Chickarina Soup (Italian Chicken Meatball Soup)

hickarina soup is a cozy, comforting classic featuring tiny chicken meatballs, wholesome vegetables, and delicate pasta pearls in a rich, clear broth. A lighter cousin of Italian wedding soup, it’s full of flavor and easy to customize for family meals, freezer prep, or weeknight dinners. Whether you’re new to making soup or a seasoned home cook, this nourishing bowl is always a winner.

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Equipment

• Equipment:
• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowl (for meatballs)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
• Small cookie scoop or teaspoon (to portion meatballs)
• Ladle (for serving)
• Storage containers (for leftovers or freezing)

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Soup:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 carrots diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 8 cups chicken broth low-sodium or homemade preferred
• 3/4 cup acini di pepe or orzo pasta
• 1 –2 cups baby spinach or chopped escarole optional
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedge and extra parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• Instructions:
• Make the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
• Shape Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, marble-sized meatballs. Set aside.
• Sauté Veggies: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5–6 minutes.
• Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour Broth & Simmer: Add chicken broth and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
• Add Meatballs: Carefully drop meatballs into the simmering broth. Cook for 10 minutes.
• Add Pasta: Stir in acini di pepe or orzo. Simmer for an additional 10–12 minutes until pasta and meatballs are cooked through.
• Add Greens: Stir in spinach or escarole, if using. Simmer another 1–2 minutes until wilted.
• Season: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove bay leaf.
• Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
• Preparation Time:
• 20 minutes
• Cooking Time:
• 25 minutes
• Total Time:
• 45 minutes
• Serving Size:
• 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
• Yield:
• 6 servings
• Cuisine:
• Italian-American
• Course:
• Soup, Main Course, Lunch
• Nutrition Information:
• Calories: 290 per serving
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg (varies based on broth)

Notes

Additional Notes:

For extra flavor, brown the meatballs before adding to the soup.

To make it gluten-free, use GF breadcrumbs and pasta.

Freeze the soup without pasta and greens; add fresh when reheating.

For a citrusy lift, stir in lemon zest or juice before serving.

Try variations like spicy turkey meatballs or a bean-and-greens version for more flair.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Chickarina soup is more than just another comforting dish—it’s a savory blend of tender chicken meatballs, wholesome vegetables, and rich broth that warms you from the inside out. Craving a hearty soup that brings the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition in every spoonful? This classic might just become your go-to weeknight favorite.

Often compared to Italian wedding soup, chickarina soup holds a unique place in the world of home cooking. Rooted in old-world tradition but flexible for modern tastes, it offers bold flavor and simple, nourishing ingredients.

Whether you’re preparing meals for the family or stocking your freezer with satisfying make-ahead dinners, chickarina soup delivers.
Discover great ideas like Grandma’s Chicken Soup for more nostalgic comfort food.

Let’s start with what makes this savory classic so special.

Ingredients and Base of a Perfect Chickarina Soup

What Makes Chickarina Soup So Flavorful?

The depth of flavor in chickarina soup comes from a combination of homemade or quality chicken broth, savory bite-sized meatballs, and a medley of vegetables that balance the richness. Unlike many soups that rely on heavy cream or tomato bases, chickarina soup stays light yet satisfying thanks to its clear broth and protein-rich components.

Here’s what gives this soup its signature taste:

• Savory mini meatballs made from ground chicken, turkey, pork, or beef.
• Chicken broth (low-sodium or homemade for best results).
• Pasta pearls or acini di pepe (similar to those used in Italian wedding soup).
• Diced vegetables such as carrots, celery, onion, and sometimes spinach or escarole.
• Herbs and aromatics like garlic, parsley, basil, bay leaves, and black pepper.

Full Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s break down the essential ingredients that bring this soup to life:

Don’t miss our Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup for another cozy, chicken-based bowl.

Chickarina Soup vs Other Chicken Soups

While chickarina soup shares its core ingredients with many chicken-based soups, the inclusion of tiny meatballs and small pasta sets it apart. It’s heartier than chicken noodle, but lighter than cream-based soups. These little meatballs are what make it so charming—they turn a regular broth into a meal full of bite-sized satisfaction.

With a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and vegetables, this soup makes for a complete, nourishing dish. Whether served as a starter or main, it always hits the spot.

Excellent, let’s keep going! Here’s the next section, diving into how to make chickarina soup step-by-step, plus some smart variations. Keyword, LSI terms, internal links, and SEO formatting are all baked in.

How to Make Chickarina Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing the Flavorful Meatballs

The heart of chickarina soup lies in its delicate, juicy meatballs. They’re small, but they pack serious flavor. Here’s a reliable method to get them just right:

1. Mix the meatball ingredients: Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, one egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the meatballs: Roll into tiny balls—roughly the size of marbles or acini di pepe pasta.
3. Optional sear: Some home cooks prefer to brown them in a bit of olive oil for extra flavor, while others drop them raw directly into the simmering broth.

Building the Soup Base

Once the meatballs are prepped, you’re ready to build your chickarina soup:

1. Sauté vegetables: Start with diced onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until softened.
2. Add garlic: Cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
3. Pour in broth: Use homemade or low-sodium chicken broth for maximum control over salt.
4. Add the meatballs: Carefully drop them into the pot. Let them simmer gently.
5. Stir in pasta: Acini di pepe, orzo, or pastina work great.
6. Simmer gently: Let everything bubble away for 20–25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
7. Add greens (optional): Stir in chopped spinach or escarole at the end for a boost of color and nutrients.

Learn more about Soup Bone Benefits & Uses if you’re making broth from scratch.

