If you’ve ever ordered soup at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, you know their Italian chicken soup is pure comfort—light yet satisfying, loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and tiny pasta in a flavorful broth. This Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup Recipe brings that same restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen, using simple ingredients and easy steps.
This recipe is perfect when you want something warming, nourishing, and crowd-pleasing. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekends—and it tastes even better the next day.
Why This Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup Works
What makes this soup so special is its clean Italian flavor profile and balanced texture:
- Tender shredded chicken for protein and richness
- Aromatic vegetables for depth
- Small pasta (ditalini) for that classic Carrabba’s feel
- Light but savory broth that isn’t heavy or greasy
Unlike thick, creamy soups, this one stays light while still being incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Protein & Broth
- 1½ lbs chicken breast or thighs
- 8–10 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
Pasta & Seasoning
- ¾ cup ditalini pasta
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Finish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
- Add onion, carrots, and celery
- Cook 5–7 minutes until softened
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds
This step builds the soup’s Italian-style flavor base.
2. Simmer the Chicken
- Add chicken breasts and chicken broth
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer
- Cook 18–22 minutes until chicken is fully cooked
Remove chicken, let cool slightly, then shred.
3. Cook the Pasta
- Add ditalini pasta directly to the broth
- Simmer 8–10 minutes until al dente
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
4. Finish the Soup
- Return shredded chicken to the pot
- Add Italian seasoning, pepper, and salt
- Simmer 5 more minutes
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
What Makes This a True Copycat Recipe
This soup closely matches the Carrabba’s chicken soup you know because it uses:
- Very small pasta instead of large noodles
- Minimal tomato or cream (none at all)
- Italian herbs, not heavy spices
- Clear broth, not thickened stock
The result is clean, comforting, and unmistakably Italian-American.
Pro Tips for Best Flavor
- Use chicken thighs for richer flavor
- Shred chicken finely—Carrabba’s uses small pieces
- Cook pasta in the soup, not separately
- Add Parmesan only when serving, not during cooking
Variations You Can Try
- Slow Cooker Version
- Cook everything except pasta on LOW 6 hours
- Add pasta during the last 30 minutes
- Extra Veggie Version
- Add zucchini or spinach near the end
- Low-Carb Option
- Skip pasta or replace with cauliflower rice
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in airtight containers
- Freeze: Soup base freezes well (without pasta)
- Reheat: Gently on stovetop; add broth if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this exactly like Carrabba’s chicken soup?
It’s a very close copycat in flavor, texture, and ingredients, made with accessible home-cooking methods.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—add shredded rotisserie chicken after the pasta is cooked.
What pasta does Carrabba’s use?
They typically use ditalini or very small tube pasta.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes—it’s high in protein, light in fat, and easy to adapt for low-sodium diets.
Printable Recipe Card (Quick Copy)
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
- Sauté vegetables
- Simmer chicken in broth
- Cook pasta in soup
- Shred chicken, return to pot
- Season and serve
Final Thoughts
This Carrabba’s Copycat Chicken Soup Recipe proves that restaurant favorites can be made at home—easily and affordably. It’s light, cozy, and full of comforting Italian flavors that work year-round.
Once you try it, this soup will quickly become a regular in your kitchen—especially when you’re craving something warm, simple, and deeply satisfying. 🍲