If you’re craving something warm, cozy, and utterly delightful, this Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a comforting blend of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and those playful tiny star-shaped pastas that bring a bit of magic to every spoonful. Whether you’re making a family dinner or seeking a soothing bowl on a chilly day, this soup combines simplicity with heartwarming flavors that feel like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe shines because of its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—creating layers of flavor and textures that make the soup so satisfying and inviting.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a silky base and subtle fruitiness for sautéing the veggies.
- 1 small onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 carrots, sliced: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Adds a mild, aromatic crunch that balances the sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses fragrant warmth that wakes up the senses.
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The comforting soup base that ties everything together gracefully.
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken: Offers hearty protein, perfect for a satisfying, nourishing meal.
- 3/4 cup stelline (tiny star-shaped pasta): These adorable stars add whimsy and a tender, chewy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses a gentle earthiness to enhance the broth’s complexity.
- 1 bay leaf: Provides subtle herbal notes that elevate the soup’s overall flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance every ingredient.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, green finish that livens up the flavor and appearance.
How to Make Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, cooking them gently for about five to six minutes until they’re tender and starting to release their natural sweetness. This forms the flavorful foundation of your soup, so take your time making sure these vegetables soften beautifully.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Liquids
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until its intoxicating aroma fills the kitchen. Then pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, a key player for developing that comforting warmth. Add the dried thyme, bay leaf, along with salt and black pepper; this will craft a deeply savory, aromatic broth where every spoonful feels satisfying and full-bodied.
Step 3: Introduce the Stelline Pasta
Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then add the stelline pasta stars. These little wonders cook in just eight to ten minutes, absorbing the flavorful broth while giving you that delightful pasta hug in each bite. Keep the heat low enough to maintain a gentle simmer—this helps the pasta cook evenly without turning mushy.
Step 4: Stir in Cooked Chicken and Finish
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the cooked shredded chicken and allow it to heat through for another two to three minutes. This final step means your soup is not only hearty but also perfectly balanced in protein and carbs. Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed. For an optional splash of freshness, stir in the chopped parsley just before serving to brighten the whole dish.
How to Serve Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a little grated Parmesan right on top to add a layer of flavor and visual appeal. A small drizzle of good olive oil or a twist of black pepper can elevate your soup to restaurant-quality without any fuss.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm garlic rolls, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of the tasty broth. For a light side, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness and keeps the meal feeling fresh and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in colorful bowls to make the golden broth and star pasta pop visually. For family-style warmth, ladle into large soup tureens or individual bowls garnished with delicate herbs. You can even turn it into a fun, kid-friendly meal by letting little ones sprinkle in their own parsley or cheese at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Store in an airtight container to preserve the freshness and flavors.
Freezing
Freeze leftovers in portion-sized containers for up to two months. Remember pasta can absorb broth and become soft when frozen and reheated, so you might prefer to slightly undercook the pasta initially or add freshly cooked pasta when warming frozen soup.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of broth or water can refresh the texture if the soup thickens too much. Microwave reheating works too but do it in short bursts with stirring for even heat distribution.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of stelline?
Absolutely! While stelline pasta adds a charming touch, you can substitute with orzo, alphabet pasta, or any small-shaped pasta you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this soup suitable for kids?
Definitely. The mild flavors and small pasta shapes make it especially kid-friendly and fun to eat. Plus, it’s packed with nutrition that little ones need.
What can I do to make the soup richer?
Adding a splash of lemon juice or a small knob of butter right before serving brightens and enriches the soup’s overall flavor and mouthfeel.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Substitute the chicken with hearty veggies or plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, keeping the rest of the ingredients the same for a comforting vegetarian twist.
How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Keep a close eye when simmering the pasta and test frequently for doneness. You can also cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving to avoid mushiness.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe has a special way of warming your heart and satisfying your hunger with simple ingredients and comforting flavors. It’s one of those dishes that feels like coming home, perfect for sharing with the people you love. So, grab a pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the magic of these little pasta stars dancing alongside tender chicken in a bowl full of goodness.
Print
Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Chicken and Stars Soup is a comforting, kid-friendly American classic featuring tender shredded chicken, tiny star-shaped stelline pasta, and a flavorful medley of vegetables simmered in a savory chicken broth. This easy-to-make stovetop soup is perfect for warming up on cooler days or when you need a nourishing, quick meal.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 3/4 cup stelline (tiny star-shaped pasta)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery, cooking for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, and add dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine the flavors.
- Cook the pasta: Once boiling, stir in the stelline pasta. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Add chicken and finish soup: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and heat through for another 2–3 minutes to warm the meat thoroughly.
- Final touches: Remove the bay leaf from the soup, adjust seasoning to your preference, and stir in fresh parsley if using. Serve the soup warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of lemon juice or a small knob of butter just before serving.
- Stelline pasta can be substituted with orzo or alphabet pasta depending on availability.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels.
- This soup is great for using leftover cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken.
