When it comes to cozy Italian cooking, Italian Pastina Soup is the reigning champion of comfort. Tender little pasta (pastina) floating in a rich, homemade chicken broth with fresh vegetables, shredded chicken, and a touch of olive oil… it’s no wonder this recipe is nicknamed “Italian Penicillin”! Whether you’re nursing a cold, embracing a cozy family dinner, or simply craving a bowl of warming goodness, this soup delivers comfort by the spoonful.

Let’s dive into this step-by-step Chicken Pastina Soup recipe so you can recreate this Italian classic at home. Trust me, after just one bowl, this will become one of your favorite go-to soups for meal prep, especially when you need some nourishing vibes!

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Recipe Overview (Why You’ll Love It!)

This isn’t just a soup—it’s your new favorite cozy meal, loaded with homemade simplicity and flavor. Here’s the quick lowdown:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: Around 1 hour (or faster with Instant Pot)
• Total Time: ~1 hour 15 mins
• Servings: 6 servings of heartwarming deliciousness
• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly but impressive

Why This Recipe Is Amazing 🌟

This Italian pastina soup recipe is the epitome of comfort—it’s hearty, healing, and loaded with authentic Italian flavor. Here’s why it’s a classic worth mastering:

• Rich, Homemade Broth: Starting with a whole chicken ensures the broth is packed with nutrients and depth.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Mirepoix (carrot, celery, onion) and tiny pasta (pastina!) bring together magic in a bowl.
• Family-Friendly: Perfect for everyone—from picky eaters to soup enthusiasts!
• Customizable for Different Diets: Whether you need a vegetarian version, a creamy blended option, or extra protein from the chicken—you’re covered.

Ingredients (Your Shopping List 🛒)

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Making pastina soup at home requires simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, making it a breeze to pull together! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Broth:

• A whole chicken (or chicken thighs for extra tenderness)
• Celery
• Carrot
• Onion
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves (optional for added depth)
• Water

For the Soup:

• Tiny pasta (pastina!)
• Shredded cooked chicken (from the broth)
• Fresh parsley
• Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• Optional: Chicken base for extra flavor

Note: For exact measurements and directions, head down to the recipe card!

How to Make Italian Pastina Soup (Step-by-Step)

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Let’s break this cozy classic into easy-to-follow steps.

📹 Catch a glimpse of the full dish in this helpful video guide!

1️⃣ Build the Broth

1. Place a whole chicken into a large stockpot along with celery, carrots, and onion for that flavorful base.
2. Cover with water, bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for about 45-50 minutes. Skim off any foam for a clearer broth.
3. Remove chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Strain the broth to remove vegetable chunks—what’s left is liquid gold!

2️⃣ Prep the Veggies

1. Chop fresh celery, carrots, and onion into small pieces.
2. In the same pot, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the vegetables until fragrant, seasoning with garlic, salt, and pepper.

3️⃣ Mix the Perfect Soup Base

1. Pour the strained broth back into the pot, allowing it to simmer gently.
2. Add pastina to the boiling broth. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until tender (about 5 minutes). Adjust the amount of pastina depending on your preference for a soupier or thicker consistency.

4️⃣ Add the Chicken & Final Touches

1. Shred the cooled chicken and add it back to the soup.
2. Stir in fresh parsley and Parmesan for that signature finishing touch. Adjust seasoning as needed!

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle your Italian pastina soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil—optional but indulgent! For an authentic Italian presentation, serve alongside crusty bread or top with toasted croutons for some added crunch.

Recipe Variations You’ll Love ❤️

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While this classic recipe is perfect as it is, it’s also super versatile! Experiment with these creative twists to suit your taste and dietary needs:

• Vegetarian Pastina Soup: Skip the chicken and use a rich vegetable stock instead. Load up on fresh veggies for a hearty and comforting meal!
• Italian Pastina Soup with Egg: Whisk a beaten egg into the hot broth to create a velvety texture, similar to stracciatella (Italian egg drop soup).
• Blended Pastina Soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup for a creamy, smooth version before adding the pasta and chicken. Perfect if you’re craving creamy comfort food!
• Crockpot Option: Let the broth and veggies cook low and slow in a crockpot, and add the pastina near the end for an effortless hands-off meal.
• Instant Pot Hack: Speed up the process by making the broth in your Instant Pot for incredibly tender chicken in half the time!

Serving Ideas & Tips 🥖

Pair this cozy Italian soup with the following for a complete meal:

• Bread Love: Serve with warm Italian focaccia, ciabatta rolls, or a plain baguette to soak up that incredible broth.
• Comfort Takes the Cake: Pair with a small side salad for freshness or an indulgent dessert like tiramisu to finish the meal in true Italian fashion!

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips 🧊

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• Refrigeration: Cool leftover soup completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Pro Tip: Freeze without the pasta, as it may become mushy when reheated!
• Reheating: Heat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to thin it out as needed.

Essential Tools for This Recipe 🥄

To make this Italian pastina soup a success, grab these kitchen essentials:

• Stockpot: For creating that rich, golden broth.
• Strainer: To remove any veggie or chicken bits from the broth.
• Ladle: The perfect tool for serving up hearty portions.

Italian Pastina Soup Recipe

Jessica Tran

A comforting and nourishing bowl of Italian Pastina Soup, perfect for cold days or when you're in need of some classic Italian warmth. This simple yet flavorful recipe is easy to prepare and serves as a delightful meal for the family.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Soup

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 people

Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Strainer
• Ladle

Ingredients

  

For the Broth

• 1 whole chicken or chicken thighs for extra tenderness
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 2 carrots chopped
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves optional, for added depth
• 8 cups water

For the Soup

• 1 cup tiny pasta pastina
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken from the broth
• Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
• Parmesan cheese for garnish

Optional: 1 tablespoon chicken base for extra flavor

Instructions

 

Build the Broth

• Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot along with chopped celery, carrots, and onion.
• Cover with water and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for about 45-50 minutes. Skim off any foam for a clearer broth.
• Remove the chicken and set aside to cool. Strain the broth to remove vegetable chunks.

Prep the Veggies

• In the same pot, drizzle olive oil and sauté additional chopped celery, carrots, and onion until fragrant. Add salt, pepper, and garlic to taste.

Mix the Perfect Soup Base

• Pour the strained broth back into the pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Add pastina to the boiling broth, stirring occasionally until tender (about 5 minutes). Adjust the amount of pastina according to the desired soup consistency.

Add the Chicken & Final Touches

• Shred the cooled chicken and return it to the soup.
• Stir in fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve & Enjoy

• Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve with crusty bread or toasted croutons for added texture.

Video

Notes

This soup is highly customizable; you can create a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth instead of chicken.
For extra creaminess, whisk a beaten egg into the hot broth before adding pasta.
Make ahead by storing in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months without pasta. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth as needed.

Your Cozy Bowl Awaits! 🥣

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Italian Pastina Soup is one of those recipes that hooks you with its simplicity and keeps you coming back for its warmth and flavor. Whether you’re battling a cold, entertaining guests, or prepping a comforting dinner for your family, this dish delivers every single time.

Tag me in your soup adventures—you’re going to love this classic Italian recipe as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your thoughts or variations in the comments below! Buon Appetito! 🌟