Italian Chicken Broth with Pastina

This Italian Chicken Broth with Pastina is a heartwarming dish that evokes memories of childhood and the nurturing care of an Italian Mama. Simple yet profoundly comforting, this broth is made by simmering chicken carcasses and aromatic vegetables for hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

The addition of tiny pastina pasta and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan creates a soothing meal that’s perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s a delicious reminder of the love and tradition that comes with homemade comfort food!

Italian Chicken Broth with Pastina

Ingredients:

Chicken carcasses or bones (from 1-2 rotisserie chickens)

2-3 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for flavor)

10-12 cups water

1 onion, quartered

2-3 carrots, cut into chunks

2-3 celery stalks, cut into chunks

2-3 cloves garlic (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup pastina (or any small pasta)

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions:

Prepare the Broth:

In a large pot, combine the chicken carcasses, chicken thighs, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Add enough water to cover the ingredients (about 10-12 cups). Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Simmer:

Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 6-8 hours. Skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface during cooking.

Strain the Broth:

After simmering, carefully remove the chicken pieces and vegetables from the pot using a slotted spoon. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into another pot or large bowl to remove any solids. Discard the solids.

Cook the Pastina:

In a separate pot, cook the pastina according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Serve:

In a bowl, add a portion of the cooked pastina. Ladle the hot chicken broth over the pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

Enjoy:

Serve hot, and enjoy this soothing Italian comfort food that warms both body and soul!

Notes:

Chicken Options:

Using rotisserie chicken carcasses is a great way to utilize leftovers and add flavor. You can also use raw chicken thighs or a mix of bones for richer broth.

Cooking Time:

The longer you simmer the broth (up to 8 hours), the more flavorful it will be. Just keep an eye on the water level and add more if necessary to prevent it from evaporating too much.

Vegetable Variations:

Feel free to add other vegetables like leeks, garlic, or herbs (such as thyme or bay leaves) to enhance the broth’s flavor. Just be sure to strain them out before serving.

Storing the Broth:

The broth can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Skim off any fat that solidifies on top before reheating.

Pastina Cooking:

Cook the pastina separately to avoid it becoming mushy in the broth. You can also adjust the amount of pasta based on your preference for a heartier or lighter soup.

Seasoning:

Taste the broth before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. Keep in mind that the Parmesan will add saltiness, so be cautious when adding additional salt.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the soup with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs, or additional grated Parmesan for extra flavor. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leftover chicken instead of a carcass?

Absolutely! You can use leftover cooked chicken to make the broth.

Just simmer it with the vegetables for flavor, but reduce the cooking time to about 1-2 hours, as the meat is already cooked.

What if I can’t find pastina?

If you can’t find pastina, you can substitute it with any small pasta, such as orzo, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti.

Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

How long can I store the broth?

The broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Make sure to cool it completely before storing, and consider freezing in individual portions for easy reheating.

Can I add herbs or spices to the broth?

Yes! Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or bay leaves can enhance the flavor of the broth.

Just remember to strain them out before serving.

Dried herbs can also be added for convenience.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, this soup freezes well! Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

You can freeze the broth and pastina separately to maintain the best texture when reheating.