There’s a quiet kind of peace that comes when a pot of Chicken Soup simmers slowly on the stove, steam curling up like a soft exhale. The light from the window falls warm across the wooden spoon as you stir, and the kitchen takes on the gentle scent of home. In this calm space, we cook not just to fill a bowl but to soothe a body and steady a heart.
A Gentle Recipe for Body & Soul I have made this Chicken Soup on rainy afternoons, on nights when a child needed comfort, and on mornings when I simply wanted to wrap myself in something familiar. The act of making soup is a ritual of kindness. It asks you to slow down, to pay attention to small changes: the onions turning translucent, the carrots releasing a sweetness, the steam whispering its own blessing. This recipe is built for nourishment and ease. It leans on simple, good ingredients and a steady, thoughtful method. If you are new to cooking, take your time. If you are returning to something that once felt like home, let each moment remind you of care.
Step by Step: How to Prepare Chicken Soup
“Cooking is a quiet way of caring for yourself and the ones you love.”
Begin with kindness. Gather your ingredients and set them near the stove. Wash the vegetables and breathe in their clean scent. This space of preparation is as important as the simmering itself. In the steps below, move slowly and listen to the subtle cues from the pot. A bubble here means the broth is waking. A soft clink against the spoon is the sound of texture making company with flavor. Let these small moments guide your rhythm as you cook.
Step-by-Step How to Prepare Chicken Soup
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Take your time to warm the oil until it looks glossy. Swirl the pot so the surface is evenly coated. This small warming step sets a gentle base for everything that follows.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened. Stir slowly and watch the vegetables loosen and sweeten. Let them take on a little color, but not too much. Breathe as you stir and let the aroma fill the room.
- Add shredded chicken and chicken broth, bring to a boil. Add the chicken and pour in the broth. Allow the pot to come to a soft boil, then reduce the heat. This is where the flavors begin to unfold and mingle.
- Stir in ditalini pasta and cook until al dente. Scatter the ditalini gently into the broth and stir so it does not clump. Taste for texture; when it is tender with a little bite, it is ready.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Season gently and taste as you go. Remember that salt wakes the other flavors. A small pinch, tasted, adjusted, can make the pot sing.
- Garnish with parsley before serving. Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it over bowls as they are ladled. The green brightness is a soft finish, like a warm smile to the bowl.
Wholesome Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Soup
- Chicken (about 2 cups shredded, cooked or rotisserie)
- Carrots (2–3, chopped)
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped)
- Onions (1 medium, chopped)
- Ditalini pasta (1 cup)
- Chicken broth (6 cups, preferably low-sodium)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Parsley (a small handful, chopped for garnish) Use fresh herbs if you can. They carry a gentle energy-bright and immediate. If you prefer a heartier soup, choose bone-in chicken and simmer for more depth. If you need a quicker version, shredded rotisserie chicken is a loving shortcut.
Preparing Chicken Soup with Care When I make this soup, I like to create a small ritual around the cooking. I set a warm cloth under the cutting board, put a pot of water nearby for quick rinses, and place a small bowl for scraps on the side. This pattern keeps the kitchen calm and makes the process feel slow and intentional.
Start by preparing your vegetables. Chop the onions, carrots, and celery into relatively uniform pieces so they cook together evenly. If you are using raw chicken, sear it briefly in the pot after sautéing your vegetables, then add the broth and simmer until cooked through. If you use cooked shredded chicken, add it later so it stays tender and moist.
Broth is the soul of this soup. If you have homemade chicken stock, use it. If you rely on store-bought broth, choose a low-sodium version so you can control the seasoning. The warmth of good broth is comforting in the deepest way. For an extra layer, slide in a bay leaf or a sprig of thyme as the soup simmers, then remove it before serving.
A gentle note on pasta: Ditalini is small, tender, and absorbs the broth in a comforting way. Add it toward the end so it remains pleasantly al dente. If you prefer gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free mini pasta or leave the pasta out and add more vegetables for body.
Slow Simmering and Gentle Timing Once the soup is assembled, keep the heat low enough that the surface moves with gentle ripples, not a loud, rolling boil. Slow simmering encourages the flavors to meld and gives you a moment to breathe. Taste the broth every so often and adjust seasonings slowly. Let the flavors come together patiently.
Savoring the Texture As the pasta and vegetables soften, pay attention to texture. You want the carrots to be tender without losing their structure, the celery to keep some snap, and the chicken to be soft and yielding. These small textures create the gentle complexity that makes a simple soup feel whole and satisfying.
