Chicken pastina soup is one of the coziest Italian comfort foods you can make. Tiny pasta simmers in rich chicken broth with tender shredded chicken, creating a warm, nourishing soup that's simple but incredibly satisfying. It's the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl.
As a cookbook author and recipe developer, I love recipes like this that turn a few humble ingredients into something special. Pastina soup is often called Italian penicillin because it's traditionally made when someone in the family isn't feeling well, but it's just as perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cold winter evening.
This version is light, comforting, and full of flavor, made with simple pantry ingredients you may already have on hand.
If you're looking for more homemade soups, check out our Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, Pasta Fagioli, Cannellini Bean and Escarole Soup, or Wild Rice Mushroom Soup recipes.
Or, for delicious chicken recipes, check out our Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken.
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What Is Pastina?
Pastina is the smallest type of pasta and is commonly used in Italian soups. The word pastina literally means "little pasta," and it usually comes in tiny star shapes. Because it cooks quickly and has a soft texture, it's often used in comforting dishes like pastina soup or simple pasta with butter and Parmesan.
Pastina is especially popular in Italian households and is sometimes called "Italian penicillin" because it's commonly served when someone isn't feeling under the weather.
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Comforting:Â Chicken pastina soup is the ultimate cozy meal. The tiny pasta cooks directly in the broth, creating a warm, nourishing soup that feels soothing and satisfying with every bite.
- Simple Ingredients:Â This recipe uses pantry staples like chicken broth, pastina, and shredded chicken. It's easy to make with ingredients you likely already have at home.
- Quick to Make:Â Pastina cooks in just a few minutes, so this soup comes together quickly. It's a great option for busy weeknights when you want something warm and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Family Friendly:Â The mild flavors and tiny pasta make this soup a favorite for both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- Olive Oil - Regular olive oil
- White Onion - Chopped
- Carrots - Chopped
- Celery - Chopped
- Chicken Stock - A good quality chicken stock makes a big difference in this recipe. Homemade broth is always wonderful, but a high-quality store-bought broth works perfectly for a quick weeknight soup.
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Cloves - Minced
- Pastina Pasta - Pastina is the smallest type of pasta and is commonly used in Italian soups. The word pastina literally means "little pasta." It usually comes in tiny star shapes, but other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or orzo can work as substitutes.
- Pulled Chicken - Shredded rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe and saves time. You can also use leftover roasted chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts and shred them.
- Fresh Herbs - For serving
- Parmesan Cheese - Freshly grated Parmesan adds richness and saltiness to the soup. For extra flavor, you can simmer a Parmesan rind in the broth while the soup cooks.
pro tip!
Pastina absorbs broth quickly as it sits. If you plan to store leftovers, keep a little extra chicken broth on hand to stir in when reheating so the soup stays light and brothy.
Directions
Let's make this homemade Italian chicken pastina soup recipe together!
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a soup pot or Dutch oven on medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pan. Cook for 10 minutes, until the veggies start to soften. Add garlic and saute for 2 minutes.
Step 2
Add broth and black pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 3
Add the uncooked pastina. Cook for 10 minutes or until the pasta is done to your liking. I love it a little al dente!
Step 4
Add the chicken and simmer until warmed. Serve with parmesan cheese and your favorite herbs.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this delicious soup recipe perfect.
- Cook the pastina directly in the broth: This helps the pasta absorb flavor and slightly thickens the soup as the starch releases.
- Watch the cooking time: Pastina cooks very quickly, usually in about 4-5 minutes. Overcooking can make the pasta mushy.
- Add a Parmesan rind while simmering: If you have one, simmering a Parmesan rind in the soup adds incredible depth of flavor.
- Adjust the consistency: Pastina absorbs liquid as it sits. If the soup thickens too much, simply add more broth before serving.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this soul warming soup recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Soup Pot - A good quality soup pot is a must for soup season! This one is great quality.
- Soup Bowls - These are my favorite soup bowls of all time. We grew up using similar soup bowls at my grandpa's house and I'll always remember them!
- Pastina - This is my favorite pastina. I always have some on hand in my pantry!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this simple recipe.
- Veggies - Feel free to add in vegetables to this chicken noodle soup. Adding kale spinach would be delicious in this recipe!
- Protein - You can omit chicken and use veggie broth to make this vegetarian. You can substitute or add in beans for added protein.
- Pasta - If you can't find pastina, you could always use another small pasta shape.
What To Serve With
Here are some suggestion on what to serve this pasta with:
Frequently Asked Questions
Pasta translates to 'Little Pasta' in Italian and is make of wheat and flour, just like regular pasta.
Pastina and orzo are two different pasta shapes. Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta and pastina is a star-shaped pasta.
You can use orzo, anci de pepe, or any other small pasta shape as a substitute for pastina.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
- Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a saucepan until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Chicken Pastina Soup
Equipment
- Soup Pot
- Soup Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small white onion chopped
- 1 cup carrots chopped
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 8 cups chicken stock
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup pastina uncooked
- 2 cups cooked pulled chicken
- Fresh herbs for serving
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a soup pot on medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pan. Cook for 10 minutes, until the veggies start to soften. Add garlic and saute for 2 minutes.
- Add broth and black pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the pastina. Cook for 10 minutes or until the pasta is done to your liking.
- Add the chicken and simmer until warmed. Serve with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Video
Notes
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Leftover Chicken - Use leftover shredded chicken to bring this recipe together in a breeze. You'll have soul warming soup done in no time!
- Complete the Meal - Complete the meal with a salad and crusty Italian bread. It's perfect for a cold day!
- Use Good Broth - Homemade broth from chicken bones is absolutely delicious in soups. Bone broth is also a great choice as a soup base!
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment below or tag us @tasting.with.tina on Instagram!
Key says
Extremely comforting and delicious.
Christina Musgrave says
Thank you so much! So happy you enjoyed. 🙂
Beth says
Delicious, comforting, and not too complicated.
Christina Musgrave says
So glad you enjoyed the recipe!