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My Italian Chicken Pastina Soup story began with my grandmother's healing hands. Now whenever someone in our family feels under the weather this is the first thing I make. There's something magical about those tiny pasta stars swimming alongside tender chicken and vegetables in golden broth. We call it Nonna's Penicillin because it truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Why This Soup Heals Hearts
Beyond just tasting incredible this soup nourishes you from the inside out. That golden broth keeps you hydrated while tender chicken gives you strength. I love knowing every colorful vegetable adds its own goodness. Whether you're fighting a cold or just need comfort this bowl has everything you need.
Everything You'll Need
- Cooked Chicken: Two cups of tender love either rotisserie or homemade.
- Tiny Pastina: Those little Acini di pepe stars melt your heart.
- Fresh Vegetables: Colorful carrots celery peppers for brightness.
- Fresh Garlic: Four cloves minced with love.
- Good Broth: Six cups of liquid gold.
- Butter and Olive Oil: Our flavor foundation.
- Parmesan Rind: My secret weapon for depth.
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme make everything sing.
- Grated Parmesan: Always fresh never pre-grated.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste.
Let's Make Some Magic
- Starting With Fresh Veggies
- I love chopping everything into tiny bits matching our pastina my Vidalia chopper makes quick work of it.
- Building Our Base
- Watch those vegetables soften in butter and oil until your kitchen smells like heaven then add that fragrant garlic.
- Creating Gold
- Pour in our broth add carrots and peppers then let everything simmer until tender and perfect.
- The Smooth Touch
- Here's my grandmother's trick scoop out some veggies then blend the rest for that velvety base.
- Pastina Time
- Those tiny pasta stars cook right in our golden broth soaking up all that flavor.
- Bringing It Home
- Add our chicken and reserved vegetables then let everything rest getting cozy together.
- The Final Touch
- Fresh Parmesan and herbs on top make every bowl special.
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My Kitchen Secrets
Any tiny pasta works beautifully here though those little stars have my heart. Never skip that Parmesan rind if you have one it's pure magic in the broth. Add as much or little pasta as you like and always finish with plenty of fresh herbs and cheese.
Saving Some For Later
This soup actually gets better after a few days in the fridge. When you're ready for more just warm it gently adding a splash of broth to wake everything up. It's like having comfort on call whenever you need it.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I swap in different tiny pasta shapes just for fun. A splash of cream at the end makes everything extra cozy. When we're keeping things light turkey works beautifully and that low-sodium broth keeps everything just as delicious.
Why We Call It Nonna's Medicine
My grandmother always said this soup could cure anything and I believe her. That golden broth soothes sore throats while those tender vegetables and chicken give you strength. Even just the aroma floating through the house makes everyone feel better.
Perfect Partners
We love dunking crusty bread or garlic knots into this soup. Sometimes I'll add a pinch of red pepper flakes for warmth. A light crisp white wine alongside makes it feel extra special though honestly this soup needs nothing else to shine.
Keeping It Fresh
Let everything cool completely before tucking it away in the fridge where it stays perfect for about four days. When you're ready for more just warm it slowly adding a splash of broth if needed. Watch that pasta though it likes to keep drinking up the broth.
Freezer Magic
I learned a little trick for freezing leave out the pasta when you're storing for later. The soup base freezes beautifully for three months. When you're ready just thaw overnight cook fresh pastina and you've got comfort ready to serve.
Making It Extra Special
That Parmesan rind while it simmers is like my grandmother watching over the pot adding her love. Fresh herbs make everything feel garden-fresh and please don't skip that final shower of Parmesan it's the perfect finishing touch to our bowl of comfort.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is pastina?
Pastina means 'tiny pasta' in Italian. It refers to any very small pasta shape, with acini de pepe being a common choice for this soup.
- → Why blend some of the vegetables?
Pureeing some vegetables while leaving others diced creates a rich, smooth broth while maintaining texture. This technique adds body to the soup without cream.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but freeze it without the pasta as it can become mushy. Add fresh cooked pastina when reheating the soup.
- → What's the purpose of the parmesan rind?
The parmesan rind adds rich umami flavor to the broth as it simmers. While optional, it greatly enhances the soup's depth.
- → Why let it rest for 20 minutes?
The resting time allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the broth flavors without overcooking.
Conclusion
A traditional Italian chicken soup that serves as a comforting remedy, packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and tiny pasta in a rich, smooth broth.