How to Serve Chicken Soup with Intention When it is time to serve, bring the pot to the table slowly. Spoon the soup into warm bowls so the broth keeps its heat and the steam rises in soft veils. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and, if you like, a grind of fresh black pepper. Offer lemon wedges on the side for a bright lift, or a spoon of plain yogurt for a creamy touch. Serve with a simple crusty bread or a soft roll to make each bowl feel like an embrace. Invite those you love to sit and breathe for a moment before tasting. This small pause is an act of nourishment as important as the food itself.
How to Store Chicken Soup the Right Way Leftovers are a friend.
Once the soup cools to near room temperature, move it into shallow, airtight containers. This helps it cool evenly and stay fresh. In the refrigerator, the soup will keep well for 3 to 4 days. The flavors will deepen as it rests. If you prefer the pasta not to soften too much, store the pasta separately and combine it when reheating. For longer storage, place cooled soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stove. As you reheat, add a splash of broth or water to revive the texture if it feels reduced.
Mama Lila’s Helpful Tips
- Use bones for depth: If you have time, simmer chicken bones with onion and a bay leaf for an hour to make a richer broth. This is the quiet, nourishing work that rewards patience.
- Taste as you go: Add salt slowly and taste with each small addition. Salt is a companion to other flavors; too much can mute their warmth.
- Mindful substitutions: If you need gluten-free, use small rice pasta or increase the vegetables. If you prefer more protein, add white beans toward the end for gentle creaminess.
- Keep a soothing spoon: Use a wooden spoon to stir. The sound and feel create a gentle rhythm that anchors the cooking in calm.
- Fresh herbs at the end: Add parsley or a little dill right before serving to keep their brightness. Herbs added too early lose their aroma.
Peaceful Variations to Explore Follow your seasons.
In spring, add young peas and a squeeze of lemon to brighten the bowl. In autumn, cube a small potato or add a handful of chopped kale a few minutes before the end for earthier comfort. For a restorative winter version, add pieces of turmeric and a little grated ginger during the simmering step. These warming spices bring a gentle heat and an added sense of healing. If you want a slow-cooker option, layer the vegetables and chicken in a slow cooker, pour in the broth, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Add the pasta in the last 30 minutes to keep it tender. For those who enjoy a creamier feel, stir in a splash of milk or a spoonful of cream at the end. Alternatively, blend a portion of the soup before adding the pasta to create a silky base with textured bits.
Senses and the Soul in Every Spoonful Notice the steam as it lifts, the way the broth catches the light, the gentle clink of spoon against bowl. These small sensory moments are part of the nourishment. Eating quietly, with attention, transforms a meal into a practice of care. Let each spoonful be a small ceremony of return.
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Comforting Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all ingredients and wash the vegetables.
- Chop the onions, carrots, and celery into uniform pieces.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat until glossy.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened.
- Add shredded chicken and chicken broth, then bring to a boil.
- Stir in ditalini pasta and cook until al dente.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Common Questions About Chicken Soup
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and it often tastes even more comforting the next day as the flavors blend. Refrigerate in shallow containers and reheat gently. If you plan to keep it more than a day, consider storing pasta separately to preserve texture.
How can I make the broth richer?
Simmer with bones, a halved onion, a bay leaf, and a few peppercorns for 1 to 2 hours. Skim any foam that rises during the early simmering. This slow, gentle extraction deepens the broth without hurry.
Is this soup good for children?
Yes. It is mild, nourishing, and soothing. Reduce salt slightly for young children and cut ingredients into small, manageable pieces. Always check temperature before serving.
Can I freeze this soup with pasta in it?
You can, but pasta often softens during freezing and reheating. For the best texture, freeze the soup without pasta and cook fresh pasta when you reheat the broth.
How long should I simmer if I use raw chicken?
Simmer until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 75°C) and shreds easily, usually 20 to 30 minutes depending on size. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot with a few minutes to mingle with the broth.
Final Reflection or Closing Note Cooking is a practice of patience and tenderness. This Chicken Soup is a gentle reminder that simple ingredients, slow attention, and steady hands can nurture both body and spirit. Each pot carries the memory of warmth and the promise of comfort. When you serve it, offer it with a soft word and an open heart. Let it be a mirror of care-small, steadfast, and nourishing. I hope this Chicken Soup brings you the same peace and warmth it brings to my home each time I cook it.
Conclusion
For more inspiration and variations on this comforting theme, you might enjoy the richly detailed recipes like The Best Chicken Soup You’ll Ever Eat | Ambitious Kitchen and the nourishing approach in Ultimate Chicken Soup – Downshiftology. These recipes offer different perspectives that can gently expand your soup repertoire and guide your own moments of quiet cooking.