Classic Italian Pastina Soup

Santino Erdman

Updated on May 10, 2024

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

1 hr 35 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 55 mins

Servings:

Ingredients

1 (3 to 4 lb) whole chicken, neck and insides removed
10 to 12 cups water
3 stalks celery, divided
2 white or yellow onions, peeled, divided
3 large carrots, peeled, divided
1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste, divided
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon reduced sodium chicken base (such as Better than Bouillon®)
1 cup pastina or other tiny pasta, such as stars
1 tablespoon chopped parsley, or to taste (optional)
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or to taste (optional)

Directions

Place chicken in a large pot and pour water over to cover.
Roughly chop 2 stalks of celery, 1 1/2 onions, and 2 carrots and add to pot with chicken. Season with 2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper and bring pot to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the chicken to simmer 1 hour, covered.
Remove chicken from the pot and allow to cool before removing and shredding the meat. Strain the stock and discard the solids. Reserve liquid and add water if necessary to measure 12 cups of liquid. Wipe pot clean.
Finely chop remaining celery, onion and carrot. Place pot over medium-high heat and add oil. Add chopped vegetables, remaining salt, pepper and garlic and cook frequently until vegetables are tender and onion is translucent (the veggies should not be browned). Add reserved stock and chicken base and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil and
reduce it to simmer. Allow soup to simmer 10 minutes.
Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally 15 minutes or until pasta is tender. Reduce heat to low and add chicken and season if desired. Cook 5 additional minutes. Stir in chopped parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

486	Calories
27g	Fat
10g	Carbs
48g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 486
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 27g	34%
Saturated Fat 7g	35%
Cholesterol 150mg	50%
Sodium 849mg	37%
Total Carbohydrate 10g	4%
Dietary Fiber 2g	6%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 48g	97%
Vitamin C 3mg	3%
Calcium 158mg	12%
Iron 3mg	15%
Potassium 554mg	12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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