Description

Chicken Pastina Soup is a warm, comforting dish featuring tender chicken, tiny pastina pasta, and a flavorful broth enriched with fresh vegetables and herbs. Quick and easy to prepare, this family-friendly soup delivers nourishing protein and delightful texture in every spoonful, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a cozy homemade meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks

Pasta

1 cup pastina pasta

Broth & Liquids

6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables

1 medium onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Fats

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Herbs & Seasonings

2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Dice onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces for even cooking and sweetness. Mince the garlic finely. Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks or shred cooked chicken breasts for a quicker option.
Sautée Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic in the last minute to prevent burning.
Add Chicken and Broth: Add chicken pieces to the pot with the vegetables, letting them brown slightly. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Lower heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and flavors meld.
Incorporate Pastina: Stir in pastina pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Add extra broth if soup becomes too thick.
Season and Finish: Season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley or thyme. Stir well, adjust seasonings to taste, and serve immediately while warm for maximum comfort and flavor.

Notes

Use homemade chicken broth for deeper flavor.
Do not overcook the pastina to avoid mushiness; add broth or drain as needed.
Shredding leftover cooked chicken saves time and adds texture.
Season gradually with salt and pepper to control final taste.
Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soups
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 250
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Chicken soup, pastina, comfort food, quick soup, family-friendly, easy dinner, gluten-free option