As a child, the aroma of chicken pastina soup wafting from my nonna’s kitchen was a sensory delight that instantly transported me back to warm memories of family gatherings and comforting meals. The delicate star-shaped stellini pasta and rich flavors in this Italian classic have earned it a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. When I’m lucky enough to have leftover or rotisserie chicken on hand, I highly recommend turning it into this mouthwatering soup, which is sure to become a staple in your household just like it has in mine. And if you’re looking for more ways to use up that extra chicken, try pairing it with some Hawaiian-inspired flair and crispy air-fried onion rings for a winning combination. For an added touch of elegance, consider serving this antipasto salad as a prelude to the main event.
How to Make Pastina
To create this Italian comfort food, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s surprisingly effortless. Begin by heating olive oil in a pot over medium heat, then add the vegetables and sauté until they’re fragrant. Next, introduce the chicken and seasonings, followed by the chicken broth and lemon juice. Let this mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes before adding the pasta. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, then stir in some fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley, red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Serve Pastina
This soul-warming Italian pastina soup, with its rich flavors of chicken, vegetables, and tiny star-shaped pasta, is the perfect remedy for a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather. Serve it with crusty Italian bread, crackers, or even a grilled cheese sandwich on the side for a satisfying meal. Alternatively, enjoy it as a light snack without any accompaniments. The star of the dish is undoubtedly the pastina itself, which can be found at most grocery stores or ordered online. It’s a favorite among children in Italy, where pasta is an integral part of childhood memories. This comforting soup is also proven to soothe the soul and ease the sniffles, as my Zia has attested. Other recipes that share this reputation for comfort include chicken hot and sour soup and chicken and dumplings.
Italian Chicken Pastina Recipe FAQs
When it comes to selecting the ideal pasta for Italian-style pastina, I suggest opting for stellini or traditional pastina shapes. While any small pasta measuring shorter than ¼-inch in length can be classified as miniature pasta, you may also consider using other varieties like acini di pepe, pearl couscous, orzo, ring pasta, or even alphabet pasta. These tiny pasta shapes will add a delightful texture to your dish. For leftover pastina storage, it’s essential to keep the container sealed and airtight in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Reheat the soup on the stove when you’re ready to enjoy it again, and make sure to consume it within a few days.
Chicken Pastina Soup Recipe
Chicken Pastina Soup
I’m delighted to share my affection for chicken pastina soup, a childhood favorite that fills the entire house with an irresistible aroma. This classic Italian comfort food never fails to evoke feelings of warmth and coziness. The star-shaped pasta adds a delightful touch to this hearty and flavorful dish. In preparation, it takes just 10 minutes to get started, followed by a 25-minute cooking time. When all is said and done, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious meal that serves six.
Instructions
In a large soup pot, combine chopped onions, carrots, and celery with 2 Tablespoons of olive oil. Over medium-high heat, sauté the vegetables until the onions are translucent, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through. Next, add in the chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, mixing everything together to combine. Following this, pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. Allow the soup to cook, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Once done, add in the dry Stellini pasta and continue cooking until it reaches al dente. Finally, remove the pot from the heat, stir in some fresh parsley, and serve the soup immediately. For added flair, garnish with additional parsley and/or red pepper flakes for a pop of color and a burst of flavor.