Chickarina Soup Recipe

Chickarina soup is one of those comforting, heartwarming dishes that just seems to hit the spot no matter what time of year it is. Originating from the world of Italian-American cuisine, this dish is essentially a hybrid of the famous chicken noodle soup, but with a delightful twist. The ’Chickarina’ part of the name refers to a small, round pasta-like tiny little pasta balls-that is often paired with a hearty chicken broth, vegetables, and tender chicken pieces. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for everything from a cozy dinner to a sick day pick-me-up.

Whether you’re in the mood for something simple or you want to impress guests with your culinary skills, this dish is incredibly versatile and easy to make. Plus, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire once you try it.

Let’s break down the recipe, ingredients, and some tips and tricks to make sure your Chickarina soup comes out perfectly every time.

Making Chickarina soup is pretty straightforward, and once you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s smooth sailing from there. This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to whip up a delicious, no-fuss meal.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, too).
Chickarina pasta: Small, round pasta balls (you can usually find it at your local grocery store or any Italian specialty market).
Carrots: Fresh, peeled, and diced. They add sweetness and color to the soup.
Celery: Sliced thin to bring that classic crunchy texture.
Onion: Yellow onion, diced finely to form the base flavor of the broth.
Garlic: Minced or chopped, to add depth and aroma to the soup.
Chicken broth: Preferably low-sodium for a cleaner taste, but you can use regular if needed.
Bay leaves: A couple of dried leaves will add that earthy, aromatic flavor.
Thyme: Fresh or dried. Thyme pairs so well with chicken-based soups.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
Olive oil: For sautéing the veggies.
Fresh parsley: For garnish, adding freshness and a pop of color.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the chicken: If using raw chicken, season it with a little salt and pepper. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil, and brown the chicken on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Sauté the veggies: In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onions become translucent. Add in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Make the broth: Pour in your chicken broth and add the bay leaves and thyme. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
Shred the chicken: While the broth is coming together, take your chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces with two forks.
Cook the pasta: Once the broth is simmering, add in the chickarina pasta. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the broth has taken on all the flavors.
Add the chicken back: Once the pasta is cooked, stir the shredded chicken back into the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, and serve hot!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose-whether it’s to build flavor, add texture, or provide nutritional benefits. Here’s a quick dive into why these ingredients are essential for making a standout Chickarina soup:

Chicken: A lean protein that adds heartiness and depth to the soup. Whether it’s chicken breasts, thighs, or even rotisserie chicken, it’s the backbone of the dish.
Chickarina pasta: This small pasta is key! It’s perfectly bite-sized, and its round shape soaks up the broth, creating little pockets of flavor with each spoonful.
Carrots & Celery: These veggies are part of the classic “mirepoix” base (a fancy term for diced vegetables sautéed in oil or butter) that creates the foundation of most soups. Carrots bring a subtle sweetness, while celery adds freshness and crunch.
Garlic & Onion: Aromatic vegetables like onion and garlic help build the flavor base. They provide that savory, almost umami backbone to the broth that makes the soup so inviting.
Herbs & Seasonings (Bay leaves, thyme, salt, pepper): These are the magic ingredients that elevate the dish. Bay leaves infuse the broth with a woodsy, earthy flavor, while thyme adds a subtle, almost floral hint. Salt and pepper bring everything together, creating balance.
Chicken Broth: The soup’s base! Choose a high-quality broth, as this will affect the overall taste of the soup. The broth should be savory with just enough salt to bring out the flavors.

Expert Tips

To make sure your Chickarina soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some tips from the pros:

Broth tip: If you’re using store-bought chicken broth, try to go for a low-sodium version to control the salt level yourself. You can always add more salt if needed, but it’s hard to fix if the soup is too salty.
Pasta timing: Add the chickarina pasta closer to the end of cooking time to prevent it from becoming mushy. Pasta continues to cook in the hot broth after you turn off the heat, so keep that in mind.
Shred the chicken: If you want your soup to have a more homestyle feel, cook the chicken separately first, then shred it with forks or your hands. It adds a rustic touch to the soup.
Double the recipe: Soup is one of those dishes that gets better the next day. If you’re cooking for one or two, consider doubling the recipe and storing leftovers for the week.
Veggie variations: You can also throw in some peas, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies. Just add them near the end so they don’t get overcooked.

Recipe Variations

While this Chickarina soup recipe is delicious on its own, it’s highly customizable. Here are a few variations you can try:

Creamy Chickarina Soup: For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream or milk after the soup has finished cooking. Stir it in until well combined, and enjoy the rich, velvety texture.
Spicy Chickarina Soup: Add some red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño for a little heat. If you like spice, this variation will elevate the flavor profile.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You can swap in extra veggies like mushrooms or even a plant-based protein if you’re looking for more substance.
Italian Twist: Add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the soup before serving for an authentic Italian touch. You could also throw in a handful of spinach or kale.

Final Words

Chickarina soup is one of those dishes that’s perfect for almost any occasion. It’s comforting, hearty, and full of flavor while still being easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding your family, or preparing a meal for guests, this recipe will always come through. The balance of chicken, pasta, and vegetables makes it a wholesome meal, and the flexibility in ingredients and seasoning allows you to make it your own.

If you love chicken soups and pasta dishes, this will surely become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!

Chickarina Soup Recipe