Brodo di Pollo – Italian Noodle Soup

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When the weather cools and your soul needs something warm, brodo di pollo is the kind of comfort that doesn’t just satisfy hunger but nurtures you from the inside out. This classic Italian chicken noodle soup is humble in ingredients but rich in flavor, thanks to a slow simmer that pulls every bit of goodness from the bones, herbs, and vegetables.

Brodo di pollo is more than just food; it’s a tradition passed down through generations. In Italian homes, it often greets you on a Sunday afternoon or comforts you when you’re under the weather. With tender pasta, aromatic broth, and gently shredded chicken, this soup is as restorative as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Brodo di Pollo

This recipe is slow-cooked simplicity at its best. You don’t need anything fancy to make it shine, just good quality chicken, fresh vegetables, and patience. The result is a deeply flavorful broth that forms the base of a soup hearty enough to be a full meal but light enough to enjoy any day of the week. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or make a nourishing batch to freeze for later.

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use?

Traditionally, brodo di pollo is served with thin egg noodles or pastina, the tiny pasta shapes like stelline or orzo. You can also use broken-up angel hair or fideo. The goal is to choose a pasta that doesn’t overwhelm the broth but gently complements it. Just be sure to cook the noodles separately and add them to each serving to avoid them soaking up all the liquid.

Ingredients for the Brodo di Pollo

This soup gets its soul from the ingredients simmering slowly together. While the list is short, each item plays a crucial role in building a nourishing, flavorful broth.

Whole chicken or bone-in chicken parts
Rich in collagen and flavor, the bones are essential for a full-bodied broth.

Carrots
They bring a subtle sweetness and pair well with the savory chicken flavor.

Celery
Adds a mild peppery note and rounds out the classic mirepoix base.

Onion
Gives depth to the broth, especially when left skin-on for a richer color.

Garlic
A few cloves infuse aromatic warmth into every sip.

Bay leaves
Provide herbal depth that lingers gently in the background.

Fresh parsley
Adds brightness right at the end, both in flavor and appearance.

Salt
Season carefully so the broth enhances the ingredients without overpowering them.

Small pasta
Like pastina, orzo, or thin egg noodles, these turn the broth into a satisfying soup.

Parmesan rind (optional)
Adds a savory, umami kick if you have one on hand.

How To Make the Brodo di Pollo

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Place your chicken, roughly chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and bay leaves into a large stockpot. Cover with cold water until fully submerged.

Step 2: Simmer Slowly

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Skim any foam or impurities from the surface. Let it simmer uncovered for at least 1.5 to 2 hours.

Step 3: Strain and Shred

Carefully remove the chicken and strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve. Shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Taste the broth and season with salt as needed. Add fresh parsley and a piece of Parmesan rind if using. Cook your noodles separately, then add to bowls and ladle hot broth over the top.

How to Serve and Store Brodo di Pollo

This nourishing soup is best served hot, poured over a nest of freshly cooked noodles. Top with more parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra depth. It makes a full meal on its own or a beautiful first course to a rustic Italian dinner.

Brodo di pollo stores wonderfully. Keep the broth and noodles separate to avoid mushiness. Store the broth in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. The shredded chicken can also be frozen separately, ready to be thawed for quick bowls of soup whenever you need them.

This recipe yields 6 to 8 generous servings, perfect for feeding a family or preparing ahead.

What to Serve With Brodo di Pollo?

Crusty Italian Bread

Perfect for dipping and soaking up every bit of the broth.

Grilled Cheese with Mozzarella

A comforting side that melts into the soup moment with gooey perfection.

Caprese Salad

A light, fresh contrast that balances the warmth of the soup.

Roasted Zucchini and Squash

Oven-roasted veggies bring a hearty side with a soft sweetness.

Classic Caesar Salad

Crisp, tangy, and creamy all at once, this pairs beautifully with a brothy dish.

Lemon Ricotta Crostini

Bright and creamy bites that make for a delightful starter.

Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

Simple and flavorful, asparagus adds a little green and crunch to your meal.

Tomato Bruschetta

Juicy, garlicky tomatoes on toast contrast the soup with a punch of acidity.

Want More Soup Ideas with Comfort in Every Spoon?

If this brodo di pollo warms your heart, you might love these comforting bowls too:

• Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup for rich and cozy flavor.
• Tuscan Chicken Pasta if you love creamy, herby Italian dishes.
• Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl for a brothy, protein-packed twist.
• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta when you want a little tang with your comfort.
• Roasted Zucchini and Squash as a nourishing side or light dinner on its own.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it when cozy season rolls around.

Let me know in the comments if you tried this with a Parmesan rind or added your own twist. Did you serve it with pastina or go for egg noodles?

I always love hearing how these soups bring warmth into your kitchen. Questions and suggestions are welcome too.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting soups and other comforting meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next warm bowl.

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