Hearty Chicken Ditalini Soup: Your Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade soup to bring comfort and joy, especially when it’s as satisfying and flavorful as this Chicken Ditalini Soup. This beloved recipe combines tender, shredded chicken with a medley of fresh carrots, crisp celery, and the charming tiny pasta shape known as ditalini, all simmered in a rich, savory broth. It’s the quintessential dish for chilly evenings, a quick weeknight meal, or simply when you’re craving something truly nourishing and utterly delicious.

What makes this chicken ditalini soup recipe truly special is its perfect balance of simplicity and robust flavor. Much like my Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, it’s designed to be straightforward yet incredibly rewarding, making it a fantastic addition to any home cook’s repertoire. It’s an ideal meal on its own, but for an extra touch of indulgence, I love to serve it alongside a generous portion of Cheesy Garlic Bread or a fresh, crusty loaf.

Why You’ll Adore This Chicken Ditalini Soup

This isn’t just another chicken soup recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl! Here’s why this particular version of chicken ditalini soup will quickly become a family favorite:

Ultimate Comfort: There’s something inherently comforting about a classic chicken soup. The small ditalini pasta, tender chicken, and warm broth make it incredibly soothing.
Packed with Flavor: A thoughtful blend of spices, fresh vegetables, and quality chicken stock creates a depth of flavor that’s both rich and inviting.
Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and a total cooking time of under an hour, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome meal without much fuss.
Wholesome & Nutritious: Loaded with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and satisfying pasta, it’s a well-rounded meal that’s good for you.
Highly Customizable: Easily adapt it to your taste preferences or what you have on hand, from different vegetables to various spice blends.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the familiar flavors and fun, small pasta shapes.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Ditalini Soup

Crafting the best chicken ditalini soup starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each component:

Chicken – For this recipe, I opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and are easy to shred. However, feel free to use bone-in chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks for a richer flavor; just be sure to adjust cooking time until they are thoroughly cooked. For ultimate convenience, store-bought rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut – simply shred and add it towards the end of the cooking process.
Ditalini Pasta – Ditalini, meaning “little thimbles” in Italian, are small tube-shaped pasta perfect for soaking up the delicious broth. If you don’t have ditalini on hand, any short-shaped pasta like orzo, small shells, or even elbow macaroni will work beautifully. Just be mindful of their cooking times.
Chicken Stock – The foundation of any great soup! A high-quality chicken stock or broth will lend the most flavor. If you find yourself without stock, water can be used as a substitute, but be prepared to generously season the soup with extra salt, pepper, and perhaps an additional bouillon cube or two to compensate for the reduced depth of flavor. Low-sodium chicken stock is also a good choice, allowing you to control the salt content precisely.
Carrots – I often use baby carrots because they’re incredibly convenient and require minimal chopping. If using regular carrots, simply peel and slice them into bite-sized rounds or half-moons. They add natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
Celery – Finely sliced celery is crucial for building the classic mirepoix flavor base. It adds a subtle earthy and slightly peppery note that complements the other vegetables and chicken.
Onion – A large, finely diced onion is another key component of the aromatic base (mirepoix). It adds a foundational sweetness and savory depth when sautéed.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic punch that enhances all the other flavors in the soup. Don’t skip this!
Spices – My go-to blend includes garlic powder, powdered chicken bouillon, and Italian seasoning. This combination creates a savory, herbaceous profile. However, feel free to experiment with your favorite spice blend. You might consider adding a pinch of dried thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf for extra aroma. Taste and adjust as you go!
Olive Oil – Used to sauté the vegetables, providing a healthy fat base and helping to release their flavors.
Fresh Parsley – A finishing touch that adds freshness, a pop of color, and a herbaceous aroma. Fresh dill or chives would also be lovely.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust to your preference. Remember, if you use low-sodium stock or water, you’ll need more.

Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Ditalini Soup

Elevate your chicken ditalini soup with these invaluable tips:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Ditalini pasta cooks quickly. Add it towards the end of the cooking process and aim for al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy, especially if you plan on having leftovers.
Season Generously: If you’re using water instead of chicken stock, or a low-sodium broth, remember to be liberal with your salt and pepper. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to add more. A well-seasoned broth is key to a flavorful soup.
Customize Your Veggies: This soup is incredibly versatile. Feel free to include other vegetables like frozen corn, sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, spinach, or kale. Add heartier vegetables earlier with the carrots and celery, and tender greens like spinach in the last few minutes.
Boost the Flavor at Serving: For an extra burst of flavor, serve your soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a handful of fresh parsley or dill. These garnishes can brighten the overall taste profile significantly.
Shredding Chicken Made Easy: Once your chicken breasts are cooked, remove them from the pot and let them cool slightly. Use two forks to easily shred them, or for an even quicker method, place them in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and mix on low speed for a few seconds.

