6-Steps homemade italian chicken soup recipe

Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of warm, homemade soup on a chilly evening? I don’t think so. And when it comes to comfort food with deep flavor, wholesome ingredients, and old-world charm, this Italian chicken soup recipe checks all the boxes.

Whether you’re fighting off a cold, planning a cozy weeknight dinner, or just craving something hearty and nourishing, this rustic Italian classic brings the taste of Nonna’s kitchen right into your home.

Imagine a rich chicken broth infused with garlic, rosemary, and oregano — paired with tender chicken, vegetables, and tiny pasta like orzo or ditalini. Sounds dreamy, right?

Let’s dive in. I’ll walk you through every step with practical tips and personal insights from making this soup for years — not just following a script, but living it.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Everyone

Looking to impress dinner guests without breaking a sweat? Want something nourishing and easy for weeknights? Need a go-to chicken soup with Italian flavor that’s great for meal prep? This one does it all.

Kid-friendly, full of flavor but not spicy
Easy to make with pantry staples
Perfect for sick days or cold nights
Naturally gluten-free or low-carb if needed
Feels like a hug in a bowl

In short: this is more than just a recipe — it’s comfort, tradition, and soul in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Italian Chicken Soup

Here’s everything you need to make this homemade Italian chicken soup — with a balance of protein, veggies, and herbs.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Olive oil	2 tablespoons	Use extra virgin for flavor
Onion	1 large	Chopped
Garlic	4 cloves	Minced
Carrots	2 medium	Sliced
Celery stalks	2 medium	Diced
Chicken thighs or breasts	1 pound (cooked & shredded)	Rotisserie chicken works too
Chicken broth	8 cups	Use low sodium if preferred
Ditalini or orzo pasta	1 cup	Or any small pasta
Roma tomatoes	2 medium	Diced (optional)
Italian seasoning	1 tablespoon	Blend of oregano, thyme, rosemary
Bay leaf	1	Adds depth
Salt & pepper	To taste	Adjust at the end
Fresh parsley	2 tablespoons	For garnish
Parmesan cheese	Optional	For topping

Substitutes for Key Ingredients

No pasta? Try rice, farro, or even cauliflower rice.
Vegetarian? Use veggie broth and swap chicken with cannellini beans.
Dairy-free? Skip the parmesan topping.
Watching carbs? Use zucchini noodles or go completely broth-based.

Equipment Needed

Essential Tools for Making Italian Chicken Soup

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle

Optional Equipment for Enhanced Results

Immersion blender (if you like a thicker base)
Soup storage containers (for leftovers or meal prep)
Garlic press (for fast mincing)
Pasta strainer (to pre-cook or rinse pasta)

What to Look for in Tools

A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven helps evenly distribute heat
A sharp chef’s knife makes chopping veggies safer and quicker
Choose a fine grater for fresh parmesan — it melts better

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step One: Prep Your Ingredients

Dice your onions, celery, and carrots (aka the Italian soffritto). Mince the garlic. Shred your cooked chicken — whether you’re using leftovers, rotisserie, or freshly cooked chicken thighs.

Step Two: Sauté the Aromatics

In your soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

Step Three: Add Broth and Herbs

Pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, bay leaf, and a little salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.

Step Four: Add Chicken and Simmer

Add the shredded chicken. Let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to let all the flavors marry.

Step Five: Cook the Pasta

Add your pasta directly to the soup and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). If you prefer firmer pasta, cook it separately and stir it in at the end.

Step Six: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning. Add chopped parsley and optional fresh parmesan just before serving. Enjoy with warm crusty Italian bread.

Tips & Tricks for Success

Time of Cooking

Total time: About 45 minutes
Active prep: 15 minutes
Simmer time: 30 minutes (or longer for richer flavor)

How to Make Italian Chicken Soup Even Better

Roast the chicken first for deeper flavor
Add a parmesan rind during simmering for umami
Use homemade broth if possible

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta (it’ll get mushy)
Skipping the herbs — Italian herbs = flavor depth
Adding salt too early (wait until the end to taste and adjust)

Time-Saving Tips

Use store-bought rotisserie chicken
Buy pre-chopped mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery mix)
Freeze portions for ready-to-go meals

Variations and Substitutes

Italian Chicken Soup Variations for Different Diets

Low Carb/Keto: Skip the pasta, add more veggies like zucchini
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice
Vegetarian: Swap chicken with white beans and use veggie broth
Dairy-Free: Just skip the cheese topping

Creative Twists to Try

Add a swirl of pesto before serving
Use lemon juice or zest for brightness
Try spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a bold variation
Throw in spinach or kale for extra greens

How to Serve Italian Chicken Soup

Best Side Dishes to Pair

Crusty sourdough or Italian baguette
Fresh garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Garlic bread or focaccia
Roasted vegetables

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh herbs
Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep
Ideal as a starter course for Italian feasts

Nutritional Information

Calories per Serving

Approximately 320 calories per serving (with pasta)

Other Key Nutrients

Protein: 25g
Carbs: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Fat: 10g

How to Make It Healthier

Use lean chicken breast
Add more non-starchy vegetables
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth

Conclusion

So, why will you fall in love with this Italian chicken soup recipe?

Because it’s simple, delicious, and made with love — the kind of soup that feeds the body and soul. Whether it’s your first time making soup from scratch or you’re a seasoned home cook, this dish will become one of your go-tos.

There’s just something special about a warm, hearty bowl of soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day — even if it only took under an hour.

Tried the recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add a twist? Swap in your own herbs or grains?

Drop a comment below with your thoughts and pics!
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FAQs

What kind of chicken is best for Italian chicken soup recipe?

You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Thighs give a richer flavor, while breasts are leaner. I recommend simmering chicken in the broth if you have time — it adds more depth.

Can I freeze Italian chicken soup?

Absolutely! Just make sure to undercook the pasta slightly or store it separately. Freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

What is the difference between Italian chicken soup and regular chicken noodle soup?

Great question! While both are comforting, Italian chicken soup recipe uses ingredients like oregano, rosemary, garlic, and sometimes tomatoes or parmesan, which give it a unique Mediterranean twist. It also often includes orzo or ditalini pasta instead of traditional egg noodles.

How do I make this soup creamy?

You can stir in a bit of heavy cream or a splash of milk at the end. Alternatively, blend 1-2 ladles of soup and stir it back in for a naturally creamy texture — no dairy needed!

Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes! For a slow cooker, add everything except pasta and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add pasta in the last 30 minutes. In an Instant Pot, use the soup setting or manual pressure cook for 12 minutes, then add cooked pasta afterward.