Skillet Turkey Soup: Easiest One-Pan Recipe EVER!

January 30, 2026

By:

Skillet turkey soup is the ultimate comfort food, especially when the weather turns chilly. There’s something so satisfying about a one pan meal that warms you from the inside out. This skillet turkey soup is packed with flavor, uses simple ingredients, and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You will soon understand why my friends kept asking for this recipe.

Growing up, my grandmother always had a pot of soup simmering on the stove, and this skillet turkey soup recipe pays homage to her resourcefulness. I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does. It is one of my favorites to share.

Why You Will Love This skillet turkey soup Recipe

This skillet turkey soup recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly comforting, bringing back memories of cozy evenings spent with family. It is faster than traditional soup recipes, making it ideal for those nights when you need a quick and satisfying meal. Plus, the combination of tender turkey, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth is simply irresistible.

My favorite part, it is a one pan meal. With minimal dishes, it is a win win! Another reason to love this skillet soup, is that it is great for leftover turkey. Follow us on Pinterest for more quick and easy meals! Think this looks good today? Try my Skillet Turkey Wraps 2 for a lighter, brighter turkey delight!

skillet turkey soup - Detail or variation
Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This skillet turkey soup Recipe

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey (or leftover cooked turkey, diced)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 cup cooked pasta (such as ditalini or rotini)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

How to Make This skillet turkey soup Recipe

  1. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. If using ground turkey, add it to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. If using cooked turkey, set it aside briefly and add it at the end.
  1. 2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  1. 3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  1. 4. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  1. 5. Add the frozen corn and frozen peas. If you are using leftover turkey, add it now. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have meld. Did you enjoy this soup? Check out my Skillet Chicken Soup 2 recipe for a similar, comforting twist.
  1. 6. Stir in the cooked pasta. Heat through.
  1. 7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

How to Serve This skillet turkey soup Recipe

This skillet turkey soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the experience with some simple touches. Consider serving it with a side of crusty bread for dipping or a light side salad. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a nice touch. The simplicity and versatility make this soup a go to.

How to Store This skillet turkey soup Recipe

To store leftover skillet turkey soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 to 3 months. Be sure to use a freezer safe container. Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make This skillet turkey soup Recipe

  • Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute different vegetables based on what you have on hand. Green beans, spinach, or zucchini would all work well.
  • Success Tips: Don’t overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy. Add it towards the end of the cooking time to ensure it stays al dente.
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid: Be sure to drain off any excess grease from the ground turkey. This will prevent the soup from becoming too oily.
  • Pro Tips for Best Results: For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or bone broth. You can also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth. Don’t want soup? Try my Skillet Turkey Wraps instead!

Helpful Notes for This skillet turkey soup Recipe

  • Diced Tomatoes: I prefer using diced tomatoes with their juice, as they add extra flavor and moisture to the soup. However, you can also use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Ground Turkey: If you don’t have ground turkey, you can use ground chicken or Italian sausage instead.
  • Pasta: Any small pasta shape will work well in this soup. Ditalini, rotini, or even small shells are all good choices.

Variation of This skillet turkey soup Recipe

  • Spicy Skillet Turkey Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the skillet along with the vegetables for a spicy kick.
  • Creamy Skillet Turkey Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a creamier texture.
  • Lemon Herb Skillet Turkey Soup: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a handful of chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, or thyme) to brighten the flavors.

What is skillet turkey soup?

Skillet turkey soup is a delicious and comforting soup made in a single skillet, typically featuring cooked turkey, vegetables, and broth. It is a convenient and flavorful way to use leftover turkey.

How do I make skillet turkey soup?

To make skillet turkey soup, sauté vegetables, add cooked turkey, broth, and seasonings to a large skillet. Simmer until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve hot and enjoy this one-pan dish.

Can I use leftover turkey in skillet turkey soup?

Yes, using leftover turkey is a great way to make skillet turkey soup. It adds flavor and reduces waste. Simply shred or cube the cooked turkey and add it to the skillet with the other ingredients.

What are some good additions to skillet turkey soup?

Popular additions to skillet turkey soup include rice, pasta, beans, and various vegetables like carrots, celery, and corn. You can also use different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and paprika to customize the flavor.

Conclusion

This skillet turkey soup is a simple, comforting, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its easy preparation and versatile ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So grab your skillet and get cooking! If you try this skillet turkey soup recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

Print

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Skillet Turkey Soup: Easiest One-Pan Recipe EVER!


  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Skillet Turkey Soup recipe is a quick and easy way to use leftover turkey or ground turkey. It’s a comforting one-pan meal with simple ingredients and a flavorful broth.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey (or leftover cooked turkey, diced)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1 cup cooked pasta (such as ditalini or rotini)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. If using ground turkey, add it to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. If using cooked turkey, set it aside briefly and add it at the end.
  2. 2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. 3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  4. 4. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. 5. Add the frozen corn and frozen peas. If you are using leftover turkey, add it now. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
  6. 6. Stir in the cooked pasta. Heat through.
  7. 7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: skillet turkey soup, turkey soup, leftover turkey, one pot meal

People adore these recipes!

Leave a Comment