A bowl of Sicilian Chicken Soup is like a warm hug from the inside out. It combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful broth thatโs been simmered to perfection. What makes this soup stand out is its roots in rustic Sicilian cooking, where simple ingredients come together in a powerful way. Itโs hearty without being heavy, and each spoonful delivers the comforting essence of home cooking.
Whether youโre under the weather, chasing away the winter chill, or just craving a wholesome one-pot meal, this soup has your back. Its golden broth is rich yet balanced, the kind you sip slowly because itโs just that satisfying. With every bite of carrot, celery, chicken, and ditalini pasta, you taste generations of family tradition.
Why Youโll Love This Sicilian Chicken Soup
This soup isnโt just deliciousโitโs nourishing and easy to make in big batches, perfect for meal prepping or feeding a hungry family. The blend of Italian herbs, tender chicken, and pasta offers a comforting, familiar flavor profile with a little Mediterranean flair. Itโs also versatile: you can switch up the pasta or throw in extra veggies without losing the essence of the dish.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
Bone-in chicken thighs are ideal because they infuse the broth with deep flavor as they simmer, while still staying moist and tender. If youโre short on time, boneless thighs or even a rotisserie chicken can work in a pinchโjust remember, homemade broth is what really makes the difference here. If you have the time, opt for skin-on, bone-in pieces that you can later shred for that rustic, homemade texture.
Ingredients for the Sicilian Chicken Soup
The soul of this recipe is in its simplicity. While each ingredient plays a role in flavor and texture, they come together to create something much bigger than the sum of its parts.
- Chicken thighs
- Carrots
- Celery
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Tomato paste
- Ditalini pasta
- Chicken broth
- Bay leaves
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

How To Make the Sicilian Chicken Soup
Step 1: Build the Broth Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 7 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook another 2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Simmer
Place chicken thighs into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Add bay leaves, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 3: Shred and Return the Chicken
Remove chicken from the pot and let cool slightly. Shred with two forks and discard any bones. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 4: Finish with Pasta
Add the ditalini pasta and cook uncovered until tender, about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving and Storing This Soup
Sicilian Chicken Soup feeds about 6 to 8 people, making it a wonderful choice for family dinner or batch cooking. Serve hot, ladled into deep bowls with a sprinkle of parmesan and maybe a crusty loaf of bread on the side. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
What to Serve With Sicilian Chicken Soup?
Crusty Italian Bread
You can never go wrong with a warm, crusty loaf to soak up that flavorful broth.
Grilled Cheese Panini
A toasty sandwich with melty mozzarella and tomato is a perfect pairing.
Simple Arugula Salad
The peppery greens balance the warmth and richness of the soup.
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Broccoli
Oven-roasted and flavorful, itโs a great side to round out the meal.
Antipasto Skewers
Little bites of marinated veggies, olives, and cheese add texture and tang.
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Another cozy side that complements the rustic heartiness of the soup.
Lemon Ricotta Crostini
Bright and creamy, these little bites add contrast and freshness.
Red Wine (for the grownups)
A glass of Chianti or Montepulciano brings out the deeper notes of the broth.
Want More Soup Ideas with Hearty Flavors?
If this Sicilian Chicken Soup hit the spot, you might also love these cozy, comfort-forward favorites:
- Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup for a cheesy twist on a classic dish.
- Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup if youโre craving Mediterranean vibes.
- Chicken Pot Pie Soup when you want something creamy and nostalgic.
- Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings for that down-home Southern flavor.
- Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon if you want a heartier protein-rich main.
Save This Recipe For Later
๐ Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for cozy soups so you can come back to it whenever the cravings hit.
And if you make it, let me know in the comments! Did you go classic or give it your own twist with extra herbs or heat? Iโd love to hear how it turned out.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks, comforting pastas, and indulgent bakes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorites!

Sicilian Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Description
Sicilian Chicken Soup is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired dish made with chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, ditalini pasta, and savory herbs. Perfect for cold nights or when you need a cozy, one-pot meal. Great for meal prep and family dinners.
Ingredients
4 bone-in chicken thighs
3 carrots, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup ditalini pasta
8 cups chicken broth
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 7 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another 2 minutes, letting the tomato paste darken slightly.
3. Add chicken thighs, chicken broth, bay leaves, oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 to 40 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove chicken from pot and shred with two forks, discarding bones. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
6. Add ditalini pasta and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until pasta is tender.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
Notes
Let the soup sit for a few hours before serving for deeper flavor.
Use rotisserie chicken if youโre short on time.
You can swap ditalini for elbow or small shell pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg


