If you’re craving a bowl of warmth and comfort, the Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderfully simple, soul-soothing soup that combines tender shredded chicken, delicate pastina pasta, and wholesome vegetables all simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, perfect for chilly weather when you want something nourishing and effortless to make. This recipe brings together everyday ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and delightfully cozy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack a punch in both flavor and texture. The comforting chicken broth forms the base, while vegetables like carrot, celery, and onion add sweetness and depth. The pastina pasta softens just right, creating a lovely mouthfeel, and the shredded chicken provides hearty protein to keep you full on cold days.
- Chicken breasts: Cooked and shredded for tender protein that makes the soup filling without weighing it down.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful foundation that ties together all the elements in the soup.
- Carrot: Diced to add a subtle sweetness and a bit of color to brighten the bowl.
- Celery stalk: Diced for a slight crunch and fresh, aromatic undertones.
- Onion: Diced to build a savory base when sautéed with garlic.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the broth with a gentle, fragrant warmth.
- Pastina (or small pasta): The star of this dish, providing tender, tiny bites that soak up the broth beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables gently without overpowering their natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley: For a bright, herbaceous garnish that adds a fresh finishing touch.
How to Make Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté them gently until they soften, about five minutes. This step builds a fragrant, flavorful base that infuses the whole soup with warmth and comfort.
Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken
Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Bring everything to a simmer, allowing the flavors to marry and the broth to deepen, about ten minutes. This simmering step is key for the cozy depth that sets this soup apart.
Step 3: Cook the Pastina
Finally, stir in your pastina or chosen small pasta. Let it cook for five to seven minutes until tender but still delicate. The tiny pasta works like magic here, soaking up the savory broth and keeping the dish feeling light yet nourishing. Once the pasta is just right, you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley over the hot soup adds a lovely pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that brightens every spoonful. You can also add a dash of freshly cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of good olive oil for a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a standalone meal but pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every drop of the delicious broth. For a heartier meal, a simple side salad or steamed vegetables provide complementary textures and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe in rustic bowls for that homey feel, or dress it up in elegant soup crocks if you’re spoiling guests. For a fun twist, try adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but with a little caution—the pastina tends to get mushy after thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the pastina fresh when reheating. Freeze the broth, chicken, and vegetables separately for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. If you froze the pasta separately, cook it fresh and add it to the warm soup just before serving to keep that perfect tender bite.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut that adds extra flavor and convenience, making your Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe even easier to prepare.
What can I substitute for pastina if I don’t have any on hand?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or even tiny elbow macaroni work beautifully. The key is to choose a pasta size that stays tender and complements the soup’s texture.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
You can freeze the broth and chicken components, but it’s best to cook the pastina fresh to avoid it becoming mushy when thawed. This keeps your soup tasting fresh and maintains the perfect texture.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the chicken. Add extra vegetables or beans for protein, and you’ll have a nourishing vegetarian variation that’s just as cozy.
How long does it take to make Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe?
The whole process takes about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a quick yet comforting meal when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm bowl of the Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe. It’s a humble yet special dish that makes chilly days feel a little brighter and hectic evenings a lot easier. If you’re looking for a go-to soup that feels homemade, comforting, and surprisingly quick to prepare, this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation. Give it a try and enjoy every cozy spoonful!
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
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup is the perfect warm and comforting dish for cold days. Featuring tender shredded chicken, delicate pastina pasta, and a flavorful mix of sautéed vegetables in a savory chicken broth, this soup comes together quickly in just 30 minutes. It’s an easy-to-make meal that delivers wholesome nourishment and soothing warmth in every bowl.
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 or orzo)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add broth and chicken: Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth along with the shredded chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the pastina: Stir in 1/2 cup of pastina (or your choice of small pasta). Continue simmering for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the soup from heat, ladle into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Substitute pastina with other small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini if desired.
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a brightness boost.
