Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup from Carrabba's Italian Grill features tender chicken, savory vegetables, and small pasta in a flavorful tomato broth, delivering a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired meal.
Equipments
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or ladle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Slotted spoon
- Colander (if draining pasta separately)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced potatoes
- 1 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup ditalini pasta or other small pasta
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Fresh or high-quality canned tomatoes are essential to achieve a rich and authentic tomato broth for this soup. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide tender, juicy protein that holds up well during simmering. Ditalini pasta is preferred for its small size, helping it cook evenly without overpowering the soup's texture. You can adjust the level of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat according to your taste. Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup from Carrabba's Italian Grill copycat menu delivers a comforting meal combining savory chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly seasoned broth.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add chicken thighs; sear until browned on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side).
- Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same pot, add onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, and bell pepper.
- Sauté vegetables until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Return chicken to the pot.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
- Remove chicken, shred or dice, and return to the pot.
- Add pasta; simmer until tender (about 8-10 minutes).
- Stir in chopped parsley.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup from Carrabba's Italian Grill copycat recipe combines tender chicken thighs, a medley of vegetables, and small ditalini pasta in a rich tomato-based broth. If ditalini pasta is unavailable, you can substitute with orzo, small shells, or acini di pepe to maintain the texture. When fresh tomatoes are out of season, canned diced tomatoes provide an equally flavorful option without compromising the soup's taste. For a lighter variant, skinless chicken breasts may be used instead of thighs, though they may result in a less juicy texture. Your choice of herbs can be tailored; fresh herbs work wonderfully if dried ones are not accessible, simply increase the quantity about threefold.
Tips
Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures tender meat that won't dry out during simmering in the soup. Searing the chicken first locks in flavor and creates a rich base for the broth. Be cautious not to overcook the pasta; add it close to the end to prevent mushiness and maintain a pleasant texture. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving to make sure Your soup is perfectly balanced.
Nutritions
Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup provides a balanced mix of protein from the boneless, skinless chicken thighs and essential vitamins derived from a variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery, potatoes, and bell peppers. The addition of ditalini pasta contributes carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the olive oil supplies healthy monounsaturated fats. This hearty soup is also rich in antioxidants from tomatoes and herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, which support immune health. You can enjoy this dish knowing it offers a nourishing combination of macronutrients and micronutrients ideal for a fulfilling meal.
Storage
Store Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup in airtight containers, allowing it to cool to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain freshness and flavor. Your soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months to enjoy later without compromising texture or taste. When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stove or in the microwave until thoroughly heated to preserve its hearty Italian-inspired essence.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, though cooking time may be slightly reduced. When preparing the vegetables, roasting them beforehand can add a deeper, caramelized flavor to the soup. For a gluten-free variation, use small gluten-free pasta or omit pasta altogether, adding extra potatoes or beans for heartiness. Fresh herbs like thyme and basil can be replaced with Italian seasoning blends if fresh ingredients are unavailable.
Allergies
Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup contains common allergens such as wheat found in the ditalini pasta, which may affect those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. The use of chicken broth could also pose a risk for individuals with poultry allergies, and the presence of garlic and certain spices might trigger sensitivities in some people. You should always check ingredient labels and consult with your healthcare provider if you have food allergies before enjoying this hearty Italian-inspired soup.
Why this recipe?
Mama Mandola's Sicilian Chicken Soup from Carrabba's Italian Grill is loved for its rich, authentic Italian flavors featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth infused with garlic and herbs. The hearty, comforting soup combines traditional Sicilian ingredients that deliver a unique taste experience, making it a favorite among guests seeking genuine Italian comfort food. You will appreciate how easy it is to recreate this sought-after recipe at home, capturing the same bold flavors while enjoying a wholesome, satisfying meal. This copycat recipe offers a cost-effective and customizable alternative without sacrificing the quality found in the restaurant version.