Quick and simple chicken pastina soup
Chicken Pastina Soup is a heartwarming and nutritious dish that has stood the test of time as one of the ultimate comfort foods. Perfect for busy families, especially with kids, this recipe delivers on both flavor and ease. With simple ingredients like chicken, pastina (small pasta), and a flavorful broth, it’s an ideal meal for anyone looking for a quick, soothing dinner.
Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a cozy bowl of soup, chicken pastina soup provides warmth and comfort, making it the perfect dish for cold days or sick days. Also known as “Italian penicillin,” this soup is believed to have healing properties, making it not only delicious but also a great remedy when you’re feeling a little off.
Quick Overview of the Recipe and Its Benefits
Chicken Pastina Soup is simple to prepare, and the combination of chicken, vegetables, and pastina pasta makes it a well-rounded meal with essential nutrients. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a great way to introduce chicken soup with small pasta to children, as the small pasta makes it easy for them to eat.
Benefits of Chicken Pastina Soup:
- High in Protein: The chicken provides an excellent source of lean protein, which helps with muscle recovery and boosts your immune system.
- Packed with Nutrients: Vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions offer essential vitamins and minerals, and the chicken broth helps to hydrate and soothe.
- Comforting & Healing: This soup is perfect when you’re feeling under the weather, providing the soothing warmth of chicken broth and healing properties attributed to its ingredients.
Ingredients for Chicken Pastina Soup
When it comes to making Chicken Pastina Soup, fresh ingredients are key to enhancing the flavor and richness. Here’s everything you’ll need for this comforting soup.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Pastina Soup
Below is a table listing the essential ingredients for this recipe. You can easily substitute some ingredients to cater to your tastes or dietary restrictions.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs | 2 medium (about 1 lb) | Main protein source, lean and tender |
| Pastina (or small pasta) | 1 cup | Small pasta perfect for this soup, can substitute with orzo or ditalini |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups | Use low-sodium or homemade broth for extra flavor |
| Carrots | 2 medium, diced | Adds natural sweetness and color |
| Celery | 2 stalks, diced | Adds a fresh, crisp flavor |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced | Provides savory depth to the soup base |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced | Aromatic element for depth of flavor |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing the vegetables |
| Fresh thyme | 2-3 sprigs | For earthy, aromatic flavor |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Essential for seasoning |
| Parmesan cheese (optional) | 1/4 cup, grated | For garnish and extra richness |
Substitutes for Key Ingredients
- Chicken: You can substitute with turkey or even vegetarian protein like tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Pastina: If you can’t find pastina, any small pasta will do. Try orzo, ditalini, or alphabet pasta for a fun twist.
- Broth: Opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the soup vegan, or use bone broth for an extra nutritional boost.
Equipment Needed for Chicken Pastina Soup
To make this recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools. Here’s a quick list to ensure you have everything ready for a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools for Making Chicken Pastina Soup
| Equipment | Purpose/Notes |
|---|---|
| Large pot or Dutch oven | Essential for simmering the soup and cooking all the ingredients evenly. |
| Chef’s knife | For chopping vegetables and shredding chicken. |
| Cutting board | To provide a clean surface for chopping vegetables. |
| Ladle | Perfect for serving the soup in individual bowls. |
Optional Equipment for Enhanced Results
- Slow cooker or pressure cooker: Use these for a more hands-off approach to cooking the chicken and broth if you prefer minimal preparation.
- Immersion blender: If you like a creamier texture, an immersion blender can puree part of the soup to make it smooth.
What to Look for in Equipment
- Best Knife: A sharp chef’s knife is essential for easily dicing vegetables and shredding the chicken without effort. Look for a high-quality, ergonomic knife that fits comfortably in your hand.
- Best Pot: Choose a heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven for even heat distribution. This helps prevent burning and ensures that your soup simmers properly.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Pastina Soup
Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for creating the perfect chicken pastina soup. This recipe is simple, yet flavorful, and it’ll have your kitchen smelling like comfort in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
The first step to making a delicious chicken pastina soup is preparing the chicken. Here’s how you do it:
- Season the chicken: Lightly season both sides of the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning will help build the base flavor of your soup.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You can also check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked (165°F/74°C).
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool. After it cools, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Soup Base
Next, you’ll create the flavorful broth and vegetable base that will bring the soup together.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery (this is your mirepoix). Sauté for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
- Add garlic and thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step adds depth and richness to the soup base.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Pasta
Now it’s time to add the chicken broth and pastina pasta to the pot to make this soup hearty and filling.
- Pour in the chicken broth: Add 4 cups of chicken broth to the pot. You can use homemade or store-bought broth, but make sure to use a low-sodium option if you’re concerned about salt levels.
- Bring the broth to a boil: Turn up the heat to bring the broth to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the pastina pasta. Stir the soup to make sure the pasta is well-distributed.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat and allow the soup to simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Keep an eye on the soup and stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Combine
Once the pasta is cooked, it’s time to bring everything together.
