Go Back
–+ servings
Chicken Pastina Soup

Comforting Chicken Pastina Soup for Family Gatherings

Comforting Chicken Pastina Soup is a hearty meal for family gatherings, packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and star-shaped pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Soups
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Substitute with avocado oil for a unique twist.
  • 1 chopped Onion Use shallots for a milder taste if preferred.
  • 1 cup Celery Chopped.
  • 1 cup Carrot Chopped.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 6 cups Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth Consider homemade broth for a vegetarian version.
  • 2 cups Diced Chicken Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
  • 1 cup Star Pastina Pasta Can substitute with orzo or another small pasta.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Grated; replace with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
  • ½ lemon Lemon Juice Optional; omit for babies to limit acidity.
  • Salt and Pepper Adjust to taste for the perfect balance.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until it's shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add 1 chopped onion, 1 cup of chopped celery, and 1 cup of chopped carrots to the pot, and sauté for about 5-8 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, then pour in 6 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth.
  4. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add 2 cups of diced, cooked chicken and cover the pot to simmer for about 20 minutes.
  6. Stir in 1 cup of star-shaped pastina pasta and cook uncovered for 6-8 minutes until al dente.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and the juice of half a lemon, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 18gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, add pastina only right before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!