italian essentials: pastina chicken soup with lime

Name: Italian Essentials: Pastina Chicken Soup With Lime
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 6 serving(s)
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ## PLAN/PURCHASE; 2 tablespoon(s) olive oil, extra virgin variety; 1 tablespoon(s) sweet butter, unsalted; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, diced; 2 - 3 stalk(s) celery, diced; 2 - 3 clove(s) garlic, minced; 8 cup(s) chicken stock, not broth; 1 cup(s) uncooked pastina; 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) Kosher salt, more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon(s) black pepper, more to taste; dried basil, oregano, and parsley, to taste; 2 - 3 cup(s) shredded chicken; 1/2 medium lime, just the juice; grated Parmesan, for serving; fresh rosemary and/or thyme leaves, for serving

9 Pinches 17 Photos

Andy Anderson !

Wichita, KS

Updated on Feb 10, 2026

Pastina is Italian comfort food at its best. It was served by moms to their kids when they were sick, or just when you want to feel warm and cozy. My Aunt Josephine used to make a similar version of this recipe at least once or twice a month. You can modify the ingredients to suit your own tastes. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

Rate

prep time 25 Min

cook time 30 Min

method Stove Top

yield 6 serving(s)

Ingredients

PLAN/PURCHASE
2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin variety
1 tablespoon sweet butter, unsalted
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 - 3 stalks celery, diced
2 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken stock, not broth
1 cup uncooked pastina
1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, more to taste
dried basil, oregano, and parsley, to taste
2 - 3 cups shredded chicken
1/2 medium lime, just the juice
grated Parmesan, for serving
fresh rosemary and/or thyme leaves, for serving

How To Make italian essentials: pastina chicken soup with lime

Step 1

PREP/PREPARE

Step 2

Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
Step 3

THE CHICKEN You can cook the chicken according to the optional steps that I have added, or you can use something like precooked rotisserie chicken. Up to you.
Step 4

OPTIONAL STEP – Pan Fry the Chicken If you do this step, it will help to create a deep flavor for the finished soup.
Step 5

Add some butter and oil (50/50) to a pot over medium heat.
Step 6

Sprinkle the chicken with some salt and pepper, and place it into the heated pot.
Step 7

Allow to cook 5 – 7 minutes, until it begins to crisp, and then flip and allow to cook an additional 5 – 7 minutes.
Step 8

Remove from the pot, and allow to rest for about 5 minutes.
Step 9

Shred or chop the chicken and reserve.
Step 10

If you are using the optional steps to cook the chicken, then add the veggies to the pot that contains the juices from the cooked chicken. You might need to add a bit more oil or butter, but as the veggies cook, scrape up all the fonds that are on the bottom of the pot, and incorporate them into the cooking veggies. If you are using precooked chicken, then start with a clean pot, add a bit of oil and butter, and then add the veggies.
Step 11

Sauté the veggies until softened, about 3 - 4 minutes.
Step 12

Add the chicken stock, and bring up to a simmer.
Step 13

Add the pastina and shredded chicken, and stay at a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pastina is cooked, about 3 - 5 minutes.
Step 14

While the soup is simmering, add salt, pepper, and spices to taste.
Step 15

PLATE/PRESENT
Step 16

Add the lime juice, and serve while nice and hot. Enjoy.
Step 17

Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
Step 18

Namaste’
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