Easy Chicken Pastina Soup Recipe
Easy Chicken Pastina Soup Recipe (Cozy, Comforting & Ready in 30 Minutes)
When you’re craving something warm, soothing, and deeply comforting, Easy Chicken Pastina Soup Recipe is the answer. This classic recipe is the definition of cozy food a simple bowl filled with tender shredded chicken, tiny star-shaped pastina, and a flavorful broth that feels like a hug in soup form.
Often called “Italian penicillin,” chicken pastina soup has been a go-to meal for generations. It’s gentle on the stomach, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying, whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a wholesome homemade dinner. Best of all, this easy chicken pastina soup recipe comes together in about 30 minutes using everyday ingredients.
Light yet filling, nostalgic yet fresh, this soup is loved by both kids and adults and once you try it, you’ll understand why, especially if you also enjoy quick, flavorful dinners like Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pastina Soup
This isn’t just another chicken soup. Chicken pastina soup has a special charm that sets it apart:
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and simple steps
- Comfort Food Classic: Warm, familiar flavors that never disappoint
- Family-Friendly: Soft pasta and mild seasoning make it perfect for kids
- Great for Sick Days: Light, nourishing, and soothing
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with what you have on hand
Whether you need comfort, convenience, or a cozy meal on a busy night, this soup checks all the boxes.
What Is Pastina?
Pastina is the smallest type of pasta, traditionally shaped like tiny stars (stelline) or small dots. It cooks quickly and gives the soup a soft, comforting texture that feels especially nostalgic. While stelline pastina is the classic choice, other small pasta shapes work well too if needed.
Ingredients for Chicken Pastina Soup
Main Ingredients
- Chicken: Poached and shredded chicken breasts keep the soup light, while thighs add extra richness.
- Pastina (Stelline): Tiny pasta that makes the soup comforting and fun.
- Onion, Carrots & Celery: A classic mirepoix that builds flavor from the start.
- Garlic: Adds warmth and depth to the broth.
- Butter or Olive Oil: Creates a rich, smooth base for the vegetables.
Flavor Boosters
- Fresh Sage & Thyme: Bring warmth and subtle earthiness.
- Vegetable or Chicken Stock: Forms the heart of the soup’s flavor.
- Bay Leaves: Add gentle herbal notes.
- Parmesan Rind (Optional): Enhances umami and richness.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the soup just before serving.
- Parsley: Adds freshness and color at the end.
Easy Chicken Pastina Soup Recipe
Notes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 ribs celery, diced
- 4 large carrots, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 6 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock/water)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 parmesan rind (optional)
- 2 large poached chicken breasts, shredded
- 1 cup stelline pastina (star pasta)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)
- Prep the veggies: Finely chop the onion, celery, and carrots, and mince the garlic.
- Sauté: Melt the butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped veggies and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender and fragrant.
- Season: Stir in the sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Cook for another minute.
- Deglaze: Pour in the vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the vegetable stock, bay leaves, and parmesan rind (if using). Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Add the shredded chicken and pastina, then reduce heat and simmer for 8-12 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked.
- Finish: Stir in the lemon juice, adjust seasoning if needed, and top with fresh parsley.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with your favorite crusty bread!
- Refrigerate: Store broth and pasta separately to prevent soggy pastina. Combine before reheating. Keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta. Add freshly cooked pastina when ready to serve.
- Dice vegetables small for a smoother, comforting texture
- Cook pastina just until tender to avoid mushiness
- Store pasta separately if making ahead
- Add extra broth when reheating, as pastina absorbs liquid
- Finish with lemon juice to brighten flavors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is chicken pastina soup good for kids?
Yes! The soft pasta, mild flavors, and comforting texture make it perfect for children and toddlers.
2. Can I make chicken pastina soup without parmesan rind?
Absolutely. The soup is still delicious without it, though the rind adds extra depth.
3. Why does my soup thicken after sitting?
Pastina absorbs liquid as it rests. Add extra broth when reheating to loosen it up.
4. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes. Use olive oil instead of butter and skip the parmesan rind.
5. What can I add for extra protein?
You can add more shredded chicken or stir in a whisked egg at the end for a richer texture.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Pastina Soup is everything a comfort meal should be warm, nourishing, simple, and incredibly satisfying. With tender chicken, tiny pasta, and a flavorful broth enhanced by herbs and lemon, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, recovering from a cold, or just craving a cozy homemade meal, this chicken pastina soup delivers comfort in every spoonful. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a timeless favorite in your kitchen.
