Chicken Pastina Soup: The Ultimate Guide to This Classic Comfort Food
This Chicken Pastina Soup is a cozy, creamy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a light, nourishing soup. The smooth carrot-onion base, tender pastina pasta, and shredded rotisserie chicken make it a family-friendly favorite.
Ingredients
-
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
-
2 cups chopped sweet onion
-
1 1/2 cups peeled and coarsely chopped carrots
-
2 celery ribs, coarsely chopped
-
6 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
-
3/4 tsp kosher salt
-
4 thyme sprigs
-
2 fresh bay leaves
-
1 (2 oz) Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rind, plus extra grated cheese for garnish
-
4 oz uncooked pastina pasta
-
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
-
Fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
-
In a large saucepan or small Dutch oven, bring chicken broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and salt to a boil over high heat.
-
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 10 minutes until vegetables are softened.
Step 2: Puree Part of the Vegetables
-
Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetables and 1 cup of broth to a blender.
-
Secure the lid and remove the center piece to allow steam to escape; place a clean towel over the opening.
-
Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
-
Stir the blended mixture back into the soup.
Step 3: Add Herbs, Cheese, and Pasta
-
Add thyme sprigs, bay leaves, and Parmigiano-Reggiano rind to the pot.
-
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
-
Add pastina, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
In the last 3 minutes, add shredded chicken.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
-
Remove thyme, bay leaves, and cheese rind before serving.
-
Garnish with parsley and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve hot.
Notes
-
Vegetable puree: Blending part of the cooked vegetables creates a creamy texture without cream.
-
Pasta: Stir frequently to prevent the pastina from sticking.
-
Cheese: Add the Parmigiano-Reggiano rind while simmering for deep, savory flavor. Remove before serving.
-
Customize: Add extra herbs like parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.