Description
This comforting soup combines tender poached chicken and tiny pasta in a rich, lemon-kissed broth for a meal that soothes body and soul. It transforms simple pantry staples into a bowl of pure warmth and nourishment.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound bone in skin on chicken breast
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the hot oil.
- Sauté the vegetable mixture for 6 to 8 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and nestle the raw chicken breast into the liquid.
- Add the bay leaves, bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a steady low simmer.
- Cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes.
- Stir the dry ditalini pasta directly into the simmering broth and cook for 9 to 11 minutes until al dente.
- Remove the skin and bones from the chicken and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Season the soup with kosher salt and black pepper and discard the bay leaves before ladling into bowls.
Notes
- The starch from the pasta slightly thickens the herb-infused broth.
- Serve with grated parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian