Name: Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup pastina pasta (or any tiny pasta like acini di pepe or stelline); 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached); 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; juice of half a lemon (optional); grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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If you’re looking for the ultimate bowl of comfort, there’s nothing quite like Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days. This soul-warming soup brings together delicate little pasta stars, sweet carrots, and gently simmered chicken in a golden broth that promises to thaw even the coldest winter night. It comes together quickly, making it the perfect recipe for when you crave a nourishing meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days is a true hug-in-a-bowl, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring quietly on your own.

Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a collection of simple ingredients that each play a powerful role in building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need for a vibrant, homemade Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the aromatic vegetables soften and release their fragrance.
Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth at the base of the soup.
Garlic: A kick of savory flavor that makes the broth irresistible—don’t skip this!
Carrots: For a pop of color and a sweet bite that balances the savory chicken broth.
Celery: Infuses the soup with a gentle, earthy crunch and classic flavor.
Low-sodium chicken broth: The key to a well-balanced soup—you can always add more salt later if needed.
Bay leaf: Builds gentle, herbaceous undertones during simmering.
Dried thyme: Lends subtle warmth and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—adjust to taste.
Black pepper: A touch of spice that brightens everything up.
Pastina pasta: Tiny pasta shapes like stelline or acini di pepe add fun texture and make each spoonful delightfully tender.
Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie or poached chicken keeps prep simple and the soup hearty.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brings color and freshness just before serving.
Lemon juice (optional): A squeeze at the end can enhance the brightness and lift the flavors beautifully.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For a savory, salty finish that melts into your bowl—add as much as your heart desires!

How to Make Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté everything together, stirring occasionally, for about five to seven minutes. You’re looking for the vegetables to soften and the onion to turn translucent. When you catch a sweet, savory aroma, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. You want the garlic to release its aroma without browning, infusing the base of Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days with irresistible flavor. This little moment of magic sets the stage for the rest of the soup.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir and bring the pot to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. The kitchen will soon be filled with the scent of homey, comforting soup in the making.

Step 4: Cook the Pastina

Now it’s time for the star ingredient: the pastina! Pour in the little pasta shapes and cook according to package directions—typically five or six minutes—stirring often so nothing sticks to the bottom. Watch as the soup thickens and becomes even cozier.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Finish

Stir in your cooked shredded chicken, allowing it to warm through for two to three minutes. Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Add fresh parsley and, if desired, a squeeze of lemon juice for a lovely, bright finish. Ladle the Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days into bowls, and finish each serving with a shower of grated Parmesan.

How to Serve Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days

Garnishes

A little extra something on top goes a long way! Try a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color, an extra grind of black pepper, or a generous dusting of grated Parmesan for richness. For a lemony zing, add a twist of lemon zest right before serving to boost brightness and flavor.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls—perfect for sopping up every last drop. A crisp, simple salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette makes a refreshing contrast. For extra comfort, serve alongside a gooey grilled cheese or a handful of buttered crackers.

Creative Ways to Present

Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days shines at any table, but you can make it extra charming by serving it in mismatched vintage mugs or colorful soup bowls. For family gatherings, set out a toppings bar with fresh herbs, cheese, and even a drizzle of quality olive oil. If you’re feeling playful, stir a beaten egg in at the very end to create silky ribbons, giving your soup a classic Italian twist known as stracciatella.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For the best leftover experience, store the soup and the cooked pastina separately in the refrigerator. This will keep the pasta from soaking up all the broth and becoming mushy. Both components will keep well in airtight containers for up to three days.

Freezing

To freeze Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days, skip adding the pastina until reheating. Cool the broth and chicken mixture thoroughly, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. When ready to serve, reheat and cook fresh pastina directly in the broth for the best texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you stored the pastina separately, add it to the pot for just a minute or so to reheat. If the soup seems thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up to your liking.

FAQs

Can I use different types of tiny pasta?

Absolutely! While pastina is classic, acini di pepe, orzo, or stelline are fantastic substitutes. Any small pasta shape that cooks quickly and soaks up flavor will work well for this recipe.

What’s the best chicken to use for this soup?

Rotisserie chicken is wonderfully convenient and adds depth, while poached or leftover roast chicken are also delicious. Shred the meat so it blends seamlessly into every bite of Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken broth for high-quality vegetable broth and add white beans or diced mushrooms in place of the chicken. You’ll still get a bowl that’s hearty, flavorful, and comforting.

How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook the pastina separately and combine portions when serving, or store it apart from the broth and chicken if making ahead. This little trick ensures every bowl is perfectly textured every time.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Diced zucchini, spinach, or even peas stir in easily and boost the nutrition and color of Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days. Just add them toward the end of cooking so they stay vibrant and tender.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving pure comfort and a little bit of nostalgia in a bowl, there’s no better choice than making Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days. Give it a try on your next chilly evening, and before you know it, it’ll be a cherished staple in your kitchen. Stay cozy and enjoy every spoonful!

Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Warm up on cold days with this comforting Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup. Packed with tender chicken, tiny pasta, and flavorful veggies, this easy-to-make soup is a delicious way to beat the chill.

Ingredients

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For the soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup pastina pasta (or any tiny pasta like acini di pepe or stelline)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
juice of half a lemon (optional)
grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add aromatics: Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, add bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
Cook the pasta: Add pastina and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finish the soup: Stir in shredded chicken, simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove bay leaf, add parsley and lemon juice if using.
Serve: Ladle into bowls, top with Parmesan and enjoy!