There is simply nothing more comforting than settling in with a steaming bowl of Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out — each spoonful is packed with tender chicken, delicate pastina, and sweet vegetables swimming in a golden, fragrant broth. This soup is a hug from the kitchen, perfect for chilly nights, fighting sniffles, or just needing a bowlful of extra love. With simple ingredients and gentle flavors, Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days becomes a nostalgic classic that you’ll crave whenever the temperatures dip!

Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days lies in its honest, everyday ingredients that work together to bring both flavor and comfort. Each one matters: from golden olive oil building the base, to the tiny pastina soaking up chickeny goodness — every ingredient lifts the soup to cozy perfection.

Olive Oil: A splash in the pot adds a rich, slightly fruity undertone and helps soften the vegetables beautifully.
Onion: Diced onion is essential for bringing out sweetness and depth in your soup base.
Carrots: Sweet, vibrant, and full of color — carrots brighten up every spoonful.
Celery: Adds a subtle earthiness and a bit of crunch, balancing the soup’s flavors.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves infuse the broth with irresistible aroma and warmth.
Chicken Broth: Go for a good-quality broth — it’s the soulful backbone of this cozy dish.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Leftovers or rotisserie chicken are perfect; they keep things quick and extra flavorful.
Pastina Pasta: These tiny pasta shapes are the star! Orzo or acini di pepe substitute nicely if you can’t find pastina.
Dried Thyme: A pinch adds a gentle herbal note that makes the soup taste homey.
Turmeric (optional): Just for a golden color and a whisper of earthy flavor — use it if you like warmth.
Salt and Pepper: Absolutely essential to bring everything together; season generously to taste.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley at the end offers brightness and a pop of fresh color.
Grated Parmesan (optional): A shower on top turns your bowl into something extra cozy and delicious.

How to Make Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, then let them gently sizzle and sweat for about 5 to 6 minutes. The onions should turn translucent and the carrots and celery should start to soften, filling your kitchen with delicious, nostalgic aromas. This is the beginning of the flavor magic!

Step 2: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Be careful not to let it burn! This short, fragrant step makes all the difference, giving the Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days its irresistible, warming undertone.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Bring to a Boil

Pour in all that beautiful chicken broth and turn up the heat, bringing the pot to a gentle boil. This is where everything starts to come together — the vegetables do their part to flavor the broth, and you’re about to create a truly soul-soothing soup.

Step 4: Add Chicken, Pasta, and Seasonings

Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, pastina pasta, dried thyme, turmeric (if you’re using it), and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Reduce the heat so the soup is simmering, not boiling hard. Let it bubble gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Once the pastina is gorgeously plump and the soup tastes just right, turn off the heat. Stir in fresh parsley for that signature pop of green and a shot of brightness, and taste again to see if it needs any more seasoning. Your Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days is ready to serve!

How to Serve Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days

Garnishes

This soup loves a final flourish! Sprinkle on a little extra fresh parsley for lively color, and add a generous shower of grated Parmesan cheese for savory depth. If you’re feeling luxe, swirl in a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a pat of butter just before serving.

Side Dishes

A bowl of Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days is even better with a side of good, crusty bread for dipping and swooping. A simple mixed salad or even a few saltine crackers on the side help round out your meal, making it cozy and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Try ladling your soup into wide, shallow bowls and topping each with a Parmesan crisp or crunchy garlic croutons. For a family-style meal, serve everything in a big Dutch oven at the table and let everyone garnish their own bowl. Mini soup mugs also make this dish an adorable starter for larger dinners!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The pastina may soak up a bit more broth as it sits, so don’t be surprised if the soup thickens overnight — just add a splash of broth before reheating.

Freezing

Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days can be frozen, but for best texture, consider freezing without the pastina added (cook and add it fresh when you reheat). If you do freeze it all together, expect the pasta to get a bit softer — still delicious, but a little less toothsome. Use freezer-safe containers and mark the date for easy meal planning.

Reheating

Warm the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, gently stirring and adding extra broth or a splash of water as needed to loosen things up. If using a microwave, cover the bowl loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until piping hot. Top off with a pinch of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for that freshly-made touch!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Soup

Absolutely! While pastina makes the soup extra comforting, acini di pepe, orzo, or even small stars all work beautifully. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might change slightly depending on the pasta shape.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap in vegetable broth for chicken broth and leave out the chicken, or add diced cooked potatoes or a can of rinsed white beans for extra heartiness. The soup will still offer that Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days comfort, just meat-free!

How can I boost the flavor even further?

For a richer soup, add a splash of extra-virgin olive oil or a tablespoon of butter at the very end. Fresh lemon juice (just a squeeze!) can brighten things up, while simmering the soup with a Parmesan rind creates extra savory depth.

What if I don’t have cooked chicken on hand?

No worries! You can poach a chicken breast right in your broth before you start the soup, or use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for even more flavor and convenience. Shred or dice the meat and you’re good to go.

Why does my soup get thicker after chilling?

Pastina is like a little sponge and keeps absorbing broth as it sits. That’s super normal! Just add a bit more chicken broth or water when reheating to thin it back to your perfect texture, and give everything a good stir.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a deliciously simple recipe to chase away the cold, Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days is sure to become your year-round go-to. It’s easy, heartwarming, and always crowd-pleasing. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be ladling up comfort in no time!

Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup for Cold Days Recipe

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4.8 from 3 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cozy Chicken Pastina Soup is the perfect comfort food for cold days. With a hearty broth, tender shredded chicken, and tiny pastina pasta, this soup is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup cooked shredded chicken
3/4 cup pastina pasta (or any tiny pasta like acini di pepe or orzo)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in the shredded chicken, pastina, dried thyme, turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper.
Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley.
Serve warm with grated Parmesan on top and crusty bread on the side if desired.

Notes

This soup is perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken.
For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of butter at the end.
Pastina tends to absorb liquid as it sits, so add more broth when reheating leftovers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American