Chicken Pastina Soup

Name: Chicken Pastina Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 cups carrots, sliced; 2 cups celery stalks, sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 6 cups chicken broth; 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup ditalini pasta; 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped

A comforting Italian style soup loaded with shredded chicken, ditalini pasta, tender vegetables, and fresh spinach in a seasoned chicken broth.

50 minEasyServes 6280 cal/serving

ItalianSoupStovetopHigh ProteinNut-FreeDairy-FreeSoy-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cups carrots, sliced
2 cups celery stalks, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
6 cups chicken broth
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half
1 tsp salt
1 cup ditalini pasta
2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped

Instructions

1

Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2

Add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 cups sliced carrots, and 2 cups sliced celery stalks, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
3

Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4

Pour in 6 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
5

Add 1.5 lbs cut in half boneless skinless chicken breasts and 1 tsp salt, then simmer for 15 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F.
6

Remove chicken from pot, shred with two forks, and return it to the broth.
7

Stir in 1 cup ditalini pasta and simmer for 8 minutes until pasta is tender.
8

Remove from heat, stir in 2 cups chopped fresh baby spinach until wilted, and serve warm.

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Questions

What internal temperature should Chicken Pastina Soup reach?

For Chicken Pastina Soup, the target internal temperature is 165 F (about 75 C), given in step 5. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

What can I use instead of Italian seasoning in Chicken Pastina Soup?

The entry for Chicken Pastina Soup calls for 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning. In its place: Equal parts dried oregano, basil and thyme, with a little rosemary.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in Chicken Pastina Soup?

Yes. Boneless thighs at the same weight are more forgiving and stay juicier. Give them two to four minutes longer; they are at their best around 175 F rather than 165 F. As written, the entry for Chicken Pastina Soup uses 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half.

Can I make Chicken Pastina Soup gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Chicken Pastina Soup is 1 cup ditalini pasta. Swap the pasta for a gluten-free one, cooked a minute short of its package time. Everything else proceeds as written.

How do I store and reheat Chicken Pastina Soup?

Refrigerate Chicken Pastina Soup for up to four days, or freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to loosen it. The pasta will go on swelling in the broth; for the best texture on day two, store that part separately or cook it fresh.

Serve it with

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