This Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. It’s a heartwarming bowl of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and small pasta, all simmered in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for warming up when the weather is cold, this soup is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to bring a sense of coziness with every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s nothing like a bowl of homemade chicken soup to make you feel better, especially when it’s loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and pasta. This Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup is light yet hearty, making it the perfect choice for a cold winter day. It’s easy to prepare, with ingredients that come together in just 30 minutes. Plus, it’s nutritious, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want something warming and satisfying, this soup will hit the spot every time.
Ingredients
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2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 carrot, diced
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1 celery stalk, diced
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1 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup pastina (or small pasta)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
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Add the chicken broth, shredded chicken, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Add the pastina (or small pasta) and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
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Garnish the soup with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Variations
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Add greens: For extra nutrition, you can add a handful of spinach, kale, or other greens to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
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Use other small pasta: If you can’t find pastina, feel free to substitute with any small pasta, like ditalini or orzo.
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Add lemon: For a bright, zesty flavor, squeeze a little lemon juice into the soup just before serving.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat. You can also microwave individual servings in a bowl, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup in place of the cooked chicken breasts.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, though the pasta may soften a bit when reheated.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute the pastina with any small pasta like orzo, ditalini, or even small shells.
4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add some extra vegetables for flavor and texture.
5. How can I make this soup richer in flavor?
You can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for extra creaminess. Alternatively, a bit of grated Parmesan cheese stirred in before serving will add richness.
6. Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen vegetables for fresh ones. Just add them in with the broth and simmer until they’re heated through.
7. How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup in a blender or with an immersion blender and then stir it back into the pot.
8. Is this soup gluten-free?
If you want a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta altogether and add extra vegetables or beans for texture.
9. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth.
10. How can I make the soup spicier?
To add some heat to this cozy soup, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while the soup is simmering.
Conclusion
Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup is the perfect meal for those cold days when you need something comforting and nourishing. The combination of tender chicken, savory broth, and small pasta is simple yet delicious. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and sure to warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this soup will bring comfort to your table with every bite. Enjoy!
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Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days
Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup is the ultimate comfort food for cold days. Tender chicken, vegetables, and small pasta simmered in a rich broth make for a heartwarming bowl of soup. Quick and easy to prepare, this flavorful dish is perfect for warming up during chilly weather. With its nourishing ingredients and satisfying flavors, this cozy chicken soup will be your go-to comfort meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
4 cups chicken broth
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup pastina (or small pasta like ditalini, orzo)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
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Add the chicken broth, shredded chicken, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
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Add the pastina (or small pasta) and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
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Garnish the soup with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
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Variations: Add a handful of spinach or kale for extra greens. For a zesty twist, squeeze lemon juice into the soup just before serving.
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Substitutions: If you don’t have pastina, you can use any small pasta such as ditalini or orzo.
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
