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Chicken Soup with Ditalini Pasta – A warm and comforting bowl of broth filled with shredded chicken, ditalini pasta, carrots, celery, and fresh herbs.

Chicken Soup with Ditalini Pasta

This comforting Chicken Soup with Ditalini Pasta features tender chicken, hearty vegetables, tiny pasta tubes, and fresh herbs in a richly flavorful homemade broth — like a warm hug in a bowl.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Soup
Cuisine American, Italian-Inspired
Servings 6 bowls

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven or Soup Pot
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients
  

Soup Ingredients

  • 1.5–2 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken pieces thighs and breasts preferred
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 6–7 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup ditalini pasta
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 Parmesan rind optional, for added umami
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach optional, for added nutrition
  • 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice to taste
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a kick

Instructions
 

  • In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add chicken pieces skin-side down and sear 3–4 minutes per side until lightly browned.
  • Pour in chicken broth. Add bay leaves, thyme sprigs, and Parmesan rind if using. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook 30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  • Remove chicken from pot and set aside to cool slightly. Discard skin and bones, shred or dice meat.
  • Bring broth to a boil and add ditalini pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
  • Lower heat and return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in parsley, dill, and spinach if using.
  • Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Let soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut, or double garlic, ginger, and lemon juice for a healing version. For best texture, add pasta just before serving or cook separately.
Keyword chicken soup, cold remedy soup, Comfort food, ditalini soup