If you’ve ever visited a Carrabba’s Italian Grill and indulged in their deliciously comforting Mama Mandola’s Chicken Soup, you’ve probably found yourself wanting to recreate the experience at home. That rich, flavorful broth with tender chicken, vegetables, and the perfect balance of seasonings is hard to forget. This soup has become an iconic part of the Carrabba’s menu, and for good reason-it’s incredibly satisfying and full of heart.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in the deliciousness but also in how simple and wholesome it is. The blend of vegetables, chicken, and a subtly spiced broth comes together beautifully, giving you a taste of homemade Italian comfort in every spoonful. And today, you’re in luck because we’re going to dive deep into how to recreate Mama Mandola’s Chicken Soup in your own kitchen.
Let’s break it down step by step and take a closer look at the ingredients, the cooking instructions, and some handy tips to make sure your homemade version of this soup is just as mouthwatering as the original.
Carrabba’s Mama Mandola’s Chicken Soup Recipe
The recipe for Mama Mandola’s Chicken Soup is simple enough that you won’t need any special skills to pull it off. The hardest part? Waiting for it to finish cooking so you can dive in! Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients Needed
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Bone-in chicken breasts (2 or 3)
- The bone-in breast is essential because it imparts a lot of flavor to the broth and gives the soup that deep, rich chicken taste.
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Carrots (2 medium, peeled and chopped)
- Carrots add a natural sweetness and a lovely color to the soup.
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Celery (2 stalks, chopped)
- Celery balances out the sweetness of the carrots and gives the soup a nice crunch.
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Yellow onion (1 medium, chopped)
- Onions bring a savory base to the soup and pair wonderfully with the chicken.
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Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Garlic elevates the flavor profile with its aromatic richness.
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Chicken broth (8 cups, preferably low-sodium)
- Chicken broth is the backbone of this soup, giving it the depth and flavor we all crave.
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Fresh thyme (2 sprigs)
- Thyme brings an earthy, herby note that complements the chicken perfectly.
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Bay leaves (2)
- Bay leaves add a subtle depth to the broth, enhancing its savory flavor.
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Ditalini pasta (1/2 cup)
- Ditalini is the pasta used in the original recipe. Its small size makes it perfect for slurping up the soup.
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Olive oil (2 tbsp)
- A bit of olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables, ensuring they develop a rich flavor before the broth is added.
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Salt and pepper (to taste)
- These are the essential seasonings that will really bring the soup to life.
Cooking Instructions
Prepare The Chicken
- Begin by placing your bone-in chicken breasts into a large pot. Add enough water to cover the chicken and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool.
Sauté The Vegetables
- While the chicken is cooling, heat the olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and starting to release their natural sweetness.
Add Garlic And Broth
- Once the vegetables have softened, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, add the thyme sprigs and bay leaves, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Shred The Chicken
- While the broth is simmering, shred the cooled chicken with your hands or a fork, discarding the bones and skin. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot with the broth and vegetables. Stir to combine.
Cook The Pasta
- Add the ditalini pasta to the soup and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes, depending on the pasta brand.
Final Adjustments
- Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves before serving.
Ingredient Insights
- Chicken: Using bone-in chicken adds rich flavor to the broth as the bones release natural gelatin, which gives the soup its silky texture. If you’re in a rush, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you’ll miss out on that deep flavor. A rotisserie chicken can also be a shortcut, but cooking your chicken from scratch will make all the difference.
- Vegetables: The classic mix of carrots, celery, and onions is the base of many comforting soups, providing natural sweetness, crunch, and savory depth. They also contribute to the overall nutrition, making this a wholesome meal.
- Thyme and Bay Leaves: These herbs are essential in creating a savory, aromatic broth. They don’t overpower but enhance the soup, leaving you with a subtly herbaceous flavor.
- Ditalini Pasta: This small pasta is just the right size to hold up in the soup without getting soggy. You can substitute it with small shells or elbows if needed.
Expert Tips
- Use homemade broth if possible: Store-bought broth is fine, but homemade chicken broth takes this soup to another level. If you have time, simmer chicken bones with onions, carrots, and celery to create a more flavorful base.
- Don’t rush the simmering: The longer you let the chicken and vegetables simmer together, the more the flavors meld. Be patient and allow the broth to fully develop before adding the chicken back in.
- Add the pasta at the end: Pasta can soak up liquid and get mushy if it’s added too early. For the best texture, add the pasta towards the end of the cooking time.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Since broths and pastas can vary, always taste the soup before serving. A little extra salt or pepper can elevate the flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Add Greens: For a burst of color and nutrition, add spinach or kale towards the end of the cooking process. These greens will wilt perfectly in the hot broth and complement the soup.
- Spicy Version: If you love a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño pepper when sautéing the vegetables.
- Creamy Chicken Soup: For a richer version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or whole milk towards the end of cooking to create a creamy texture.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth along with a variety of vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and green beans for a light, plant-based version.
Final Words
Making Mama Mandola’s Chicken Soup at home is a perfect way to bring the flavors of Carrabba’s Italian Grill into your own kitchen. It’s hearty, satisfying, and brimming with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a comforting lunch, or to impress guests, this soup is sure to be a hit.
The simplicity of the recipe means you don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets or techniques. The ingredients are accessible, and the steps are easy to follow. Best of all, you can adjust the flavors to your liking and make it your own.