Description
This Creamy Ditalini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy days. Featuring tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and small ditalini pasta cooked in a rich, creamy broth, it’s a satisfying meal that combines savory flavors with a smooth texture. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this soup serves as a delicious go-to comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (or margarine)
Vegetables
- 1 medium Onion (chopped)
- 2 medium Carrots (chopped)
- 2 stalks Celery (chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
Protein
- 2 cups Diced Chicken (cooked rotisserie chicken can be used)
Liquids & Dairy
- 6 cups Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half)
Carbohydrates & Cheese
- 1 cup Ditalini Pasta (or any small pasta shape)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
Herbs & Seasoning
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (or Basil)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Base: Warm olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat, allowing them to melt and infuse into the pot to create a flavorful foundation for your soup.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook them for 5-7 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, ensuring the vegetables release their flavors beautifully.
- Cook the Chicken: Stir in the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes until lightly browned to enhance the soup’s depth and richness.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate any browned bits for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Incorporate the Pasta: Add the ditalini pasta to the simmering soup. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the broth’s flavor.
- Cream it Up: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. If the soup is thicker than desired, add more broth to adjust consistency. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to blend everything together.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch. Enjoy this cozy and creamy comfort food!
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken with leftover cooked chicken or use a vegetarian broth and omit chicken for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust the cream quantity to make the soup lighter or richer according to your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta instead of ditalini.
- Fresh herbs enhance the flavor—try basil or parsley depending on your taste.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium broth and control added salt.
