Chicken Pastina Soup Recipe – Comfort in Every Spoonful

Chicken Pastina Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any day when you’re craving something warm, hearty, and delicious. This simple yet flavorful soup combines tender chicken, tiny pastina pasta, and a savory broth that’s both soothing and satisfying. Whether you’re under the weather, need a quick dinner, or just want something cozy to curl up with, this recipe is a winner every time.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pastina Soup Recipe

• Quick & Easy – This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes!
• Kid-Friendly – The tiny pasta makes it fun for little ones to enjoy.
• Nutrient-Packed – Loaded with chicken, veggies, and healthy ingredients.
• Comforting & Hearty – A bowl of this soup is like a warm hug.

Let’s dive into this comforting dish, shall we? 😋

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

To make this Chicken Pastina Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients. These are easy to find at any grocery store, and you can make simple substitutions if needed!

For the Soup:

• 2 large chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces 🍗
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the veggies 🧑‍🍳
• 1 medium onion – Diced 🧅
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced 🧄
• 2 medium carrots – Peeled and sliced 🥕
• 2 celery stalks – Chopped 🌱
• 4 cups chicken broth – Homemade or store-bought 🍲
• 2 cups water – To balance the broth consistency 💧
• 1 cup pastina pasta – Tiny pasta shaped like stars or little rounds 🍝
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds a herby flavor 🌿
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley – For extra flavor and color 🌱
• Salt & pepper – To taste 🧂

Optional Garnishes:

• Grated Parmesan cheese – A sprinkle on top for extra cheesy goodness 🧀
• Chopped fresh parsley – For a fresh, vibrant finish 🌿

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💡 Substitutions & Variations

• Chicken – Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option.
• Broth – Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Veggies – Add more vegetables like peas, zucchini, or spinach for a twist.
• Pasta – If you can’t find pastina, small pasta like orzo, mini shells, or even elbow macaroni will work.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1️⃣ Cook the chicken – In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breast pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer to save time, use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe!

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🍲 Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1️⃣ Add the onions, carrots, and celery – In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the veggies are soft and fragrant. 2️⃣ Add garlic – Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.

💡 Pro Tip: This is the time to add any other veggies you’d like—peas, spinach, or even a handful of corn!

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🔥 Step 3: Add the Broth & Seasoning

1️⃣ Pour in the broth and water – Add 4 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of water to the pot. Stir well, making sure all the vegetables are submerged. 2️⃣ Add thyme and parsley – Season with 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried parsley. Stir to combine.

💡 Pro Tip: For more depth of flavor, you can add a bay leaf or a splash of white wine!

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🍝 Step 4: Add the Pastina Pasta

1️⃣ Bring to a boil – Bring the broth mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. 2️⃣ Add the pastina – Stir in the 1 cup of pastina pasta and cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the pasta—pastina cooks very quickly!

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🔥 Step 5: Combine the Chicken & Final Touches

1️⃣ Add the cooked chicken – Once the pasta is tender, return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. 2️⃣ Taste & adjust seasoning – Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. If you like it more flavorful, you can sprinkle in a little extra thyme or parsley.

💡 Pro Tip: For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of butter!

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🍽️ Step 6: Serve & Garnish

1️⃣ Serve hot – Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s still nice and hot. 2️⃣ Garnish – Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a little fresh parsley for color and flavor.

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🍴 Serving Suggestions

Chicken Pastina Soup is great on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even better:

• Serve with crusty bread – A slice of freshly baked sourdough or a warm baguette is perfect for dipping. 🥖
• Side salad – Pair with a light green salad for a balanced meal. 🥗
• Grilled cheese sandwich – For ultimate comfort, serve alongside a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. 🧀🍞

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the broth, so you might need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

🔥 Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop – Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or broth if needed to thin it out.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

💡 Pro Tip: If you plan on freezing leftovers, skip cooking the pastina and add it fresh when you reheat the soup!

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Make it in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

2️⃣ Can I Freeze Chicken Pastina Soup?

Yes! The soup freezes well, but for best results, freeze it without the pasta. Add fresh pasta when you reheat.

3️⃣ What Other Veggies Can I Add?

Feel free to get creative with the veggies! Spinach, zucchini, peas, and even corn make great additions to this soup.

4️⃣ Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?

Yes! For convenience, rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup when combining the ingredients.

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💡 Tips for Perfect Chicken Pastina Soup

• Don’t overcook the pasta – Pastina cooks very quickly, so make sure to check it regularly to avoid it turning mushy.
• Use homemade broth – Homemade chicken broth will add a richer, more flavorful taste to the soup. If you’re short on time, store-bought broth works just fine!
• Adjust the seasonings – Every palate is different, so feel free to adjust the amount of thyme, parsley, or salt based on your preferences.

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🍲 Conclusion – A Soul-Warming Bowl of Comfort!

Chicken Pastina Soup is the epitome of comfort in a bowl. With tender chicken, veggies, and tiny pasta in a savory broth, this soup brings warmth and joy with every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal alone, this recipe will never disappoint.

Try this simple yet satisfying recipe today and enjoy a bowl of comfort that’ll warm your heart and your stomach! 😍🍲