Do I Have to Sauté the Onions and Vegetables?

While sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery (the mirepoix) is a classic technique that deepens their flavor and softens their texture, it’s not strictly mandatory for this particular recipe if you’re in a rush. For a truly quick “dump-and-go” approach, you can certainly throw all the ingredients (except the pasta and fresh parsley, which are added later) directly into the pot and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through and the carrots are fork-tender. However, taking those extra 3-4 minutes to soften the vegetables first will undoubtedly enhance the overall aroma and richness of your soup, creating a more complex and satisfying base.

What Is the Ideal Serving Size for Homemade Soup?

Determining the perfect serving size depends on whether your delicious chicken ditalini soup is a star player or a supporting act. If you plan on serving this as a light side dish or appetizer, a serving size of between 3/4 and 1 cup per person is generally appropriate. However, if this hearty soup is destined to be the main course, plan on a more substantial portion of about 2 cups per person to ensure everyone feels fully satisfied.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

Proper storage is key to enjoying your chicken ditalini soup long after it’s made. The most important tip for storing leftovers, especially if you anticipate having some for a few days, is to separate the ditalini pasta from the broth. Otherwise, the small pasta will continue to absorb most of the liquid, leaving you with a very thick soup and almost no broth. To store, simply drain the cooked pasta and keep it in a separate airtight container from the broth and vegetables.

You can store the chicken ditalini soup (broth, chicken, and vegetables) in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When reheating, combine the desired amount of broth with some of the cooked pasta. You might find that you need to add a splash more water or chicken stock and re-season with salt and pepper to achieve the desired consistency and flavor. This also means you can cook fresh pasta for your leftovers each day, ensuring perfectly al dente noodles every time.

For longer storage, the soup broth (without the pasta) freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop and add freshly cooked ditalini pasta just before serving.

More Irresistible Soup Recipes You’ll Love…

If you’re a soup enthusiast like me, there are plenty more comforting bowls to explore! Here are some other fantastic recipes that promise warmth and flavor:

Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Classic French Onion Soup
Ultimate Pasta Fagioli Soup

Once you’ve tried this delightful chicken ditalini soup recipe, please consider leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or sharing your thoughts in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback helps others discover and enjoy these recipes! And don’t forget to follow me on Facebook or Pinterest for more culinary inspiration!

4.67 from 3 votes

Chicken Ditalini Soup

By

Julie Maestre

A hearty and comforting chicken ditalini soup packed with shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and tiny pasta – perfect for any occasion!

Prep:

10 minutes

Cook:

35 minutes

Total:

45 minutes

Servings:
6

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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

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Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the finely diced onions, sliced celery, and bite-sized carrots to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the chicken breasts to the pot, followed by the garlic powder, powdered chicken bouillon, Italian seasoning, and chicken stock. Increase the heat to high.
Once the liquid comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot. Using two forks (or an electric mixer for speed), shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Add the ditalini pasta to the simmering broth.
Cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the ditalini pasta is cooked al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Turn off the heat.
Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh parsley just before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

If using water instead of chicken stock, or opting for low-sodium chicken stock, ensure you season the soup with plenty of salt and pepper for the best flavor results! Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

For leftovers, consider storing the cooked pasta separately from the broth to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy. Reheat the broth and add the cooked pasta (or fresh, if preferred) just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use other types of chicken?

Absolutely! While chicken breasts are convenient, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. If using bone-in chicken, ensure it’s fully cooked before removing and shredding. Rotisserie chicken is also a fantastic time-saver; just add the shredded meat with the pasta.

What if I don’t have ditalini pasta?

No problem! Any small pasta shape will work. Great alternatives include orzo, small shells, elbow macaroni, or even acini di pepe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.

Can I make this soup low-carb or keto-friendly?

Yes! To make this soup suitable for a low-carb or keto diet, simply omit the ditalini pasta. The chicken and vegetable broth base is already wholesome and delicious on its own. You could also add some spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice during the last few minutes of cooking for a vegetable-based filler.

How long does homemade chicken ditalini soup last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator (ideally with pasta separated from the broth), the soup will last for up to 3 days. For longer storage, the broth can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Julie Maestre

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

35 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes

Course:
Entree, Side Dish

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
6

Calories:
431

Keyword:
chicken ditalini soup, Chicken Soup, ditalini soup, comfort food, easy soup, homemade chicken soup

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