Name: Sicilian Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 3 celery stalks, chopped; 3 large carrots, chopped; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon white pepper; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 3 quarts (12 cups) water; 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs), giblets removed; 8 oz ditalini pasta (or small pasta of choice); 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded

Why You’ll Love Sicilian Chicken Soup Recipe

It’s one‑pot and family‑friendly, so cleanup is minimal.
The combination of seasoned chicken, vegetables and a bit of pasta makes for a satisfying, complete meal.
You can adjust the peppery seasoning to your taste; mild for kids, spicier for adults.
Leftovers reheat well, making it a great make‑ahead or freezer‑friendly dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Whole chicken, giblets removed
• Pepper
• Salt
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Yellow onion, diced
• Celery ribs, diced
• Carrots, diced
• Red bell pepper, diced
• Russet potatoes, peeled & diced
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Fresh flat‑leaf Italian parsley, chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Chicken broth
• Chicken bouillon
• Water
• Ditalini pasta (or other small pasta, optional)

Directions

In a small bowl mix together salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and oregano.
Pat the chicken dry and rub the seasoning all over the chicken. Place it in the bottom of a large pot.
Add the onion, celery, carrots, red bell pepper, potatoes, minced garlic, canned tomatoes, chopped parsley, bouillon and enough water (and/or broth) to cover the chicken and vegetables by about an inch.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium‐low, partially cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 2 hours.
Remove the chicken from the pot and transfer it to a plate. Let it rest for about 15‑20 minutes until you can handle it to remove the bones. Meanwhile, if using pasta, cook it according to package directions.
Remove the chicken meat from the skin and bones, then tear or pull the boned chicken into large bite‑sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Use a large slotted spoon or a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the pot to slightly thicken the soup. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the soup or let each person add their own amount of pasta when serving.
Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12
Total time: approx. 1 hour 5 minutes (including prep and simmering)
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~55 minutes (or about 2 hours simmer time as per directions)

Variations

For a gluten‑free version, skip the pasta or substitute with a gluten‑free small pasta.
Add beans (such as white kidney beans) for extra protein and texture.
Use chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken for quicker prep.
Boost the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
Swap the potato cubes for sweet potato for a slightly sweeter twist.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth, chickpeas and extra potatoes/veggies.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Let the soup cool completely then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3‑4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze portions of the soup (without the pasta) for up to 2‑3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened or the potatoes have absorbed too much liquid. If adding pasta, cook fresh or add cooked pasta just before serving to avoid mushy results.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best?

A small pasta like ditalini is traditional because it blends well with the soup’s texture, but you can use any small‑shaped pasta you prefer (or skip pasta altogether if you like).

Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?

Yes—chicken thighs or breasts work fine. You may reduce the simmering time slightly since the pieces will cook faster than a whole bird.

Is the potatoes mashing step really necessary?

Mashing some of the potatoes helps thicken the broth and gives the soup a slightly creamier texture without adding cream. If you prefer a thinner broth you can skip this step.

Can I make this in a slow cooker or pressure cooker?

Yes—on low in a slow cooker you could cook for about 4‑6 hours until the chicken is falling apart. In a pressure cooker, you might reduce the time significantly (e.g., 20‑30 minutes depending on device).

How spicy is this soup by default?

It has a peppery kick thanks to pepper seasoning and oregano, but it’s mild enough for most family meals. You can easily adjust the pepper amount to suit your taste.

What if I don’t want pasta in the soup?

That’s perfectly fine. Serve the soup as is without pasta or let individuals add cooked pasta if they like. It’s still hearty and satisfying.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely—feel free to toss in zucchini, green beans or spinach near the end of cooking for extra veggies.

How do I reheat leftover soup without it becoming watery or bland?

Reheat gently over medium heat and add a bit of broth or water if it’s thickened too much. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Can I make this soup ahead of time for a gathering?

Yes—it’s a great make‑ahead option. Make it a day in advance (without pasta if you plan to add later), refrigerate, then reheat and add fresh pasta just before serving.

What sides go well with this soup?

Crusty bread or breadsticks are great for dipping. A simple green salad also pairs nicely to round out the meal.

Conclusion

This Sicilian Chicken Soup delivers big comfort and flavor in a single pot. With seasoned chicken, hearty vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes and optional pasta, it’s a satisfying meal for family dinners, cozy nights or when you’re craving something warm and nourishing. With simple ingredients and straightforward directions, it becomes a go‑to recipe you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try, adjust to your liking, and enjoy every spoonful.