If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you absolutely have to try this Comforting Chicken Pastina Soup for a Cozy Night In Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tender shredded chicken, delicate pastina pasta, and vibrant veggies all swimming in a flavorful broth. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or simply want to treat yourself to some homemade comfort food, this soup is wonderfully simple yet deeply satisfying. The gentle, soothing textures combined with the fresh punch of herbs and a hint of lemon make it a go-to recipe that promises warmth and happiness in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the soup so inviting. From the tiny pastina pieces that add a lovely bite to the shredded chicken that brings hearty protein, these ingredients come together beautifully without any fuss.
- 1 cup Pastina: Tiny pasta that cooks quickly and feels like a cozy cloud in your soup.
- 2 cups Shredded Chicken: Adds tender, savory protein; rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here.
- 2 Carrots (chopped): Bring natural sweetness and a pop of orange color, perfect substitutes are sweet potatoes or parsnips.
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth: The flavorful base of the soup, with chicken or mushroom broth as excellent options for deeper richness.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Adds a silky texture and gentle flavor, though avocado oil or butter work well too.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley: Brightens the soup with a fresh herbal note, with dill or chives as delicious alternatives.
- 1 Onion: Builds a savory foundation; shallots can be used for a milder, sweeter flavor.
- 1 loaf Crusty Bread: Ideal for soaking up every last bit of the savory broth.
- 1 Lemon Wedge: A final burst of brightness, perfect for squeezing on top just before eating.
How to Make Comforting Chicken Pastina Soup for a Cozy Night In Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering everything you need. Chop the onion and carrots into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly. If using fresh chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. Rotisserie chicken can be compactly shredded for convenience. Having all your ingredients ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until it shimmers gently. Add the chopped onions and carrots, stirring occasionally for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step softens the vegetables and releases their natural sweetness, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to combine everything nicely. Increase the heat just enough to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This helps meld the flavors together and prepares the liquid for cooking the pastina.
Step 4: Cook the Pastina
Stir in the cup of pastina, maintaining a gentle boil. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender but still has a bit of a bite, which ensures the soup won’t become mushy. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Add the Shredded Chicken
In the last few minutes of cooking, fold in the shredded chicken, distributing it evenly throughout the soup. Allow it to heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. This step warms the chicken without overcooking it, preserving its juicy texture.
Step 6: Season and Finish
Taste your soup and adjust with salt and pepper as you prefer. Finally, stir in a generous handful of fresh parsley for an aromatic burst of herbaceous freshness. This simple addition elevates the soup’s flavor beautifully.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your warm, comforting bowl of goodness into plates or bowls, optionally garnishing with a little extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright finishing touch. Don’t forget the crusty bread to make it a truly cozy and complete meal.
How to Serve Comforting Chicken Pastina Soup for a Cozy Night In Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnish adds an extra layer of flavor and personality to your soup. Bright herbs like parsley, dill, or chives complement the gentle warmth of the broth. A fresh squeeze of lemon juice really wakes up the flavors, adding just the right hint of zing to balance the hearty chicken and soft pastina pieces.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies can round out your meal perfectly. If you want something indulgent, garlic butter toast or cheesy crostini alongside will satisfy any craving for comfort. The crusty bread is non-negotiable—it’s the ideal companion, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last spoonful.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the comfort experience. Serve the soup in rustic bowls to emphasize its homey feel. For a special touch, sprinkle a little freshly grated Parmesan or cracked black pepper on top. You can also add a swirl of extra virgin olive oil for silky richness. Using small ramekins or soup mugs makes for an inviting, cozy presentation that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Comforting Chicken Pastina Soup for a Cozy Night In Recipe actually gets better the next day when the flavors have had more time to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because pastina continues to absorb liquid, you might want to add a little extra broth or water when reheating to keep the soup light and comforting.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this soup, it’s best to do so before adding the pastina. Freeze the broth, vegetables, and chicken mixture in portions, and then cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat. This approach helps maintain the pasta’s ideal texture, preventing it from becoming mushy after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick. Stir often to get everything heated evenly. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but be sure to stir halfway through to avoid uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of pastina?
Absolutely! Orzo or ditalini are perfect substitutes and will give a similar comforting texture. Just adjust cooking time as needed since pasta sizes can differ in how quickly they cook.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal that tastes great reheated. Just keep the pastina separate if freezing to prevent it from getting too soft when thawed.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can easily make a veggie version by skipping the chicken and using mushroom broth for a richer flavor. Throw in some beans or lentils for added protein and keep the comforting vibe intact.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley on hand?
Fresh parsley adds brightness but dried herbs can work in a pinch—just use less as dried herbs are more concentrated. You can also try fresh dill or chives for a new flavor twist.
How do I prevent the pastina from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta just until it’s tender yet firm, and avoid overcooking by adding it later in the cooking process. If planning to store leftovers, consider cooking the pastina separately and adding it when reheating the soup.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Comforting Chicken Pastina Soup for a Cozy Night In Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals whenever you want something simple, nourishing, and heartwarming. It’s more than just soup; it’s a little act of self-care, bringing a smile and a warm glow after every spoonful. So, cozy up, grab a bowl and some crusty bread, and dive into this delicious hug of a soup!
Print
Comforting Chicken Pastina Soup for a Cozy Night In Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Comforting Chicken Pastina Soup is a cozy and hearty meal perfect for a chilly night. Featuring tender shredded chicken, delicate pastina pasta, and a flavorful vegetable broth base with carrots and onions, it’s an easy-to-make soup that warms you from the inside out. Finished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, served alongside crusty bread, this soup balances comfort and bright flavors for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 cup Pastina (or orzo or ditalini as a substitution)
- 2 cups Shredded Chicken (rotisserie or cooked fresh chicken breasts)
- 2 Carrots, chopped (substitute sweet potatoes or parsnips)
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth (chicken or mushroom broth optional)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or avocado oil or butter)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (optional: fresh dill or chives)
- 1 Onion (or shallots for milder flavor)
- 1 Lemon Wedge (for serving)
Serving
- 1 Loaf Crusty Bread (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop one onion and two carrots into small, even pieces to ensure even cooking. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces whether using fresh or rotisserie chicken. Set aside for smooth cooking flow.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add chopped onions and carrots, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes until onions are translucent and carrots soften slightly.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in four cups of vegetable broth and stir gently. Increase heat to bring to a gentle simmer over 2-3 minutes.
- Cook Pastina: Add one cup of pastina to the simmering broth. Maintain a gentle boil and cook for 10-12 minutes until pastina is tender but still slightly firm.
- Add Chicken: In the last few minutes of pasta cooking, stir in shredded chicken ensuring it is evenly distributed and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season and Add Herbs: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired. Stir in fresh parsley for brightness just before serving.
- Serve Soup: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness. Serve alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Substitute pastina with orzo or ditalini pasta if unavailable.
- Vegetable broth can be swapped with chicken or mushroom broth for deeper flavor.
- Olive oil can be replaced by butter or avocado oil depending on preference.
- Carrots can be substituted with sweet potatoes or parsnips to alter flavor profile.
- Use fresh herbs like dill or chives in place of parsley for variation.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens the overall taste.
- Pairing with crusty bread completes the meal and adds texture.
