There is something truly magical about a steaming bowl of Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days—it instantly lifts your spirits and warms you from the inside out. Imagine a gentle chicken broth packed with tender shredded chicken, tiny stars of pastina, and vibrant vegetables, all brightened with a touch of lemon and a shower of Parmesan. This is the kind of recipe that turns ordinary afternoons into nurturing moments, and cold evenings into cozy family gatherings. Bring out your biggest soup pot and let’s create a classic that’s certain to become a cherished part of your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient for this soup has a purpose—bringing comforting flavor, heartiness, or vibrant color to the bowl. The best part? Everything is easy to find and, when combined, they create that unforgettable taste of true comfort food.
- Olive oil: Adds a slightly fruity richness for sautéing the vegetables and starting your flavor foundation.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Gives a subtle sweetness and satisfying depth once cooked.
- Carrots (2 medium, peeled and diced): Bring gentle sweetness and sunset-orange color to each spoonful.
- Celery (2 stalks, diced): Delivers a fresh, herby undertone and wonderful crunch to balance the textures.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the broth with warmth and irresistible aroma.
- Chicken broth (8 cups, low-sodium): The backbone of the soup—use quality broth for the best flavor.
- Cooked shredded chicken breast (2 cups): Offers lean protein and tenderness; rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
- Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings gentle earthy notes for that homestyle flavor.
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Adds mild freshness and lovely flecks of green.
- Bay leaf (1): A background note that deepens the broth’s savoriness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: The simple seasoning duo; taste as you go for soup that’s seasoned just right.
- Pastina pasta (1 cup, uncooked): Those adorable, tiny pasta stars are the very soul of this dish’s comfort factor!
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Lifts and brightens flavors with a hint of acidity.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons): Melts in for an irreplaceable creamy, savory finish.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Sprinkled on top, it adds color and a burst of freshness right before serving.
How to Make Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In your largest, happiest soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté them for about five minutes until the onion turns translucent and everything smells mellow-sweet. Stir in the garlic and let it cook for just a minute more, releasing its delicious fragrance and building the irresistible foundation of Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days.
Step 2: Build the Flavors
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, and watch everything come together. Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Give it a gentle stir. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for a good fifteen minutes. That simmer will marry all the flavors into a broth that’s rich, savory, and soothing.
Step 3: Cook the Pastina
Now, the magic ingredient—pastina! Stir it right into the simmering soup and cook according to the package directions, usually 6 to 8 minutes. The pastina should be tender, but still retain a lovely, slightly chewy bite. Remove and discard the bay leaf once the pastina is cooked through.
Step 4: Brighten and Finish
Time for the finishing touches! Stir in the fresh lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. These last additions turn the soup from good to unforgettable, bringing richness, last-minute zing, and an enticing pop of green. Taste, adjust seasoning as you wish, and get ready to serve your Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days while it’s piping hot.
How to Serve Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days
Garnishes
The simplest garnish—extra Parmesan—adds a creamy, salty finish that melts into every spoonful. Sprinkle a little more chopped parsley for freshness and color. For a touch of heat, a twist of black pepper or a whisper of crushed red pepper can be lovely. Each spoonful becomes a little celebration of comfort.
Side Dishes
You can serve this soup with crusty artisan bread or classic saltine crackers for a bit of crunch and dunking delight. A leafy green salad on the side keeps things light and balanced if you’re serving Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days as part of a bigger meal. For bigger appetites, a grilled cheese sandwich or even a slice of focaccia makes for hearty company.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle your Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days into wide, shallow bowls to show off those cute pastina stars and colorful veggies. For gatherings, serve soup in mugs with fresh parsley sprinkled on top for an inviting, “hug-in-a-mug” effect. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few drops of lemon zest can give the presentation an extra lift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. The pastina may soak up some broth as it sits, making the soup a bit thicker—simply give it a stir and add a little extra broth or water before reheating to restore its perfect cozy consistency.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days, it’s best to freeze the soup before adding the pastina, as the pasta can become mushy over time. Cool the soup completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to three months. Just cook fresh pastina when you’re ready to reheat and serve.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat until steaming hot. If the soup has thickened during storage, splash in a bit of chicken broth or water to loosen things up. Microwave reheating also works well for individual portions—just use a microwave-safe bowl and stir halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use another type Soup
Absolutely! While pastina gives this soup its signature feel, you can swap in orzo, acini di pepe, or even small star-shaped pasta. Just cook according to package directions and watch for doneness.
How can I make Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days gluten-free?
To enjoy this soup gluten-free, simply use a small gluten-free pasta or even gluten-free rice-shaped pasta. Be sure to check broth and Parmesan labels for hidden gluten sources, too.
Is it possible to use leftover roast chicken?
Leftover roast chicken works wonderfully here—it adds extra savory flavor! Just shred or chop, and use as you would cooked chicken breast in the recipe.
How can I make the soup extra creamy?
For a richer finish, stir in a knob of butter or a splash of cream along with the Parmesan at the end. These small touches make the broth even silkier and more luxurious.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Spinach, peas, or diced zucchini are delicious additions that blend seamlessly into Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days. Just add quick-cooking veggies in the last few minutes of simmering.
Final Thoughts
If you crave comfort, warmth, and nostalgic flavor, put Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days on your must-make list. It’s simply soul-soothing and so easy to love. Grab your ingredients, invite someone close, and let this soup bring a little more coziness to your day—the kind of meal that feels like a warm embrace in a bowl. I can’t wait for you to taste and share this delightful classic with those you love!
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Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Warm up with a bowl of comforting Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup, perfect for chilly days. This easy-to-make soup is packed with vegetables, shredded chicken, and flavorful herbs, all simmered together for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup pastina pasta, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add shredded chicken, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in pastina and cook according to package directions, usually 6–8 minutes, until tender. Remove the bay leaf.
- Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top if desired.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra richness, stir in a knob of butter before serving.
- If the soup thickens after sitting, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
