If there’s one comforting classic that warms the soul and brings smiles to the table, it’s this Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe. Imagine tender chunks of chicken nestled in a savory broth with sweet carrots and celery, all swirled together with those adorable star-shaped pasta pieces that make every spoonful feel a little magical. This soup isn’t just about nourishment; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to bring a little joy and simplicity to your cooking. Once you try this Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe, it’s sure to become your go-to for cozy, clean-eating goodness with a touch of whimsy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a crucial role in creating a soup that’s bursting with flavor, vibrant color, and a delightful texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth, fruity base to sauté the veggies and build flavor early on.
- Small onion, diced: Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth that balances the broth.
- Carrots, peeled and diced: Offer natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color in every bite.
- Celery stalks, diced: Introduce a crisp, savory undertone that rounds out the veggie mix beautifully.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses warmth and a gentle pungency, elevating the soup’s complexity.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The heart of the soup, providing a rich yet clean canvas full of savory flavor.
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced: Offers lean protein and keeps the soup hearty without heaviness.
- Star-shaped pasta (stelline): Adds charm and tender bites that feel fun and nostalgic, especially for kids.
- Dried thyme: Brings an earthiness and subtle herbal note.
- Dried parsley: Lightens the soup with fresh, green undertones.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all those lovely flavors.
- Optional fresh parsley for garnish: A bright finishing touch that adds freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by warming the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. When it shimmers, toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them gently for about five minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. This process unlocks their natural sweetness and forms the foundational flavors that make this soup so comforting.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Build Aroma
Next, stir in the minced garlic, cooking for just 30 seconds until it releases its captivating aroma. Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if overdone, so watch it closely. This brief step layers in a welcoming garlicky scent that blends perfectly with the veggies.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Seasonings
Now it’s time for the chicken broth to shine. Pour in all six cups of low-sodium broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Sprinkle in thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper, then give everything a good stir. This step infuses the soup with those warm, herbal undertones that feel like home.
Step 4: Introduce the Star-Shaped Pasta
Once boiling, add your stelline pasta and let it cook for 7 to 9 minutes until tender but not mushy. These delightful pasta stars add fun and texture, making the soup especially appealing to little ones and the young at heart alike.
Step 5: Add the Chicken and Finish Cooking
Finally, stir in the cooked chicken breast pieces and let the soup simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes just until everything is heated through. Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. This final touch ensures the chicken stays juicy and the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top adds a burst of color and a fragrant freshness that cuts through the richness. For a little zing, some people love adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving — it brightens every spoonful beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls that can soak up the savory broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a crisp counterpoint, making your meal feel balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in fun, colorful bowls to showcase the charming pasta stars. For a playful twist at family dinners, present it alongside a small plate of star-shaped sandwiches or crackers, creating an irresistible star-themed feast that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead dinner or lunch option to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave room in your container for the soup to expand, and remember that pasta tends to soften a bit after freezing, so it’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta if you want texture to stay firm. You can cook fresh stelline pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen without pasta, add fresh pasta when warming the soup so it stays perfectly tender. A splash of broth or water helps revive the soup to its best consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other shapes of pasta instead of stelline?
Absolutely! Orzo, alphabet pasta, or even small shells work wonderfully in this soup. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so the pasta stays tender without overcooking.
Is this Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! The tiny star pasta not only charms kids but also creates a fun eating experience. Plus, the mild flavors and tender chicken make it a kid-friendly meal that parents love too.
Can I use leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Just shred or dice the chicken and stir it in toward the end of cooking to heat through.
How can I make this soup more flavorful?
Try adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for brightness and a little kick. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can also be stirred in at the end for a fresh twist.
Is Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it a great option for those avoiding dairy. The flavors rely on fresh ingredients and herbs, so no dairy is needed.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe enough if you want to delight your family or just treat yourself to something soothing and satisfying. It blends simple ingredients into a bowl of warmth, comfort, and a little bit of magic with those whimsical pasta stars. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This comforting Chicken and Stars Soup is a delightful homemade recipe featuring tender chicken, star-shaped pasta, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and ideal for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 3/4 cup star-shaped pasta (stelline)
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Simmer Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, add dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to combine the flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the star-shaped pasta (stelline) and cook for 7–9 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Add Chicken: Add the cooked chicken breast to the pot, simmering for another 2–3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and infused with the soup flavors.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut to save time.
- You can substitute stelline pasta with orzo or alphabet pasta depending on availability.
- Add a splash of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
