Italian Chicken Pastina Soup has always been known as one of the most comforting, soothing bowls of warmth you can enjoy on a cold day.
The combination of tender chicken, soft vegetables, and tiny star-shaped pasta creates a nostalgic and healing meal loved by families around the world. Whether you want the classic version, a diabetic-friendly option, or a low-carb keto variation, this dish adapts beautifully while still keeping its cozy, comforting charm. Below are three complete versions you can choose from based on your lifestyle and preferences.
Table of Contents
1. Classic Italian Chicken Pastina Soup
This is the traditional comfort-food version many of us grew up with. It’s warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 12 oz pastina (little stars)
- 1 chicken leg
- 1 stalk celery
- 1 carrot
- 2 potatoes
- 4 cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 onion
- A few rosemary leaves
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. Peel and slice the carrot, then slice the celery, onion, and cherry tomatoes. Place all the chopped vegetables into a pot along with the chicken leg. Cover everything with water and add salt. Put the lid on and cook over medium heat for about one hour, removing any foam that forms on top. Cook the pastina separately following the package instructions. Once the broth is ready, strain it and pour it over the cooked pastina. Serve warm. If desired, finish with grated Parmigiano Reggiano or stir in a whisked egg for extra richness.
2. Diabetic-Friendly Italian Chicken Pastina Soup
This version keeps the same cozy feel but uses ingredients that promote more stable blood sugar levels.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole-wheat pastina or whole-grain small pasta
- 1 chicken leg
- 1 stalk celery
- 1 carrot
- 1 small potato (reduced amount)
- 4 cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 onion
- Rosemary leaves
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Cube the potato and slice the carrot. Slice celery, onion, and cherry tomatoes. Add all vegetables to a pot with the chicken leg and cover with water. Add salt, cover, and cook for one hour, removing foam as needed. Cook whole-grain pastina separately until tender. Strain the chicken broth and pour it over the cooked whole-wheat pasta. Serve warm, optionally topped with a small amount of Parmesan. The reduced potato and whole-grain pasta help improve digestion and minimize blood sugar spikes.
3. Keto-Friendly Chicken Soup (Pastina-Free)
This low-carb version removes pasta entirely and replaces it with vegetables that keep the soup hearty without adding unnecessary carbs.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 chicken leg
- 1 stalk celery
- 1 carrot (optional or half for fewer carbs)
- 1 small zucchini (replaces potatoes and pasta)
- 4 cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 onion
- Rosemary leaves
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Slice the zucchini, celery, onion, tomatoes, and optional carrot. Place the vegetables and chicken leg in a pot and cover with water. Add salt and cook over medium heat for about an hour, skimming foam when needed. For a noodle-like texture, add spiralized zucchini (zoodles) during the last five minutes of cooking. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of Parmesan. This version is rich, flavorful, and completely low-carb while still delivering warmth and comfort.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose the classic, diabetic-friendly, or keto-adapted version, Chicken Pastina Soup remains one of the most nourishing and heartwarming meals for winter days. Each version brings its own benefits, from traditional coziness to healthier, low-carb adjustments—while keeping the same comforting aroma and homemade goodness.
