Description
A warm and soothing Italian pastina soup filled with tender vegetables, shredded chicken, delicate pasta, and a bright finish of lemon and Parmesan. This comforting bowl is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need nourishing simplicity.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 medium carrots, finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup cooked shredded chicken
¾ cup pastina or other tiny pasta
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic, being careful not to let it brown.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Add the shredded chicken and pastina. Cook according to the pasta package instructions, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice.
- Ladle into bowls and serve warm, adding extra Parmesan on top if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and substitute white beans for the chicken.
Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
Add fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes for extra greens.
If storing leftovers, add extra broth or water when reheating as the pasta will absorb liquid.
For freezing, cook and store the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Substitute gluten-free tiny pasta or rice for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
