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Chicken Pastina Soup

Chicken Pastina Soup
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Chicken Pastina Soup is a cozy and heartwarming meal featuring tender chicken, delicate pastina pasta, and a flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a gentle, nourishing dish, this soup is quick to prepare, customizable, and kid-friendly, offering comfort in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 1/2 cup pastina pasta (tiny star-shaped or fine pasta)

Vegetables

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

Liquids

  • 6 cups chicken broth

Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
  2. Add Garlic and Chicken: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until aromatic. Add bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thighs, searing lightly to lock in juiciness before adding liquid.
  3. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes to meld flavors and cook chicken thoroughly.
  4. Cook the Pastina: Stir pastina pasta into the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, usually 3 to 5 minutes, until the pasta is tender yet slightly firm. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
  5. Finish with Herbs and Season: Remove the pot from heat, stir in freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a fresh, vibrant touch. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it a final gentle stir before serving warm.

Notes

  • Use homemade broth if possible for deeper flavor.
  • Don’t overcook pastina to avoid mushy texture.
  • Shred chicken after cooking to keep it tender and well-distributed.
  • Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth or water if desired.
  • Let the soup rest a few minutes before serving to develop flavors fully.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, pastina pasta, comfort food, quick soup, easy dinner, kid-friendly soup, nourishing soup

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