Chicken Pastina Soup
A comforting Italian-American classic with tender shredded chicken, soft pastina pasta, and aromatic vegetables in a savory chicken broth. This easy, family-friendly soup is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for a cozy meal.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 220kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 carrots, diced small
- 2 celery stalks, diced small
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 6-8 cups chicken broth
- 1-1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup pastina
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until vegetables are fully tender.
- Add shredded chicken and stir to warm through.
- Bring back to a gentle boil and add pastina. Stir well and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if soup becomes too thick.
- Once pasta is tender, turn off the heat. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Let sit for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve hot with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan.
Notes
Use high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade broth, whichever you prefer.
Don't overcook the pastina - it should be tender but still have a bit of bite.
If using leftover cooked chicken, make sure it's heated through before adding to the soup.
Adjust the amount of broth to your liking - if you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth. If you prefer a thinner soup, use more.
Don't overcook the pastina - it should be tender but still have a bit of bite.
If using leftover cooked chicken, make sure it's heated through before adding to the soup.
Adjust the amount of broth to your liking - if you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth. If you prefer a thinner soup, use more.