Homemade Chicken Soup With Ditalini
Embrace comfort and warmth with this Homemade Chicken Soup with Ditalini, a soul-soothing dish that brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and comforting pasta in a flavorful broth.
Perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a nourishing meal, this recipe strikes a balance between simplicity and depth of flavor. Let the aroma of garlic, onions, and herbs fill your kitchen as you simmer this comforting soup to perfection.
Whether you’re seeking solace or simply a satisfying meal, this homemade chicken soup is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
Homemade Chicken Soup With Ditalini
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs chicken breasts
1 cup ditalini pasta
10 cups chicken stock or water
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons powdered chicken bouillon
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 celery stalks, finely sliced
2 cups baby carrots, sliced into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onions, celery, and carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add the chicken, garlic powder, powdered chicken bouillon, Italian seasoning, and chicken stock. Increase the heat to high.
Once it comes to a boil, cover, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 20 minutes.
Once the 20 minutes are up, remove the chicken from the pot and shred using two forks or an electric mixer.
Place the shredded chicken back into the pot along with the ditalini pasta.
Cook for 10 minutes or until the ditalini pasta is al dente. Turn off the heat and season generously with salt and pepper.
Add the fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes:
Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenience. You can also use bone-in chicken for added flavor, but remember to remove the bones after cooking.
Ditalini Pasta: Ditalini is a small pasta shape that works well in soups. Cook it until al dente to ensure it retains its texture in the soup.
Chicken Stock: While chicken stock adds richness to the soup, you can also use water if preferred. Adjust the seasoning accordingly if using water instead of stock.
Seasonings: The combination of garlic powder, powdered chicken bouillon, and Italian seasoning provides depth of flavor to the soup. Adjust the seasoning to taste and consider using fresh herbs if available.
Vegetables: Slicing the celery and carrots thinly ensures they cook evenly and become tender in the soup. Finely diced onion and minced garlic add aromatic flavor layers.
Cooking Process: Cooking the vegetables before adding the chicken and broth allows them to release their flavors into the soup. Simmering the soup for 20 minutes helps meld the flavors together.
Shredded Chicken: Removing the chicken from the pot to shred it ensures even cooking and makes it easier to handle. Shredded chicken absorbs the flavors of the soup beautifully.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished soup. You can also garnish with other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary if desired.
Seasoning: Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Serving: Serve the Homemade Chicken Soup with Ditalini warm, garnished with fresh parsley, and accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad for a comforting meal.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 431kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 743mg | Potassium: 1081mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 6153IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 2mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for added flavor. Just make sure to remove the bones after cooking and shred the chicken meat before adding it back to the soup.
What can I use instead of ditalini pasta?
If you don’t have ditalini pasta, you can use any small pasta shape like macaroni, small shells, or orzo.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock to make a vegetarian version of the soup.
How do I adjust the seasoning if using water instead of chicken stock?
If using water instead of chicken stock, you may need to adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or additional spices to enhance the flavor of the soup.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach according to your preference. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through before serving.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months.
Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags,
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I add cooked chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken if you have leftovers.
Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta such as rice or corn pasta instead of ditalini pasta, and ensure that the chicken bouillon used is gluten-free.
Check the labels of all ingredients to avoid gluten-containing additives.