There’s something magical about chicken pastina soup that makes it the ultimate comfort food. Picture a steaming bowl filled with tender chicken, tiny pasta, and vibrant vegetables dancing in a rich, flavorful broth. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, wrapping you in a warm hug as you anticipate each delightful spoonful.

Whether it’s a chilly day or you’re feeling under the weather, this dish has a way of bringing people together around the table. It’s like a cozy blanket for your soul, promising to soothe your worries and fill your belly with happiness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken pastina soup is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for any weeknight dinner
- Its comforting flavors make it a family favorite that everyone will love
- The vibrant colors and textures create an inviting dish that looks as good as it tastes
- It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or spices, making every pot unique
I still remember the first time I made chicken pastina soup for my family; they couldn’t get enough of it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well, but adjust based on how many mouths you’re feeding.
- Pastina Pasta: These tiny pasta shapes cook quickly and add a delightful texture to the soup.
- Carrots: Fresh carrots add sweetness; choose firm ones for the best flavor.
- Celery: Crisp and aromatic, celery enhances the soup’s base flavor; select bright green stalks.
- Onion: A yellow onion provides depth; finely chop to release its sweet essence.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are key; they bring warmth and richness to the overall flavor profile.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness while maximizing flavor.
- Herbs (Thyme & Parsley): Fresh herbs brighten the dish; chop them just before adding for maximum freshness.
- Pepper & Salt: Season according to taste; remember that you can always add more later.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Pastina Soup
Sauté Your Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Garlic and Chicken: Stir in minced garlic and diced chicken breasts. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink—about 5 minutes—releasing savory aromas throughout your kitchen.
Pour in Broth and Herbs: Add chicken broth along with thyme and parsley. Bring everything to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Pastina: Once boiling, stir in pastina pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—usually around 5-7 minutes—while stirring occasionally.
Season & Serve: Taste your creation! Add salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional parsley for freshness.
This chicken pastina soup is not only delicious but also quick to whip up on those busy nights when you need comfort food fast!
You Must Know
- Chicken pastina soup warms the heart and soul, making it perfect for chilly days
- The broth’s soothing aroma will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table
- This dish is not only comforting but also a delightful way to use pantry staples
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic to create a flavorful base, then add chicken and broth. Cook the pasta separately to prevent mushiness before combining.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out vegetables like carrots or peas based on your preferences. Adding herbs such as thyme or parsley enhances the flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken pastina soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove for best texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- A touch of lemon juice brightens the flavors beautifully; don’t skip this step!
- Always taste and adjust seasoning while cooking for personalized perfection
- Cooking pasta directly in the soup can lead to a gummy texture, so do it separately
Sharing this chicken pastina soup recipe brought back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, where laughter blended with delicious aromas as we gathered for family dinners.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta in chicken pastina soup?
Yes, you can use small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini instead of pastina.
How can I make chicken pastina soup healthier?
Add more vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Can I freeze leftover chicken pastina soup?
Yes, freeze it in individual portions for easy reheating on busy days.
Chicken Pastina Soup
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Chicken Pastina Soup. This delightful dish features tender chicken, tiny pasta, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather, this soup brings warmth and joy to your table. Easy to make and customizable with your favorite veggies or spices, Chicken Pastina Soup is sure to become a family favorite that warms both the heart and soul.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup pastina pasta
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery; sauté for about 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and diced chicken; cook until the chicken is no longer pink (about 5 minutes).
- Pour in the chicken broth and add thyme and parsley. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add pastina pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (approximately 5–7 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap out vegetables like peas or spinach based on your preferences. For an extra zing of flavor, add a splash of lemon juice just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, reheating gently on the stove.







