Chickarina Soup

A bowl of soup with meatballs and carrots.

Chickarina Soup is so much better than the canned version! Loads of fresh veggies, cute little mini meatballs, and a flavorful broth come together in a bowl full of deliciousness!

Course Soup

Cuisine American

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 15

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 285kcal

Author Kylee Ayotte

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1/2 pound ground chicken or turkey
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion diced
1/2 cup carrots diced
1/2 cup celery diced
6 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup Israeli couscous
salt and pepper to taste

For serving

1 tablespoon fresh parsley
parmesan cheese

Instructions

Make the Meatballs

In a bowl, combine 1/2 pound ground chicken or turkey, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, and salt and pepper. Mix well.
Roll the mixture into tiny meatballs, about the size of a marble, and set aside.

Cook the Soup

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced 1/2 cup onion, 1/2 cup carrots, and 1/2 cup celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour in 6 cups chicken stock and bring to a boil.
Carefully add the meatballs to the boiling broth. Let them cook for about 5 minutes.
Add 1/2 cup Israeli couscous to the pot. Cook until the pasta is tender, about 5-8 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with 1 tablespoon fresh parsley and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Notes

What to do with leftovers

Once cooled, store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Substitutions/Additions

I use Israeli couscous, but you can easily use regular couscous, pastina, ditalini, orzo, acini de pepe, or any small pasta shape.

Use ground chicken or turkey for the meatballs.

Freezing instructions

Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Leave room for expansion. The couscous will absorb more liquid the longer it sits, so you may need to add some extra broth upon reheating.

Nutrition