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Chicken Pastina Soup

This is Italian comfort food that's ready in under an hour. I like using chicken breasts here because they shred easily and the gentle poaching keeps them from drying out.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

Ingredients (~6 servings)

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper divided
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 2 large carrots diced
  • 4 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups water
  • 6 oz pastina acini di pepe or stelline
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in soup pot and sear chicken breasts with garlic powder, pepper, and salt for 5 minutes per side.
  • Pour 1 cup stock over chicken, cover, and simmer 7 minutes until nearly cooked through.
  • Remove chicken and sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 15 minutes until tender.
  • Shred chicken using forks or mixer.
  • Add remaining stock, water, and pepper to vegetables. Bring to boil.
  • Add pastina and cook 10 minutes until al dente.
  • Stir in shredded chicken and Parmesan cheese. Simmer 2 minutes.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Serve with extra Parmesan.

Notes

Store pasta and broth separately to prevent pastina from absorbing all liquid.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below & let me know!