Name: Creamy Turkey Rice Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 3 carrots, peeled and chopped; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 6 cups chicken stock; ¾ Tablespoon kosher salt, more or less, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cup white rice; 2 cups cooked turkey, diced or shredded into bite-sized pieces; 2 cups whole milk; 2 Tablespoons cornstarch; Fresh parsley to garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 8 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Creamy Turkey Rice Soup Recipe because it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s packed with tender turkey, wholesome rice, and a velvety broth that brings all the comforting flavors of a holiday feast into everyday life. Every spoonful feels satisfying yet light, making it my go-to whenever I want something that’s hearty, nourishing, and full of soul.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Turkey Rice Soup Recipe

What really makes this soup special for me is its incredible balance of flavors and texture. The mushrooms and garlic add a deep, earthy warmth that blends beautifully with the gentle sweetness of carrots and the aromatic lift of Italian seasoning. Then you have the tender turkey and perfectly cooked rice, which create a grounding heartiness. That creamy, silky broth ties everything together in the coziest way possible—I love how it feels like a comforting bowl of happiness.

Beyond the taste, this recipe is surprisingly easy to whip up, which I always appreciate on busy days. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal steps, it’s one of those recipes where you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for convenience. It’s perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to welcoming guests during the holidays. Honestly, it stands out because it’s not just soup—it’s a full meal that feels homemade and thoughtfully satisfying every single time.

Ingredients You'll Need

A flat lay image showing several clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled texture. The largest bowl in the top left contains golden yellow chicken stock. To its right, a smaller bowl holds white uncooked rice. Below the rice, a medium bowl is filled with pale brown and white sliced mushrooms. A small bowl with light green chopped celery sits next to the mushrooms, and to the left of the celery is a small bowl of clear yellow olive oil. Near the bottom center, there is a bowl of bright orange chopped carrots mixed with white garlic and onion pieces. Next to this, a bowl of cubed, pale cooked turkey is placed. A small bowl of white cornstarch and a tiny bowl of green Italian seasoning are near the bottom left. A small white cup of whole milk is on the left side near the carrots. Two white shakers and a whole garlic bulb are in the upper right area. All bowls are clear glass, and the setting is bright with a clean white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Creamy Turkey Rice Soup Recipe are wonderfully simple but essential to create its layered flavors and delightful texture. Each item plays a crucial role, from the fresh vegetables that provide sweetness and crunch, to the stock and milk that build the creamy base, and of course the turkey and rice that make it filling and balanced.

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps sauté the vegetables beautifully.
Small onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup’s base.
Baby bella mushrooms: Bring an earthy, meaty texture that elevates the flavor.
Garlic cloves: Infuse the soup with warm, savory notes that make every bite comforting.
Celery stalks: Provide a fresh, gentle crunch that balances the creaminess.
Carrots: Their natural sweetness brightens the broth and adds lovely color.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that ties the flavors together with an inviting aroma.
Chicken stock: Creates a flavorful, savory foundation essential for depth.
White rice: The perfect tender grain that soaks up the broth and adds heartiness.
Cooked turkey: The star ingredient, providing protein and that cozy holiday feel.
Whole milk: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy without overpowering the other ingredients.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the broth to that perfect creamy consistency.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the flavors naturally.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish when garnished on top.

Directions

Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the chopped small onion along with a pinch of kosher salt. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and soft.

Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium low and add the sliced baby bella mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the mushrooms soften and release their earthy aroma, stirring gently to combine everything.

Step 3: Stir in the chopped celery, carrots, and ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix everything well so the vegetables start to meld with the herbs, which will kick up the flavor of the soup.

Step 4: Turn the heat up to medium high and pour in 6 cups of chicken stock along with 1 cup of white rice. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, letting the rice begin cooking right in the broth.

Step 5: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium low and let the soup simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir every few minutes to make sure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom. You’ll know the rice is ready when it’s just tender.

Step 6: Add 2 cups of cooked turkey, diced or shredded, and bring the soup back up to a simmer. The turkey only needs to warm through since it’s already cooked.

Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 cups of whole milk and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until the mixture is completely smooth with no lumps. Pour this slurry slowly into the simmering soup while stirring constantly.

Step 8: Let the soup simmer gently for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often. You’ll see it thicken as the cornstarch activates, creating that signature creamy texture.

