Name: Turkey Mushroom Orzo Soup : Silky, Savory, and Comfort in a Bowl
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (or a mix); 1 small onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button); 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh); ½ cup dry white wine (optional) Substitute: ½ cup extra broth + squeeze of lemon juice; 6 cups turkey or chicken broth; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2 cups cooked, shredded turkey; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; Salt & black pepper, to taste; Optional: ½ cup cream or half-and-half; Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving)

Description

A cozy, savory, post-holiday soup made with turkey, mushrooms, orzo, and parmesan. Silky, hearty, and full of flavor — the perfect way to use leftover roasted turkey.

Ingredients

Scale

Base & Aromatics

2 tbsp olive oil or butter (or a mix)
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button)
1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)

Deglazing

½ cup dry white wine (optional)
- Substitute: ½ cup extra broth + squeeze of lemon juice

Soup

6 cups turkey or chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups cooked, shredded turkey
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional: ½ cup cream or half-and-half
Fresh parsley, chopped (for serving)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil or butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add onion and a pinch of salt. Cook 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Add mushrooms, garlic, and thyme. Cook 6–8 minutes until mushrooms release their liquid and turn golden.

2. Deglaze the Pot

Pour in the white wine (or broth substitute).
Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
Simmer 2 minutes to cook off the alcohol.

3. Build the Soup

Add broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Stir in the orzo.
Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender.

4. Add Turkey & Finish

Reduce heat to low.
Stir in shredded turkey, parmesan, and optional cream.
Simmer 2–3 minutes, just to heat through.
Taste and season with salt and pepper.

5. Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan if you like.
Serve with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

Leftovers

Soup thickens as it sits because orzo absorbs liquid.
To reheat: add extra broth or water to loosen.

Bright Lemon-Dill Version

Add zest of 1 lemon + 2 tbsp fresh dill.
Omit thyme.

Chicken & Wild Rice Version

Replace orzo with ¾ cup wild rice blend.
Increase simmer time to 40–45 minutes.

Vegetarian Version

Use vegetable broth and add kale/spinach + white beans.

Spicy Version

Add red pepper flakes with the mushrooms or finish with chili crisp.

Extra Creamy (Dairy-Free)

Blend ½ cup cashews + ½ cup broth until smooth; stir in at the end.