Is there anything more soothing than a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup?
This Chicken Pastina Soup takes comfort food to the next level with its tiny, tender pasta pearls (pastina!) and rich, flavorful broth. It’s the perfect meal to curl up with on a chilly evening or when you’re in need of a little pick-me-up.
Simple ingredients, classic flavors, and a touch of love come together to create a soup that’s as heartwarming as a hug from Nonna. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
The whole point of pastina is simplicity. That’s why the list of ingredients is short and sweet:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works beautifully)
- 1 cup pastina pasta (or any small pasta like orzo or acini di pepe)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a warm, comforting bowl of chicken pastina soup:
- Sauté the aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. - Simmer the broth:
Add the chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to develop the flavors. - Cook the pastina:
Stir in the pastina pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 5–7 minutes, until tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - Add the chicken:
Gently stir in the shredded chicken and let it warm through for 2–3 minutes. If you like a touch of brightness, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon at this point. - Taste and adjust:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping!
Tweaks and Additions
The beauty of this soup is its versatility. Here are some ways to make it your own:
- Herb swap:
Replace thyme with oregano, rosemary, or even Italian seasoning for a different flavor. - Veggie-packed:
Add diced zucchini, spinach, or peas for a veggie boost. - Creamy version:
Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream for a rich, velvety texture. - Gluten-free:
Substitute the pastina with gluten-free pasta or even rice for a GF-friendly option. - Spice it up:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. - Broth boost:
Use a combination of chicken broth and bone broth for an even richer base.
This Chicken Pastina Soup is the ultimate bowl of cozy. Whether you’re nursing a cold, warming up on a frosty day, or simply craving something wholesome and delicious, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Its simplicity allows the flavors to shine, and it’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Now, grab a spoon and savor the comfort of this soul-soothing soup. Buon appetito!