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–+ servings
Chicken Pastina Soup

Comforting Chicken Pastina Soup for Cozy Family Dinners

Hearty and nourishing, this Chicken Pastina Soup is perfect for chilly days, bringing the family together with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and adorable pasta stars.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Soups
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil substitute with avocado oil for a twist
  • 1 onion finely chopped; yellow or sweet onions work best
  • 2 celery stalks diced; include the leaves for added taste
  • 1 carrot diced; sweet potato is a tasty alternative
  • 3 garlic cloves minced; or use 1/4 tsp garlic powder per clove if fresh is unavailable
  • 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth lower sodium options are great for kids
For the Protein and Pasta
  • 2 cups diced cooked chicken leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken recommended
  • 1 cup star pastina pasta orzo can be swapped in for a similar effect
For Finishing Touches
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add 1 finely chopped onion, 2 diced celery stalks, 1 diced carrot, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5-8 minutes until softened.
  3. Pour in 6 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in 2 cups of diced cooked chicken and let simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Add 1 cup of star pastina pasta and cook uncovered for 6-8 minutes until al dente.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve with crusty Italian bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. This soup is perfect for batch cooking and can be stored for later use.

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