Chickarina soup is a delicious, comforting, and protein-packed dish featuring tender chicken meatballs, small pearl-shaped pasta, and a rich chicken broth filled with fresh vegetables. It’s perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day or when you need a nourishing homemade soup.
Many people recognize Chickarina soup from the popular Progresso canned version, but making it from scratch ensures a fresher and more flavorful experience. If you’re curious about its nutritional value, you can check out Progresso’s Chickarina soup product page to compare homemade vs. store-bought versions.
Chickarina soup is similar to Italian wedding soup, but it differs in its use of chicken meatballs and pearl pasta instead of leafy greens. For a deeper dive into Italian-American soup variations, check out this guide on traditional soups.
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Why You’ll Love This Chickarina Soup Recipe
✔️ Hearty & Flavorful – A perfect balance of savory broth, tender meatballs, and soft pasta.
✔️ Protein-Packed – Lean chicken meatballs provide a great source of protein.
✔️ Customizable – You can adjust the pasta, meat, and vegetables to your liking.
✔️ Freezer-Friendly – Make a big batch and store portions for later.
Ingredients for Chickarina Soup
To make authentic Chickarina soup, you’ll need a mix of fresh vegetables, homemade chicken meatballs, and pearl pasta.
For the Meatballs
✔️ 1 lb ground chicken (or a mix of chicken and pork)
✔️ ½ cup breadcrumbs
✔️ ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
✔️ 1 egg
✔️ 1 clove garlic, minced
✔️ ½ tsp dried oregano
✔️ Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Soup Base
✔️ 1 tbsp olive oil
✔️ 1 small onion, finely diced
✔️ 2 carrots, diced
✔️ 2 celery stalks, diced
✔️ 6 cups chicken broth
✔️ 1 cup acini de pepe pasta (or Israeli couscous)
✔️ 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
✔️ Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make Chickarina Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2️⃣ Roll into small, bite-sized meatballs (about ½ inch in diameter).
3️⃣ Heat a pan over medium heat and lightly brown the meatballs for about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
1️⃣ In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes).
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
1️⃣ Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
2️⃣ Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to develop.
3️⃣ Gently add the meatballs and cook for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Pasta & Finish
1️⃣ Stir in acini de pepe pasta and simmer for 10 more minutes until tender.
2️⃣ Season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
3️⃣ Serve hot with crusty bread or grated Parmesan on top.
For more tips on making perfect meatballs, visit Valerie Bertinelli’s recipe collection.
Variations & Customizations
🌱 Vegetarian Chickarina Soup – Swap the meatballs for chickpeas or white beans.
🔥 Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
🍗 Rich Flavor Boost – Use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought broth.
🌾 Gluten-Free Option – Replace pasta with rice or quinoa.
How to Store & Reheat Chickarina Soup
✔️ Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✔️ Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
✔️ Reheating: Warm on medium heat on the stovetop or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
For more freezing and reheating tips, check Another Tablespoon’s freezing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Chickarina soup ahead of time?
✔️ Yes! Prepare the meatballs and soup base separately, then combine when ready to serve.
2. What can I use instead of acini de pepe pasta?
✔️ Orzo, ditalini, Israeli couscous, or small elbow macaroni work well as substitutes.
3. Can I make Chickarina soup in a slow cooker?
✔️ Absolutely! Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, adding the pasta in the last 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Chickarina soup is a hearty, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for meal prep, cozy dinners, or when you need a comforting bowl of homemade goodness. With tender chicken meatballs, pearl pasta, and a flavorful broth, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
✔️ Easy to make & freezer-friendly
✔️ Perfect balance of protein, carbs, and veggies
✔️ Customizable for different diets