Imagine the comforting aroma of Chicken Pastina wafting through your kitchen, its warmth inviting you to indulge in a bowl of Italian bliss.
This simple yet satisfying dish is a quick, go-to favorite for cozy family dinners.
As the ingredients meld together, the tender chicken and tiny pasta pearls transform into a creamy, savory delight.
Let’s bring this heartwarming dish to life and savor its delightful simplicity together.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup pastina pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Chicken Pastina, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and ingredients needed.
- Prep Work (10 minutes)
- Gather all necessary equipment: large pot, wooden spoon, measuring cup, knife, cutting board.
- Prepare ingredients:
- Dice the onion.
- Mince the garlic.
- Dice the chicken breast.
- Measure out the pastina pasta, chicken broth, water, salt, pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, and chop the fresh parsley.
- Cooking (20 minutes)
- 0-2 minutes: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 2-5 minutes: Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- 5-6 minutes: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- 6-10 minutes: Add diced chicken breast to the pot and cook until browned.
- 10-11 minutes: Pour in 1 cup of pastina pasta and stir to coat with the oil.
- 11-12 minutes: Add 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to the pot.
- 12-20 minutes: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Final Touches & Resting (5 minutes)
- 20-21 minutes: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley.
- 21-26 minutes: Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add diced chicken breast to the pot and cook until browned.
Pour in pastina pasta and stir to coat with the oil.
Add chicken broth, water, salt, and pepper to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cook until the pasta is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, about 10 minutes.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Pair with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
- Side Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a revitalizing contrast and added greens.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complement with a medley of roasted vegetables like carrots and zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Lemon Wedges: Offer lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish that enhances the dish’s flavors.
- Chili Flakes: Provide a pinch of chili flakes for those who enjoy a spicy kick in their meal.
Storage
Store Chicken Pastina in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to refresh its texture.
Freezing
To freeze Chicken Pastina, let it cool completely.
Then transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
For reheating Chicken Pastina, use low heat on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and guarantee even warming without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Pastina is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian dish.
It combines tender chicken, small pasta, and a flavorful broth.
The addition of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley enhances its taste.
Enjoy this warm dish on a chilly day or any time you crave a simple yet satisfying meal.
Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables or spices to suit your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breast?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast. Thighs offer richer flavor and juicier texture due to higher fat content. Adjust cooking time slightly, ensuring thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What Can I Substitute for Pastina Pasta?
You can substitute pastina with orzo, acini di pepe, or couscous. These small pasta shapes maintain texture and absorb flavors similarly. Guarantee cooking time adjustments for each pasta type, maintaining al dente consistency for ideal results.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Recipe?
You can create a vegetarian version by substituting diced chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Enhance the dish with additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for depth and nutritional value.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Substitute regular pastina with gluten-free pasta. Confirm the chicken broth is certified gluten-free. Maintain precise ingredient measurements and cooking times to preserve texture and flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste, affirming all components comply with gluten-free standards.
What Wine Pairs Well With Chicken Pastina?
Pair Chicken Pastina with a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay to complement its creamy texture. Alternatively, a light Pinot Grigio enhances subtle flavors. Both wines’ acidity balances the dish’s richness, offering a harmonious dining experience. Choose based on preference.
Chicken Pastina
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 1 pound chicken breast diced
- 1 cup pastina pasta
- 4 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add diced chicken breast to the pot and cook until browned.
- Pour in pastina pasta and stir to coat with the oil.
- Add chicken broth, water, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook until the pasta is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
