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Chicken Pastina Soup

Chicken Pastina Soup

Chicken Pastina Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish featuring tender chicken, delicate pastina pasta, and a flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a soothing meal, this quick and easy soup combines wholesome ingredients to create a warm, satisfying bowl that’s gentle on the stomach and loved by the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Pasta

  • 1/2 cup pastina pasta

Vegetables

  • 1 medium carrot, finely diced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Broth

  • 6 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or quality store-bought)

Herbs & Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables and chicken: Finely dice the onion, carrot, and celery to ensure even cooking. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave whole to shred after cooking, based on your preference.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat a splash of oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent to build a flavorful base.
  3. Cook chicken and vegetables: Add the chicken pieces along with the diced carrots and celery. Stir occasionally until the chicken is nearly cooked through and the carrots begin to soften.
  4. Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook until the flavors meld and the chicken is fully tender.
  5. Incorporate pastina pasta: Stir in the pastina pasta and cook for just a few minutes until tender but not mushy, as pastina cooks very quickly.
  6. Finish with fresh herbs and season: Remove the pot from heat and stir in fresh parsley or thyme. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving hot.

Notes

  • Use homemade chicken broth if possible for deeper flavor and richness.
  • Do not overcook pastina to avoid a mushy texture; add it near the end of cooking.
  • Shred chicken after cooking for an appealing texture with tender strands.
  • Avoid using heavy creams to keep the soup light and comforting.
  • Adjust soup thickness by adding more or less broth based on preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, pastina soup, comforting soup, easy chicken soup, gluten-free soup, quick soup recipe, family-friendly soup, nourishing soup