- Add the shredded chicken: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir to combine the chicken with the vegetables and pasta. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through.
- Final seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. For an extra layer of flavor, you can stir in grated Parmesan cheese at this point.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
The soup is now ready to serve! Ladle the warm soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips & Tricks for Success
To make sure your chicken pastina soup turns out perfect every time, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
How to Make Chicken Pastina Soup Even Better
- Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs: If you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or a sprig of rosemary along with the thyme. You can remove them before serving.
- Add a splash of lemon juice: For a refreshing burst of flavor, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice into the soup just before serving. This adds brightness and balances the richness of the broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Pastina cooks quickly, so make sure to keep an eye on it while it simmers. Overcooking can result in mushy pasta that doesn’t hold up in the soup.
- Not seasoning enough: Don’t forget to taste your soup as you go! The flavors need to be balanced with salt and pepper, and a little extra seasoning can make all the difference in this soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Chicken Pastina Soup
- Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred it and add it to the pot instead of cooking your own chicken from scratch.
- Pre-chop vegetables: If you’re short on time, you can chop your vegetables ahead of time or even use frozen diced carrots, celery, and onions (mirepoix).
Variations and Substitutes
While chicken pastina soup is a classic, there are many ways to put your personal spin on it. Here are a few variations and substitutes you can try to cater to your dietary preferences:
Chicken Pastina Soup Variations for Different Diets
| Diet Type | Modification |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free pasta like rice pasta or quinoa pasta. |
| Vegetarian | Replace the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. |
| Vegan | Use vegetable broth and skip the chicken and Parmesan. |
| Low-Carb/Keto | Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. |
Creative Twists to Try with Chicken Pastina Soup
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup for some heat.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to make the soup richer and creamier.
- Add extra veggies: Consider adding spinach, kale, or peas to increase the nutritional value and make the soup more filling.
How to Serve Chicken Pastina Soup
Chicken Pastina Soup can be enjoyed in many ways! Here are some great ideas for how to serve it:
Best Side Dishes to Pair with Chicken Pastina Soup
| Side Dish | Why It Pairs Well |
|---|---|
| Garlic bread | The crisp and buttery texture of garlic bread is a perfect complement to the warm, savory soup. |
| Simple green salad | A fresh, crisp salad adds balance and lightness to the rich soup. |
Serving Suggestions for Different Occasions
- Weeknight Dinner: Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
- For Guests: Serve in individual bowls with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese on top, alongside a light appetizer like bruschetta or caprese salad.
Nutritional Information for Chicken Pastina Soup
As with any comforting soup, Chicken Pastina Soup offers not only great flavor but also essential nutrients that can nourish your body. Below is a breakdown of the nutritional value per serving. This will help you understand the health benefits of this wholesome dish, and allow you to make modifications if necessary to suit your dietary needs.
Calories per Serving
This soup is filling and satisfying while still being light enough for a hearty meal. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the calories for one serving of Chicken Pastina Soup (about 1.5 cups):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 600-800mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
Note: The nutritional content can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For example, using low-sodium chicken broth or substituting pasta can affect the carbohydrate and sodium content.
Other Key Nutrients
Along with being a source of calories, this soup is rich in several important nutrients:
- Protein: The chicken in this soup is a lean protein source, helping to build and repair tissues and maintain muscle mass.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Vegetables like carrots and celery provide Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium, supporting your immune system and overall health.
- Fiber: The addition of vegetables helps provide dietary fiber, which supports digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
- Healthy Fats: The olive oil used in the recipe offers a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy fats.
How to Make Chicken Pastina Soup Healthier
If you’re looking to make Chicken Pastina Soup even healthier, consider these simple modifications:
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta: Switch out regular pasta for whole wheat pasta to increase fiber intake, or use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Low-sodium broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth or homemade broth to keep sodium levels in check, especially for individuals watching their salt intake.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add extra green veggies like spinach, kale, or peas for a boost of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Reduce the fat: If you’re looking to cut down on fat, you can reduce the olive oil or skip the grated cheese at the end.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pastina Soup
There’s no better way to warm up than with a bowl of chicken pastina soup! Whether you’re seeking comfort after a long day, trying to keep your family happy with a hearty meal, or simply enjoying a nutritious bowl of soup, this recipe is your go-to solution.
Why This Recipe is Perfect
- Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, Chicken Pastina Soup can be made in just under an hour, making it perfect for busy families.
- Customizable: Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or prefer a lighter version, this soup can easily be adapted to suit your dietary needs.
- Comforting and Healing: Known as “Italian penicillin,” this soup is believed to have healing properties, making it ideal for when you’re feeling under the weather or just need a cozy pick-me-up.
Try It, Share It, Enjoy!
Now that you have all the steps to create this delicious and nutritious chicken pastina soup, it’s time to give it a try! We’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below to let us know if you made any variations or how your family enjoyed the soup. Feel free to share this recipe with friends and family, and don’t forget to follow us on social media for more delicious and comforting recipes like this one.