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Nothing feels quite as comforting as a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup, especially when the weather turns chilly or when you’re nursing a cold. This classic dish, packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and ditalini pasta, is a staple in many American kitchens. It’s not only delicious but also easy to whip up, making it ideal for a comforting weeknight meal or a special family gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken soup recipe is a true crowd-pleaser! It combines convenience, taste, and warmth, making it an excellent choice for busy families or anyone looking for a cozy meal. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and loaded with nutrients, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied. As a bonus, leftovers taste even better the next day—I always find myself craving it!
"This chicken soup is my go-to when I want something warm and comforting. It’s easy to prepare, and even my kids ask for seconds!"
How to Make Chicken Soup
Creating this delightful chicken soup is as straightforward as it gets! Start by gathering your ingredients, then follow through with a few simple steps to bring everything together. With tender veggies and the richness of chicken broth, this dish showcases the comforting flavors we all love.
Ingredients
Gather these items for a satisfying chicken soup:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
If you’re in a pinch, feel free to substitute rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken or use any small pasta shape if you can’t find ditalini!
Directions
- Start by heating a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery, sautéing until they soften.
- Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and let it warm through.
- Taste, then season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken soup is best enjoyed with a side of crusty bread or a simple garden salad. Consider topping each bowl with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch. For a cozy meal, serve alongside warm biscuits or crunchy croutons for some delightful textures.
Storage & Reheating
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. If you’re looking to prolong its lifespan, freeze the soup in individual portions. When reheating, simply warm it up in a pot on the stove until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Pro Tips
- For deeper flavor, simmer the vegetables a bit longer before adding the broth.
- If you’re short on time, precooked or rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!
- Toss in any leftover veggies you have on hand—potatoes, peas, or even kale can be delicious additions.
Variations
Feel free to switch things up by adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile. For a spicy kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can liven up your bowl. You could also try using whole grain pasta or substituting the chicken with turkey for a variation that works after the holidays!
FAQs
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, cover, and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Is it necessary to use ditalini pasta?
Not at all! Any small pasta shape will work—just follow package instructions for cooking time.
Can I freeze homemade chicken soup?
Absolutely! Just make sure to leave out the pasta if you plan on freezing, as it can turn mushy when thawed. You can always add it freshly cooked when you reheat.
- Cozy family dinner ideas
- Easy weeknight meals
Homemade Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option
Description
A comforting and easy chicken soup recipe loaded with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and ditalini pasta – perfect for chilly days or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened.
- Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Add the ditalini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and let it warm through.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, simmer the vegetables longer before adding broth. Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg