This delicious Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Pastina Soup, characterized by little stelline pasta, is the ultimate nostalgic comfort food to me, made with extra-virgin olive oil, celery, carrots, shallots, and Parmesan cheese.

To make Chicken Pastina Soup in Giada’s style, heat olive oil in a saucepan, cook the vegetables until soft, add broth and pasta, simmer for 10 minutes, then stir in peas and Parmesan.

If you loved this Chicken Pastina Soup, let me know in the comments! Try it out, and don’t forget to share your hilarious cooking mishaps. It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll enjoy every spoonful!

Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Pastina Soup Ingredients

• 1 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 shallots, minced
• 3 sprigs of thyme
• 3/4 tsp of kosher salt
• One 2-inch piece of Parmesan rind
• 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup of water
• 1 1/2 cups of little star pasta (stelline) or farfalline
• 1 cup of frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp of lemon zest (optional, from one large lemon)

How To Make Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Pastina Soup

1. Heat up Your Saucepan: Pour the olive oil into a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the celery, carrot, and shallots. Stir them around for about 5 minutes or until they soften up.
2. Spice it Up: Add the thyme sprigs, kosher salt, and that chunky Parmesan rind. Now pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook away for 10 minutes.
3. Pasta Time: Sprinkle in the pasta and give it a good stir with a wooden spoon to keep it from sticking. Let it simmer again and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes until the pasta is tender and the soup starts to thicken a bit.
4. Final Touches: Fish out the thyme and Parmesan rind. Stir in the peas to warm them through. Spoon the soup into bowls, then shower with grated Parmesan and a zest of lemon if you’re feeling zesty.

Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Giada Chicken Pastina Soup Recipe?

Absolutely, you can! While pastina is traditional, feel free to toss in whatever small pasta you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking time; it might need adjusting.

Recipe Tips

• Boost the Broth: To elevate the soup’s flavor, simmer the broth with a couple of garlic cloves and bay leaves; just remember to remove them before you serve.
• Veggie Variety: Don’t hesitate to throw in some extra veggies like spinach or kale for a nutritious punch; they blend right in and add a splash of color.
• Protein Power: If you’re looking to add more protein, consider stirring in some cooked, shredded chicken breast or turkey during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Cheese Please: For cheese lovers, mix in a generous handful of grated pecorino romano for a sharper, saltier twist than the usual Parmesan.

Recipe Variations

• Go Gluten-Free: Swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free option; just keep an eye on it, as it might cook quicker than traditional pasta.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to give the soup a gentle heat that warms you right up on a chilly day.
• Herb Freshness: Mix up the herbs by adding basil or parsley for a fresh twist; these herbs add a bright note that complements the mellow flavors.
• Creamy Dreamy: For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving; it turns the soup into a rich, comforting bowl of goodness.

What To Serve With Chicken Pastina Soup

Serve your Chicken Pastina Soup with a grilled vegetable platter, soft polenta rounds, spicy kale chips, toasted pine nut couscous, and pickled red onions.

You can also pair it with parmesan roasted asparagus and lemon-dressed green beans for an elegant touch.

How To Store Leftover Chicken Pastina Soup

In The Fridge:

Place your leftover Chicken Pastina Soup in an airtight container and refrigerate it immediately after cooling. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days when stored correctly. Be sure to cover it tightly to maintain its flavor and quality.

In The Freezer:

Chicken Pastina Soup can be frozen, but it’s best consumed fresh. If you decide to freeze it, understand the pasta may become mushy upon thawing. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within three months for optimal taste.

How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Pastina Soup

Reheat your leftover Chicken Pastina Soup by simmering it on the stove over medium heat until it’s thoroughly heated. This method helps preserve the soup’s texture and flavors.

Alternatively, you can microwave it in a suitable container for about three minutes, stirring halfway through.

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Chicken Francese
• Giada Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
• Giada De Laurentiis Chicken Adobo