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The Ultimate Cozy & Hearty Sicilian Chicken Soup (Easy Weeknight Italian Comfort Food)

A close-up of a steaming bowl of Sicilian chicken soup filled with shredded chicken, vegetables, pasta, and topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

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Make this comforting Sicilian Chicken Soup, packed with tender shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and ditalini pasta in a rich, zesty tomato-herb broth. This recipe delivers the deep, satisfying flavor of Italian comfort food and is simple enough for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

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  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spicy Sicilian chicken soup variation)
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works well for quick meals)
  • 1/2 cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta shape)
  • 1 cup chopped fresh spinach or kale
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Add the shredded chicken and the ditalini pasta to the pot. Reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook according to the pasta package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
  5. Stir in the fresh spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking until it wilts into the soup.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • For a quick version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. This makes it a great one pot chicken soup idea for beginners.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, cook the ditalini pasta separately, then add it in the last few minutes.
  • To make this a Carrabba’s chicken soup copycat, increase the red pepper flakes slightly and add a splash of white wine vinegar when adding the broth.
  • This soup freezes well. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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