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Chicken Pastina Soup

Chicken Pastina Soup
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Chicken Pastina Soup is a warm and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, delicate pastina pasta, and a flavorful broth to create a comforting meal that soothes the soul. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a nourishing, family-friendly dish ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Pasta

  • 1 cup pastina pasta (small star-shaped pasta)

Broth

  • 6 cups chicken broth

Vegetables

  • 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Fats & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Seasonings & Herbs

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Finely chop the onions, carrots, and celery. In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté gently until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes, to build a rich, savory flavor base for the soup.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Brown the chicken lightly to develop color, then pour in the chicken broth to cover. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces or chop it finely. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot to distribute the protein evenly throughout the soup.
  4. Add Pastina and Simmer: Stir in the pastina pasta and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Stir regularly to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  5. Season and Finish: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and freshly chopped parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. This final touch adds brightness and enhances the soup’s natural flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Use homemade chicken broth for the richest flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pastina; add it towards the end to prevent mushiness.
  • Shred the chicken while it is still warm for easier shredding and better texture.
  • Sauté vegetables first to build depth and complexity.
  • Add fresh parsley at the end for a fragrant herbal finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken soup, pastina soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, quick chicken soup, family-friendly soup

Find it online: https://withnora.com/chicken-pastina-soup/