If you’re searching for a hug in a bowl, look no further than this Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe. It’s a heartwarming medley of tender shredded chicken, delicate pastina pasta, and vibrant vegetables all simmered to perfection in a savory chicken broth. This soup feels like a loving embrace on chilly afternoons, bringing together simple ingredients that comfort and nourish with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in how straightforward and accessible these ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this soup truly special.
- Chicken breasts (2, cooked and shredded): Gives the soup its hearty protein and tender bite.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): The flavorful base that ties everything together with warmth and depth.
- Carrot (1, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and a pop of cheerful orange color.
- Celery stalk (1, diced): Brings a fresh, slightly peppery crunch and aromatic earthiness.
- Onion (1, diced): Creates a savory foundation with a mild sweetness once softened.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds an irresistible aromatic punch that wakes up the entire dish.
- Pastina (1/2 cup): These petite pasta pearls add a delicate, comforting texture that’s perfect for spooning.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out every ingredient’s best.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to lightly sauté veggies, enhancing their natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A bright herbaceous finish that keeps the soup feeling fresh.
How to Make Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil warms up, add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Cook these together for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their sweet, savory aromas. This step is key because it builds the flavorful base that every spoonful depends on.
Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken
Next, pour in the chicken broth and carefully stir in the shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper to your preference. Let this mixture come up to a gentle simmer. Allowing it to cook for about ten minutes gives the flavors a chance to marry and creates that inviting depth that makes this Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Cook the Pastina
Once the soup has simmered, add the pastina pasta. Because these tiny pasta shapes cook quickly, five to seven minutes will do the trick to reach that perfect tender-but-not-mushy texture. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally so the pastina doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
When the pasta is just right, remove the soup from heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh herbal notes. Your Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe is now ready to share and enjoy!
How to Serve Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh parsley garnish isn’t just pretty—it brightens the flavors and adds a gentle freshness that balances the savory richness. For a bit more indulgence, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can elevate the soup even further. Feel free to get creative with finely chopped chives or a squeeze of lemon for a subtle zing.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, perfect for dipping and savoring every last drop. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables on the side can round out your meal, making it both nutritious and satisfying on chilly days.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper on top. Hosting a casual lunch? Try individual ramekins with a tiny parsley leaf on each spoon for a charming touch. Turning this into a cozy event by adding homemade breadsticks or garlic knots serves as an irresistible complement to the warm soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors intensify overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delightful.
Freezing
While this soup can be frozen, be mindful that the pastina may soften further after thawing. To preserve texture, consider freezing the soup without the pasta and adding freshly cooked pastina when reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
Reheating
Warm your soup gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. If you froze the soup without pasta, cook fresh pastina separately and combine before serving to keep every bite perfect.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works wonderfully in this recipe, making it a fantastic way to elevate simple ingredients into something comforting and delicious. Just shred it and add it to the broth when directed.
What if I don’t have pastina? Are there substitutes?
No worries! You can substitute pastina with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or tiny shells. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly according to the pasta’s size and shape.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes! Swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or hearty beans for protein. This lets you enjoy a flavorful, meat-free version that’s still incredibly comforting.
How can I make this soup more flavorful?
Adding a bay leaf during simmering, a splash of white wine, or a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can deepen the flavor profile. Just remember to remove inedible herbs before serving!
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Sauté the vegetables first for best flavor, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the pastina in the last 15-20 minutes so it doesn’t get mushy.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe holds a special place in so many hearts—it’s the perfect marriage of simplicity and soul-soothing goodness. Whether you’re curled up on a cold afternoon or need a little kitchen warmth, this recipe delivers that cozy feeling with every spoonful. Give it a try; your taste buds and soul will thank you.
Print
Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup is a warm and comforting dish perfect for cold days. Featuring tender shredded chicken, delicate pastina pasta, and a flavorful blend of vegetables simmered in a savory chicken broth, it’s a simple yet nourishing meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup pastina (or small pasta like ditalini, orzo)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
- Add broth and chicken: Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, then add the shredded chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper. Bring everything to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the pastina: Stir in the 1/2 cup of pastina pasta. Continue to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot for a hearty and cozy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute pastina with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo.
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding the chicken breasts.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- This soup reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a richer flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
