Carrabba’s Spicy Chicken Soup is a bold, brothy Italian-style dish with shredded chicken, tender vegetables, pasta, and a spicy black pepper finish. A hearty and comforting bowl for any season.
2½ lbs bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
8 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup diced potatoes
1 small zucchini, diced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup ditalini pasta (cooked separately)
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp thyme
½–1 tsp red pepper flakes (to taste)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Olive oil (for sautéing)
Fresh parsley and Parmesan, for serving
Place chicken, broth, onion, garlic, celery, carrot, and bay leaf in a large pot. Simmer for 45–60 minutes.
Remove chicken, strain broth, and discard solids. Shred chicken and set aside.
In same pot, sauté fresh onion, celery, carrot, and garlic in olive oil until soft.
Add potatoes, zucchini, crushed tomatoes, and seasonings. Return broth to pot and simmer 20–25 minutes.
Stir in shredded chicken. Simmer 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve hot with pasta added to each bowl. Top with fresh parsley and Parmesan.
Store pasta separately to avoid mushiness. Add extra black pepper for Carrabba’s signature spice. Freeze leftovers without pasta.