Step 9: Taste the soup and add more kosher salt or freshly ground black pepper as needed. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Servings and Timing

This Creamy Turkey Rice Soup Recipe makes about 8 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or having leftovers for the next day. Prep time usually takes me around 15 minutes, with about 30 minutes for cooking, so you’re looking at a total time of 45 minutes from start to finish. There’s no additional resting or cooling time needed—this soup is best enjoyed hot, fresh from the pot.

How to Serve This Creamy Turkey Rice Soup Recipe

A white pot filled with creamy soup that has a pale yellow base. Inside the soup, there are small pieces of orange carrots, light brown mushroom slices, and pale green herbs scattered throughout. Fresh green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top as garnish. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with two small bread rolls to the left and a white plate with silver spoons to the bottom right. A white pepper shaker and fresh green parsley are visible in the background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this soup, I like to complement it with something that adds texture and contrast. A crusty piece of sourdough bread or a rustic baguette is perfect for dipping into the luscious broth. Sometimes, I’ll also serve it alongside a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and balance to the richness of the soup.

Presentation-wise, I find that ladling the soup into wide, shallow bowls shows off the colorful veggies and creamy broth beautifully. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few twists of coarse black pepper on top adds that extra touch that makes it feel special. I usually serve it steaming hot because that warmth really brings out the comforting flavors we all crave.

For beverages, I love pairing this soup with a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay. If wine isn’t your thing, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a warm herbal tea complements the meal wonderfully. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a weeknight meal, or a casual gathering, this soup always feels like the perfect cozy choice.

Variations

I’ve experimented quite a bit with this Creamy Turkey Rice Soup Recipe, and I love sharing how it can be customized to suit your preferences. For example, if you want to add more texture, try swapping the white rice for wild rice or fully cooked brown rice, which adds a nutty flavor and chewier bite. Just remember to use pre-cooked rice so the veggies don’t overcook.

If you’re looking to make this soup gluten-free, it’s naturally so since there are no wheat ingredients. For a vegetarian or vegan version, I recommend substituting the turkey with hearty mushrooms or even cubed tofu, plus swapping the chicken stock for vegetable broth and using a plant-based milk like oat or almond milk. This way, you keep the heartiness without the animal products.

To elevate the flavors, I’ve also added a splash of dry white wine when sautéing the mushrooms or stirred in some fresh thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a slightly different herbal note. If you want an even creamier texture, using half and half instead of whole milk is a lovely indulgence. Slow-cooking this soup in a crockpot works well too—just add all ingredients except the slurry early on and then stir in the milk and cornstarch mixture near the end to thicken.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftover soup, I like to transfer it to airtight containers as soon as it’s cooled down to room temperature. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids work best because they don’t absorb odors and are easy to reheat from. Stored this way, the soup stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating, as ingredients may settle.

Freezing

This Creamy Turkey Rice Soup Recipe freezes quite well if you want to save some for later. I recommend freezing it in portion-sized, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty resealable bags. Make sure the soup is completely cooled before transferring it to avoid freezer burn. It can keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and bring the creaminess back to life. You can add a splash of milk or broth if it seems too thick after refrigeration or freezing. Microwave reheating is fine too, but be sure to stir every minute or so for even warming. Avoid boiling vigorously during reheating, as it can break down the texture of the rice and make the soup grainy.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey from a roast in this soup?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey works perfectly in this Creamy Turkey Rice Soup Recipe. Just shred or dice the turkey into bite-sized pieces, and add it in step 6 to warm through. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose holiday turkey or any cooked bird you have on hand.

Is it okay to substitute the white rice with brown or wild rice?

You sure can, but I suggest using pre-cooked brown or wild rice instead of uncooked, because those grains take much longer to cook. Adding cooked grains prevents the vegetables from becoming mushy and keeps the soup’s texture just right.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! To make it dairy-free, swap the whole milk for unsweetened plant-based milks like almond, oat, or cashew. Choose a plant-based broth as well, and you can thicken the soup with cornstarch as usual to maintain that creamy texture without dairy.

What can I do if I want the soup thicker or thinner?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can increase the cornstarch slurry by up to an extra tablespoon. For a thinner broth, simply add more stock or milk after thickening. Adjust little by little until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Definitely! This soup is great for making ahead. I usually prepare it fully and then store it in the fridge, reheating it gently before serving. The flavors often deepen even more after resting overnight, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Conclusion

I truly hope you’ll enjoy making and savoring this Creamy Turkey Rice Soup Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those feel-good dishes that’s simple enough for any day but special enough to feel like a treat. Cozy up with a bowl, and you’ll understand why this recipe has become a cherished favorite in my kitchen and hopefully yours too!