Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe

Chicken and Stars Soup is the ultimate nostalgic hug-in-a-bowl, perfect for busy weeknights, chilly afternoons, or anytime you crave a little taste of childhood comfort. With its tender shredded chicken, cozy medley of vegetables, and whimsical star-shaped pasta floating in a rich, savory broth, this recipe brings smiles to faces of all ages. Whether you’re soothing sniffles, fueling little ones, or simply seeking a quick, heartwarming meal, Chicken and Stars Soup is pure, spoonful-after-spoonful joy.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Chicken and Stars Soup works together to create a broth that’s soulful, gently seasoned, and bursting with the kind of flavor that feels homemade (even on your busiest day). Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few handy tips to make each component shine:

• Olive oil: Gives a subtle richness and helps soften the vegetables for an aromatic base.
• Yellow onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the soup’s foundation.
• Carrots (peeled and sliced): Bring cheerful color and a touch of sweetness, making each bite more vibrant.
• Celery (diced): Contributes a gentle earthy note and classic “chicken soup” flavor.
• Garlic (minced): Just enough to infuse the broth with fragrant warmth.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: The backbone of your soup—choose a good-quality one for the best flavor and less salt control.
• Bay leaf: Adds subtle complexity and a special touch to the aroma (remember to fish it out before serving).
• Dried thyme: Delivers earthy depth and a classic herby note—don’t skip!
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and letting the ingredients shine.
• Stelline (star-shaped pasta): The fun centerpiece of Chicken and Stars Soup—if you can’t find it, tiny pasta shapes like orzo or alphabet work too.
• Cooked shredded chicken: Juicy and tender, rotisserie or poached chicken both work beautifully here.
• Fresh parsley (optional): A pop of green for freshness and a fuss-free, pretty finish if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Make Chicken and Stars Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these together for about 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent—the aroma at this stage is all kinds of comforting!

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Drop in the minced garlic and give everything a good stir, letting it cook for another 30 seconds. This quick step will awaken your senses as the garlic becomes fragrant and mingles with the veggies—building a deeper flavor for your Chicken and Stars Soup.

Step 3: Create the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give it a generous stir and raise the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. The broth will begin to take on golden color and irresistible scents.

Step 4: Simmer and Add the Stars

Once the soup is boiling, add the star-shaped pasta. Cook uncovered for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. The little stars will swell and become perfectly tender, floating merrily among the vegetables.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Finish

Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken. Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the chicken is nice and hot. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the soup, then adjust the salt and pepper as needed. If you love a hint of freshness, sprinkle in some chopped parsley right before serving.

How to Serve Chicken and Stars Soup

Garnishes

This soup needs little to shine, but a final flourish of fresh parsley or a light sprinkle of cracked pepper can give Chicken and Stars Soup a lovely, inviting look. Kids adore a handful of extra stars (or even fun-shaped crackers) on top!

Side Dishes

Pair your bowl with warm buttered bread, garlicky toast, or a crisp green salad for a simple, satisfying meal. For littles, try a grilled cheese or cheesy quesadilla fingers; adults might enjoy a hunk of sourdough dunked right into the broth.

Creative Ways to Present

Make Chicken and Stars Soup memorable by serving it in colorful bowls or mugs, tucking in a little spoon for each guest. For a fun party touch, offer the pasta, chicken, and veggies separately, then let everyone mix and match their perfect bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any remaining Chicken and Stars Soup before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days—just note the pasta may absorb more liquid, making the soup thicker as it sits.

Freezing

For best texture, freeze portions before adding the star pasta, since pasta can get mushy when thawed. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat and add fresh-cooked pasta before serving. If you do freeze the soup fully assembled, it’s still delicious, just a bit softer!

Reheating

Reheat Chicken and Stars Soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You may want to thin it with a splash of extra broth or water if it’s thickened up in storage.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken instead of cooked?

Yes! Simply dice uncooked chicken breast and add it after the broth comes to a boil. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until fully cooked, then proceed with the pasta as directed.

What if I can’t find star-shaped pasta?

No worries—tiny shapes like orzo, acini di pepe, or even broken angel hair are great substitutes for that whimsical effect in your Chicken and Stars Soup.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Swap in your favorite small gluten-free pasta and double check your chicken broth label to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.

Can I make Chicken and Stars Soup in advance?

Absolutely—just keep the cooked pasta separate until you’re ready to serve, then combine and reheat. This prevents the stars from soaking up all the broth as they sit.

What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?

If you’re short on time, use rotisserie chicken and pull it apart with two forks, or even your hands. Warm chicken shreds more easily and blends beautifully into the soup.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re pouring out comfort for someone you love or simply treating yourself to a bowlful of nostalgia, Chicken and Stars Soup is genuine coziness made easy. Give it a whirl—you’ll find out just how special (and simple!) homemade comfort food can be.

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