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Chicken Pastina Soup

Hearty Chicken Pastina Soup for Cozy Nights In

Enjoy a comforting bowl of Chicken Pastina Soup, a nourishing Italian staple perfect for cozy nights in.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 2 medium Carrots Adds natural sweetness and texture; substitute with parsnips for a different flavor.
  • 2 stalks Celery Provides a savory depth and crunch; can replace with fennel for a unique twist.
  • 1 medium Onion Enhances overall flavor with sweetness when cooked; shallots can be used as an alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for sautéing and adds richness; any neutral oil can substitute, but olive oil enhances the flavor.
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Main protein source, yielding tender pieces; chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken may be used as substitutes.
  • to taste Salt and Black Pepper Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Offers aromatic depth; fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
  • 6 cups Chicken Bone Broth The base of the soup, providing rich flavor and protein; can replace with chicken stock but may lack protein richness.
  • 1 piece Parmesan Cheese Rind Adds umami flavor during cooking; optional but highly recommended for depth; use grated cheese instead if unavailable.
  • 1 cup Pastina Tiny pasta that cooks quickly and thickens the soup naturally; can substitute with small macaroni or couscous.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Dill Adds herbal brightness; substitute with fresh thyme or parsley as a variation.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley Freshness and color; replace with chives or cilantro if desired.
  • to taste Grated Parmesan Cheese For serving, enhancing flavor; optional but recommended.

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Pastina Soup
  1. Begin by dicing the carrots, celery, and onion into small, even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Set these aromatic vegetables aside in a bowl.
  2. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the boneless skinless chicken thighs with salt and black pepper, then carefully place them in the pot. Sear the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
  3. Once the chicken is beautifully seared, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Season them again with salt and pepper, then sauté for roughly 4 minutes.
  4. Pour in the chicken bone broth, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor. Add the Parmesan cheese rind and season to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  5. After the chicken has cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Blend half of the sautéed vegetables until smooth, returning them to the pot. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the pastina.
  6. Stir in the reserved diced vegetables along with fresh dill and parsley. Adjust the seasoning if needed with salt and pepper. Serve each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 40gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

This Chicken Pastina Soup recipe embraces wholesome ingredients that make it a go-to comfort food, rich in protein and perfect for cozy nights in.

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