Creamy Italian Chicken Soup with Pastina Delight

Indulge in the warmth and comfort of a Creamy Italian Chicken Soup with Pastina, a soul-soothing dish filled with tender chicken, tiny pastina pasta, vibrant vegetables, and a luscious plant-based cream. This soup brings together the perfect blend of savory herbs and hearty ingredients, making every spoonful a cozy, flavorful experience ideal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort: The creamy texture combined with delicate pastina creates a soothing bowl that feels like a warm hug.
• Loaded with Nutrition: Packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and flavorful herbs, it’s a wholesome meal in a bowl.
• Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Family Friendly: Mild, delicious flavors and small pasta are perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Customizable Flavor: Easily adapted to suit different tastes, from extra veggies to spice variations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh, simple, and essential ingredients is key to achieving the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color in this soup. Every component plays a vital role in building depth and richness while keeping the dish approachable.

• Chicken breast: Provides tender, lean protein that’s easy to shred and absorb flavors.
• Pastina pasta: Small, Italian star-shaped pasta adding delicate texture and a comforting bite.
• Carrots and celery: Classic soup veggies that add sweetness and crunch.
• Yellow onion: Builds a savory foundation with natural sweetness and aroma.
• Garlic cloves: Infuse bold, aromatic depth to the broth.
• Fresh parsley and thyme: Bright herbs that lift the entire flavor profile with freshness.
• Plant-based cream: Creates silky smoothness and richness without overpowering the soup.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Adds complexity and umami notes.
• Chicken broth: The heart of the soup’s savory base, delivering deep flavor.
• Olive oil (natural): For sautéing and enhancing flavors with a subtle fruity finish.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every ingredient.

Variations for Creamy Italian Chicken Soup with Pastina

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to personalize based on your pantry or preferences. Each variation offers a new spin that keeps the comforting base but adds exciting new flavors or textures.

• Vegetable-Loaded: Add zucchini, spinach, or peas to boost nutrition and color.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for warmth.
• Herb Swap: Use basil or rosemary instead of thyme and parsley for a different herbal aroma.
• Grain Alternative: Substitute pastina with quinoa or small orzo for a unique texture.
• Protein Variation: Use smoked turkey slices or diced smoked turkey bacon for smoky depth.

How to Make Creamy Italian Chicken Soup with Pastina

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Begin by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Next, add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Add fresh thyme sprigs and season with salt and pepper. Bring this to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add in the chicken breasts whole and poach gently in the simmering broth until cooked through, roughly 15 minutes. Once ready, remove and shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks, then return it to the pot.

Step 4: Add Pastina and Cream

Stir in the pastina pasta and cook until tender, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, then slowly mix in the plant-based cream, ensuring a velvety consistency without boiling to preserve that smooth texture.

Step 5: Final Touches

Remove thyme sprigs and stir in chopped fresh parsley for a bright pop. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, letting each spoonful bring a creamy, herb-infused delight that tastes just like Italy in a bowl.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Italian Chicken Soup with Pastina

• Fresh Herbs: Always add fresh parsley or thyme near the end to retain their fresh aroma and vibrant color.
• Gentle Simmer: Keep your soup at a gentle simmer to avoid overcooking the pastina, which can become mushy quickly.
• Shredding Chicken: Poach chicken breasts gently for maximum tenderness that melts into the soup.
• Quality Broth: Opt for a rich, homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth for the best base flavor.
• Plant-Based Cream: Use a neutral, unsweetened plant-based cream to add creaminess without overpowering the dish.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Chicken Soup with Pastina

Garnishes

Brighten your bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (natural) to enhance both color and flavor. A small dash of freshly ground black pepper on top adds just the right touch of spice.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy soup with crusty rustic bread or a simple green salad tossed in lemon juice and olive oil (natural) for a perfectly balanced meal. Garlic bread made with smoked turkey bacon bits can also add a savory touch if you want more indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in warmed bowls or rustic mugs for an inviting look. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh thyme or a pinch of finely grated plant-based Parmesan (plant-based) cheese on top to make it extra special for guests or cozy nights in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will develop even more overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal that’s quick and delicious.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to two months for easy future meals without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of plant-based milk or broth to loosen it up and restore its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of pastina?

Absolutely! While pastina adds a delicate texture, small pasta shapes like orzo or tiny shells work well and keep the heartwarming element intact.

Is there an option for a dairy-free version?

Yes, this recipe already uses plant-based cream, so it’s perfect for dairy-free needs while maintaining its creamy richness.

Can I prepare this soup without chicken?

Definitely. Substitute the chicken with additional vegetables or plant-based protein options for a delicious vegetarian alternative full of flavor.

How long does the soup last in the fridge?

It stays fresh and tasty for up to three days when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

What herbs work best for this soup?

Fresh parsley and thyme are classics for this recipe, but basil or rosemary also add wonderful aromas and flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

Ready to cozy up with a bowl of Creamy Italian Chicken Soup with Pastina? This recipe delivers a perfect blend of comforting textures, savory flavors, and heartwarming goodness that’s simple to prepare and delightful to share. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a nourishing lunch, this soup is sure to become a fast favorite in your recipe collection.

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