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Chicken Pastina Soup Recipe

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The Coziest Chicken Pastina Soup

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Chicken Pastina Soup when you need a little extra coziness in your day.

Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving a nostalgic bowl of homemade goodness, or just looking for a quick and easy dinner, this soup delivers.

Made with tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and adorable star-shaped pastina, it’s both hearty and light.

A touch of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon take it to the next level.

Best of all? It comes together in just 30 minutes with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.

Perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or anyone who loves a little warmth in a bowl—this pastina soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Let’s make it! 

For Chicken Pastina Soup

  • Chicken – Use poached and shredded chicken breasts for a tender and flavorful addition to the soup.
  • Stelline Pastina – These tiny, star-shaped pasta pieces make the soup extra comforting and fun, especially for kids.
  • Butter (or Olive Oil) – Adds richness and enhances the flavor of the sautéed vegetables.
  • Onion, Celery, and Carrots – The classic trio for building a deep, aromatic soup base.
  • Garlic – A must-have for extra depth of flavor.
  • Fresh Thyme and Sage – These herbs bring a warm, earthy taste that complements the chicken beautifully.
  • Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, and Cayenne Pepper (optional) – Seasonings to enhance the overall taste, with cayenne adding a subtle kick.
  • Vegetable or Chicken Stock – The base of the soup, giving it a rich and savory depth.
  • Bay Leaves – Infuses a mild, herbal essence into the broth.
  • Parmesan Rind (optional) – Adds a subtle umami richness to the soup.
  • Lemon Juice – A splash of fresh lemon brightens up the flavors.
  • Fresh Parsley (optional) – A fresh, vibrant garnish to finish the dish.

Chicken Pastina Soup Recipe

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade Chicken Pastina Soup—especially when you need a little extra coziness. This easy, one-pot recipe is packed with tender shredded chicken, hearty vegetables, and adorable star-shaped pasta, making it a family favorite.
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Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Chicken Pastina Soup Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

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Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 ribs celery, diced
  • 4 large carrots, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 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 tsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)

 

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables:
    • Heat butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat.
    • Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender.
    • Stir in minced garlic, sage, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 more minute.
  2. Deglaze & Simmer:
    • Add vegetable stock, bay leaves, and parmesan rind (if using). Bring to a boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the parmesan rind from sticking.
  3. Cook the Chicken & Pasta:
    • Stir in shredded chicken and stelline pastina.
    • Simmer for 8-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
  4. Finish & Serve:
    • Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

 

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store soup and broth separately to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much liquid. Keeps for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the soup without the pastina. Add cooked pasta when reheating for the best texture.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g| Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 1280mg | Potassium: 623mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 8961IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 1mg
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  1. Can I use a different type of pasta if I don’t have pastina?
     Absolutely! If you can’t find pastina, try orzo, ditalini, acini di pepe, or even tiny shells. Just check the cooking time on the package and adjust accordingly!
  2. Can I freeze this soup?
     Yes, but with a little trick! Pastina absorbs liquid like a sponge, so if you’re freezing, store the broth and pasta separately. When reheating, add freshly cooked pastina, and you’re good to go.
  3. How can I boost the flavor without adding more salt?
     Easy! Throw in a Parmesan rind while the soup simmers (it adds rich, umami goodness). Fresh herbs like thyme or basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes also do wonders!
  4. Can I make this ahead of time?
     Yes! Just like with freezing, keep the pasta and broth separate to avoid soggy noodles. Store them in airtight containers, then combine when reheating for a fresh-tasting bowl every time.
  5. What veggies can I add to make it heartier?
     Great question! Try spinach, kale, mushrooms, zucchini, or even a handful of peas for extra color and nutrition. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking.

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