be aware that the pasta will continue to absorb the broth as it sits, so the soup will thicken considerably. This isn’t a bad thing, just something to expect.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: This is my preferred method. Simply pour the leftover soup into a small saucepan and gently warm it over medium-low heat until it’s heated through. You will likely need to add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to thin it back out to your desired consistency.
• Reheating in the Microwave: For a quick lunch, you can easily reheat a single serving in the microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a paper towel to prevent splatters, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.

If you know you’ll be making this soup specifically for leftovers, you might consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to each bowl as you serve it. That way, the pasta won’t get too soft in the leftover soup. Just store the cooked pasta and soup in separate containers in the fridge. This little extra step keeps everything tasting fresh and perfectly textured.

Substitutions & Variations For Ground Turkey Soup

I always say a good recipe is like a good road map. It shows you the best way to get there, but there are always interesting detours you can take. This ground turkey soup is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own based on what you have in your pantry or your family’s preferences. Almost every component can be swapped or tweaked to create a new and delicious version.

For example, if you don’t have ground turkey, this recipe works beautifully with ground chicken for a similar lean option, or you could go richer with ground beef or even Italian sausage for a spicier kick. The vegetables are also easy to swap. Don’t have spinach? Try chopped kale or Swiss chard. You could also add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the carrots and celery for an extra veggie boost.

Here are a few of my favorite substitutions and variations to inspire you:

• Make it Gluten-Free: To make this soup gluten-free, simply swap the pasta for a cup of uncooked white or brown rice, quinoa, or a gluten-free pasta variety. If using rice or quinoa, you may need to add a bit more broth and adjust the simmer time accordingly.
• Add Some Beans: For extra fiber and protein, stir in a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas during the last 10 minutes of simmering. It makes the soup even heartier.
• Spice it Up: If you like a bit more heat, you can increase the red pepper flakes, add a finely diced jalapeño with the onions, or stir in a spoonful of your favorite chili garlic sauce.
• Creamy Turkey Soup: For a richer, creamier texture, stir in a half-cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk at the very end of cooking, just before you add the parsley. Just be sure not to let the soup boil after adding the dairy.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. The core of this recipe, with the savory turkey, fire-roasted tomatoes, and that sun-dried tomato secret, is a solid foundation for all sorts of delicious creations. Cooking should be fun, so play with your food!

5 FAQs About Ground Turkey Soup

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this ground turkey soup recipe.

Can I make this ground turkey soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! This soup adapts beautifully to the slow cooker, which is perfect for those days when you want to come home to a hot, ready-to-eat dinner. To convert the recipe, you’ll want to do a little prep work on the stovetop first to maximize the flavor. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet, then add the onions, carrots, and celery and sauté for a few minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the garlic and spices and cook for another minute until fragrant.

After that, transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker. Add the crushed fire-roasted tomatoes and chicken broth, and stir everything together. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the uncooked pasta and fresh spinach, turn the slow cooker to high (if it isn’t already), and cover. Let it cook until the pasta is tender. Finish by stirring in the fresh parsley and serving as directed. This method ensures you get all the deep flavor from browning the meat while still enjoying the convenience of a slow cooker.

How can I make this ground turkey soup creamy?

There are a couple of wonderful ways to add a creamy, luscious texture to this soup. The easiest method is to stir in a bit of dairy at the end of the cooking process. After you’ve wilted the spinach and removed the pot from the heat, slowly stir in about a half-cup of heavy cream or half-and-half. This will give the broth a silky, rich finish that is absolutely divine. For a tangier version, a few spoonfuls of sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt also work well.

If you’re looking for a dairy-free creamy option, full-fat canned coconut milk is an excellent choice. It adds a subtle sweetness and richness without any dairy. Another clever trick is to use some of the soup’s own ingredients. You can remove about a cup of the soup (being sure to get some of the vegetables), blend it until smooth with an immersion or regular blender, and then stir it back into the pot. This thickens the broth naturally and adds a creamy consistency without any extra ingredients.

Is ground turkey soup healthy?

Yes, this ground turkey soup is a wonderfully healthy and balanced meal. Ground turkey is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for building muscle and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. This recipe is also loaded with nutritious vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and spinach, which provide a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The tomato base is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.

To keep the soup on the healthier side, I recommend using a lean ground turkey (93/7 is a great choice) and low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content. The recipe uses whole, simple ingredients and avoids processed additives. Because it includes protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates from the pasta, it’s a complete and satisfying one-pot meal that nourishes your body while also being incredibly comforting and delicious. It’s the kind of healthy food that you’ll actually look forward to eating.

Can I freeze this ground turkey soup?

This soup freezes quite well, but there is one important consideration: the pasta. Pasta that is cooked and then frozen in liquid can become very soft and mushy upon reheating. It doesn’t hold its texture well. Therefore, if you plan to freeze a batch of this soup, I highly recommend making it without the pasta. Follow all the steps up until the point where you would add the pasta and spinach.

Let this pasta-free soup base cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little bit of room at the top for expansion. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, and once it’s simmering, you can cook a fresh batch of pasta separately and add it to the soup, or you can stir the uncooked pasta directly into the simmering soup and cook it until al dente. Finally, wilt in your fresh spinach, and it will taste as fresh as the day you made it.

What kind of pasta is best for this soup?

The best pasta for this ground turkey soup is a small shape that can easily fit on a spoon along with the other ingredients. You want each bite to be a perfect medley of broth, turkey, vegetables, and pasta. My personal favorites for this recipe are ditalini, which are tiny little tubes, or small shells. Both are excellent at catching the savory broth and little bits of turkey and vegetables.

Other great options include small elbow macaroni, orzo, or any other type of “pastina” or small soup pasta. The key is to choose something that won’t overwhelm the other ingredients or become too bulky in the soup. I would avoid using long strands like spaghetti or fettuccine, as they can be difficult to eat in a soup. The goal is a harmonious, easy-to-eat bowl of comfort, and a small pasta shape is the perfect choice to achieve that.

Try These Recipes Next

If you loved the comforting, savory flavors in this soup, I think you’ll enjoy these other favorites from my kitchen.

• Creamy Turkey and Wild Rice Soup: A rich and creamy soup that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey, but just as delicious made with ground turkey.
• Hearty Ground Beef Soup: If you enjoyed the smoky tomatoes in this recipe, you’ll love this robust ground beef version.
• Easy Crockpot Turkey Chili: For another fantastic and simple ground turkey meal, this slow cooker chili is a must-try.

Each of these recipes is packed with flavor and perfect for a cozy family meal.