Tips for Perfecting the Soup Texture

• Don’t overcook the pasta: It can turn mushy. Add it halfway through simmering.
• Skim the foam: If meatballs release protein bubbles, skim for a cleaner broth.
• Add lemon: A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavor and balances the richness.

This process results in a cozy, satisfying soup that’s great for both casual meals and special gatherings. Want to customize? Keep reading—we’re getting into tasty variations next!

Creative Variations of Chickarina Soup for Every Taste

Regional and Flavorful Twists

What’s amazing about chickarina soup is how flexible it is. While the classic version is already satisfying, you can customize it to match regional flavors, dietary preferences, or even seasonal ingredients.

Here are some mouthwatering variations:

• Tuscan-Inspired Chickarina Soup: Swap regular chicken broth for a rosemary-infused stock, add cannellini beans and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Use turkey meatballs seasoned with paprika, cumin, and chili flakes. Add a pinch of harissa paste for heat.
• Lemon Dill Chickarina: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a few sprigs of fresh dill toward the end of cooking for a Greek-inspired twist.

Each variation keeps the essence of chickarina soup—those cute little meatballs and cozy broth—but adds new depth and personality.

Dietary-Friendly Chickarina Soup Adaptations

No matter your dietary needs, chickarina soup can work for you. Here’s how to adapt it:

These modifications retain the integrity of the original recipe while making it suitable for more eaters.

Check out Caldo de Pollo Recipe for another nourishing, customizable broth-based meal.

Family-Friendly Options

If you’re serving picky eaters or kids, try these simple tweaks:

• Use alphabet pasta for fun
• Make cheesy chicken meatballs with mozzarella cubes inside
• Blend a portion of the soup to create a thicker, smoother texture

By being flexible with your ingredients and presentation, you can turn a single chickarina soup recipe into multiple crowd-pleasers.

Chickarina Soup vs Italian Wedding Soup: What’s the Real Difference?

Similar Roots, Distinct Traditions

At first glance, mini meatball soup and Italian wedding soup look like siblings. Both feature small meatballs, broth, and greens—but their flavor profiles and origins tell two different stories.

Italian wedding soup, or “minestra maritata”, translates to “married soup.” This isn’t about a literal wedding but rather the “marriage” of flavors between meat and greens. Typically, it includes pork-and-beef meatballs, escarole or endive, and sometimes egg ribbons stirred into the broth. The flavors are bold, rustic, and slightly peppery.

On the other hand, chickarina-style soup uses chicken-based meatballs (sometimes turkey), lighter greens like spinach, and a milder, cleaner broth. Think of it as the more delicate cousin—still hearty, but lighter on the palate.

Key Comparison Table

Looking for inspiration? Try Fish Maw Soup if you’re exploring soups with bold textures and cultural depth.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Go for Italian-style chicken broth soups like chickarina when you want something lighter, faster to prepare, and kid-friendly.
• Pick traditional meatball stew-style soups like Italian wedding when you’re craving a rich, deeply satisfying flavor and don’t mind a little prep time.

Of course, there’s no rule against combining the two. Many home cooks mix elements from both recipes to create a custom meatball and pasta soup that’s uniquely their own.

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How to Serve, Store, and Reheat Chickarina Soup the Right Way

Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Bowl

Once your hearty chicken meatball soup is simmering and ready, serving it well is key to the experience. Though it’s delicious all on its own, there are plenty of simple add-ons to bring it to restaurant-level quality.

Here are some ways to elevate your Italian-style broth with mini meatballs:

• Top with fresh Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a salty kick.
• Add a lemon wedge on the side for brightness.
• Serve with crusty garlic bread or focaccia for dipping.
• Drizzle with herb oil (like basil or rosemary-infused olive oil).
• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for aroma and color.

This kind of mini meatball and vegetable soup also works perfectly as an appetizer, light lunch, or even part of a dinner spread with salad and roasted vegetables.

Smart Storage Tips to Preserve Flavor

Planning on leftovers? This soup holds up beautifully when stored the right way.

Here’s how to keep your savory meatball and pasta stew tasting just-made:

🔁 Pro tip: If you plan to freeze, cook the acini di pepe or pastina separately and add it fresh when reheating. This avoids soggy or mushy texture.

Looking for another freezer-friendly idea? Don’t miss our Soup Clicker—it’s quirky, fun, and soup-inspired.

How to Reheat Without Losing Texture

Reheating chicken meatball soup is simple, but here’s how to keep the flavor and texture just right:

1. Stovetop Method: Place in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.
2. Microwave Method: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered loosely. Stir every 1–2 minutes.
3. Add broth if needed: If it thickened too much in storage, splash in some chicken broth or water.
4. Finish with freshness: Add a pinch of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon before serving to revive the flavors.

This makes your leftovers just as comforting as the first bowl—no sad, soggy soup here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chickarina Soup

Final Thoughts on Mastering Chickarina Soup

Whether you call it chickarina soup, Italian-style meatball broth, or simply that comforting bowl of chicken goodness, one thing’s for sure—it’s the kind of dish that brings people together. With its delicate meatballs, soul-warming broth, and subtle herbaceous finish, this soup belongs in every home cook’s rotation.

It’s versatile, easy to prepare ahead, kid-approved, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re tweaking it for dietary needs or putting your own spin on the classic, it always delivers comfort in a bowl.

If you’re ready to give this timeless dish a try or level up your existing version, just remember: great ingredients, careful simmering, and a few flavorful tweaks go a long way. Let your kitchen be your canvas.

Don’t miss our Lipton Onion Soup Potatoes for another cozy, savory classic to add to your comfort food collection.

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