Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chunky Turkey Spinach Soup is a wholesome, protein-packed soup that’s full of flavor and incredibly nourishing. Made with lean ground turkey, vibrant spinach, tender vegetables, and savory herbs, this one-pot meal is light yet satisfying. It’s perfect for meal prep, post-holiday leftovers, or a healthy, cozy dinner any night of the week.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground turkeyolive oildiced onioncarrots (sliced)celery (chopped)garlic (minced)diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)chicken brothdried thymeoregano or Italian seasoningbay leafsalt and pepperfresh baby spinachlemon juice (optional, for brightness)fresh parsley (for garnish)
directions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
Add lemon juice if desired. Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: approximately 35 minutes
Variations
Use leftover cooked turkey instead of ground turkey—add it in with the spinach.
Add white beans or chickpeas for extra heartiness.
Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
Spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
Add cooked quinoa or brown rice for a grain-boosted version.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead?
Yes, ground chicken works just as well as turkey in this recipe.
Is this soup low-carb?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and great for a light meal.
Can I make it in the Instant Pot?
Yes—use Sauté mode for browning, then pressure cook for 8 minutes and quick release.
What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
Frozen spinach works—just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well. Just cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.
Can I add noodles?
Sure, just stir in cooked noodles at the end for a hearty twist.
How can I thicken the soup?
Mash a few of the veggies or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, swap the turkey for plant-based meat or extra beans, and use veggie broth.
Can I use herbs other than thyme?
Yes, rosemary or basil also pair nicely with turkey and spinach.
What’s the best side dish?
Serve with crusty bread, a green salad, or a grilled cheese for a comforting meal.
Conclusion
Chunky Turkey Spinach Soup is a light yet filling recipe that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With its clean ingredients and cozy appeal, it’s a go-to for healthy weeknight dinners or a delicious way to use up turkey leftovers. One spoonful and it’s sure to become a regular in your soup rotation.
PrintChunky Turkey Spinach Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This chunky turkey spinach soup is a hearty, wholesome dish perfect for using up leftover turkey. Packed with tender chunks of turkey, fresh vegetables, and baby spinach in a light, flavorful broth, it’s ideal for a nutritious, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 4 cups cooked turkey, chopped
- 6 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic, carrots, celery, and zucchini. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Stir in turkey, broth, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Stir in baby spinach and cook for 2–3 more minutes until wilted.
- Add lemon juice if using, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Notes
- This soup works great with leftover roasted or shredded turkey.
- Can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a heartier version, add cooked quinoa or white beans.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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