Chicken Pastina

5.0
(2)

Chef John's chicken pastina is like a big, warm hug from an Italian grandma, a comfort food that will, quite literally, change your mood. You can make this simple soup with a fortified broth if you have the time, or simply use off-the-shelf chicken broth for the 15-minute version.

1
wide-rimmed white bowl of chicken soup with tiny star pastina on coarsely woven gray placemat
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
15 mins
Servings:
2
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 2 servings

  • 4 cups prepared chicken broth

  • salt to taste

  • 1 cup stelline (star-shaped) pastina, or other pastina such as acini di pepe

  • freshly ground black pepper to taste

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 3/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (1 1/2 ounces by weight)

  • extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

  1. Bring broth to a simmer over medium-high heat. Taste; season with salt if needed. 

  2. Reduce heat to medium, and stir in pastina. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 seconds less than the package directions, 5 to 8 minutes. 

  3. Turn off heat, and stir in black pepper, butter, and grated cheese. Stir constantly until butter disappears. 

  4. Ladle pastina into hot bowls, top with more freshly ground black pepper and Parmigiano Reggiano, and drizzle with olive oil.

    wide-rimmed white bowl of chicken soup with tiny star pastina on coarsely woven gray placemat

    John Mitzewich

    Chef's Note:

    For a brothier, soupier version reduce the amount of pastina used. For a thicker, risotto-like  version, use more pastina. 
    If you have time, you can make a fortified broth as shown in the video. Simmer raw, bone-in chicken parts in a quart of store-bought chicken broth, plus 3 cups water, until chicken is tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Add onions, carrots, celery, garlic cloves, and a bay leaf for more flavor if desired. Remove chicken meat and reserve to use in the soup or other dishes. Strain broth and reserve until needed.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

343 Calories
21g Fat
25g Carbs
13g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 2
Calories 343
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21g 27%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 59mg 20%
Sodium 2524mg 110%
Total Carbohydrate 25g 9%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 13g 26%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 215mg 17%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 176mg 4%

* 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.