Chicken Pastina | Food Wishes

Chef John's chicken pastina is like a big, warm hug from an Italian grandma on a spoon. This is a comfort food that will, quite literally, change your mood. You can make this simple soup with a fortified broth if you have the time, or simply use off-the-shelf chicken broth for the 15-minute version. Enjoy!

[zacharystokes]

Pastina may be good when you’re sick, but John’s voice is good no matter what.

[KathyM-ci]

My adult children still request this dish :) I have been making it for them for over 30 yrs, and now my grandchildren enjoy it also. Whenever I make a roast chicken, I use the bones and leftover meat to make the broth and, once strained, I add frozen mixed veggies along with the chicken. I always have serving-sized packages in the freezer. This stuff is so nostalgic. Next time, I'll try it with the cheese; I've never done that and it looks delicious. Thank you, Chef John.

[erinchamberlain]

It's a cold, rainy, dreary night here in the burbs of Cleveland and this is the perfect medicine ❤

[Russtastic]

In Germany, my landlord who was a little old German Oma, would make a lemon rice soup thing that always made me feel better!

[marynapoleone]

We lived in Italy for one year when I was a child. My mom would make this for us, and we would stir in soft cheese, similar to Laughing Cow, but not the same. It was so good!

[ПаніПончик]

Stellina pasta is a mood elevator of it's own. How can you feel sad with a bowl of tiny stars?

[fourthgirl]

My son just called to say he has Covid. Going to make this tonight a leave a couple of jars for him. Save pasta jars for soup sharing season!

[racecare]

I love you Chef John. Just watching this cheered me up, thanks.

[brucefelger]

I find that adding curry to most instant chicken soups really freshens up the flavor.

[jaydoggy]

Speaking from experience, this is a great economic meal when you're broke. I ate similar meals (with rice more often) every day for at least one meal every day for a solid couple years after the '08 crash. It gets you the nutrients you need.

[laurameisenhelter]

My bestie's mom made pastina with salt, butter, and milk. So comforting. Perfect after playing in the snow all morning.

[catherinewhite]

Pastina soup has long been the go-to comfort soup in my family. At least five generations now.

[lesliedausey]

I made this twice last week. The first time was on Sunday when it was really chilly and a great soup day. Then Wednesday I came down with a nasty cold, so I made it again Friday when I was still sick, but well enough to move around for a few minutes at a time. This is definitely entering the dinner rotation.

[dianeladico]

My grandma always roasted the chicken and half of the veg first and added parsley stems and celery tops.

[NeganSmith-bbfr]

I definitely need the effects of this soup lately. Thanks for the recent comfort foods you have been sharing

[dm]

My favorite ❤️ Pastina Always reminds me of Grandma ❤

[lisajusko]

My Italian grandmother used to make pastina soup for me. But not nearly as good as your recipe, that I made 2 days ago. I actually made a double batch because I knew it would be great. Thank you again, Chef John, for another fantastic recipe.

[TheDingledonglyfe]

My Italian grandmother would sing me chicken pasTina Turner music whenever I was sick

[kristineheffron]

Chef John! Thank You! Pastina is my favorite soup! I never knew there was parmesan in it!

[Mandavee]

This really is the recipe my mom or Nonna would make for use when we were sick. Sometimes they would add some potatoes too!