Print

Chicken Pastina Soup

Chicken Pastina Soup
Print Recipe

Chicken Pastina Soup is a warm, comforting dish combining tender chicken, delicate pastina pasta, and rich chicken broth. This quick and easy soup offers a perfect blend of mild flavors and nourishing ingredients, ideal for cozy meals or when feeling under the weather. Suitable for kids and adaptable with various herbs, vegetables, or dietary preferences, it serves as a versatile, heartwarming classic.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 pound boneless chicken breast or thighs

Pasta

  • 1 cup pastina pasta (tiny star-shaped noodles)

Broth & Liquids

  • 6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Fat & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Finishing Touch

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes. This builds the flavor foundation for the soup.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and lightly brown on all sides to lock in juices and add richness. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  3. Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, allowing flavors to deepen.
  4. Add Pastina: Stir in the pastina pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until tender but not mushy.
  5. Finish and Season: Once pasta is tender, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces directly in the pot. Add chopped fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

  • Use homemade chicken broth for richer flavor and lower sodium.
  • Do not overcook pastina to avoid mushy texture; add it near the end.
  • Shred chicken directly in the pot for less cleanup and better broth absorption.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to maintain bright flavors.
  • Adjust soup thickness by adding more or less broth to your preference.
  • To keep the soup gluten-free, use gluten-free pastina or substitute with small rice or corn pasta.
  • For a creamy version, swirl in a little cream or coconut milk before serving.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; add extra broth when reheating as pastina absorbs liquid.
  • Freeze broth and chicken mixture separately to maintain texture; cook pasta fresh when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Pastina Soup, comforting soup, easy chicken soup, kid-friendly soup, gluten free soup, quick soup, Italian soup

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/chicken-pastina-soup/