Is there anything more comforting and nostalgic than a warm bowl of Chicken and Stars Soup? This heartfelt classic features tender chicken, tiny star-shaped pasta, colorful veggies, and herby goodness all swimming together in a savory, golden broth. Whether you’re warding off a chilly day, feeding a little one, or simply craving a taste of childhood, this soup is like a hug in a bowl and always hits the spot.

Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chicken and Stars Soup starts with simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one has its own little job to do, bringing flavor, texture, and vibrant color to the pot. Here’s what you’ll need to make this beloved dish come together beautifully:

Olive oil: For gently sautéing your aromatics and giving the soup a lovely, rich base.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds savory sweetness and depth that anchors the entire soup.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just enough punchy flavor to make everything sing – don’t skip it!
Carrots (3 medium, diced): Brings natural sweetness and bright color to each spoonful.
Celery (2 stalks, diced): Delivers a subtle earthiness and that essential soup crunch.
Chicken broth (6 cups): The heart of the soup – homemade or good-quality store-bought both work wonders.
Cooked, shredded chicken (2 cups): Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover roast chicken for more flavor.
Small star-shaped pasta (1 cup): The cheerful star pasta makes this soup irresistible, especially for kids.
Dried thyme (1 teaspoon): Offers gentle herbal notes that pair beautifully with chicken.
Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): For a mild, fresh flavor and pop of green.
Salt and pepper to taste: Season the soup to your liking for that just-right flavor.
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds homey color and a final burst of freshness to finish each bowl.

How to Make Chicken and Stars Soup

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the mixture is wonderfully soft and fragrant—about five minutes. This aromatic journey is the first layer of cozy flavor your Chicken and Stars Soup will build upon.

Step 2: Add Carrots and Celery

Stir in the diced carrots and celery, and let them cook for three to four minutes more. Watch the vegetables start to soften and fill your kitchen with the savory smell of something special simmering. This step is where the soup starts to look (and smell!) like a classic.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Bring to a Boil

Next comes the soul-soothing base: pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir. Bring the pot up to a gentle boil—this will help the veggies turn tender and let the flavors start getting acquainted.

Step 4: Stir in Herbs and Pasta

Sprinkle in the dried thyme and parsley. Add the little star pasta, stirring well so nothing sticks together. Let the soup bubble gently as the pasta cooks through (about 6 to 8 minutes), absorbing all those delicious flavors and turning perfectly tender.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Finish Soup

Stir the cooked, shredded chicken into the pot, letting it heat through until it’s thoroughly warmed and mingling with the pasta and vegetables. Taste and season with salt and pepper just how you like it. That’s it—your Chicken and Stars Soup is ready for its big debut!

How to Serve Chicken and Stars Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top brightens up each bowl and adds an inviting pop of green. For extra coziness, a few cracks of black pepper or even some grated parmesan can elevate the soup from simple to sensational.

Side Dishes

A bowl of Chicken and Stars Soup pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread or classic saltine crackers for dunking. You can also serve it alongside a vibrant green salad or old-fashioned grilled cheese for a filling, family-friendly meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, ladle the soup into colorful mugs or wide bowls and set out extra star pasta on the side for kids (or kids at heart!) to sprinkle in. Serve with playful soup spoons or add alphabet pasta for a bit of nostalgia and whimsy. Little touches like these make every bowl even more memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Chicken and Stars Soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors get even cozier after a day in the fridge, making the leftovers perfect for an easy lunch or a quick dinner.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the soup cool completely and ladle it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion. If you know you’ll freeze the soup, consider cooking the star pasta separately and adding it when reheating to avoid mushiness. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm your Chicken and Stars Soup gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the pasta has soaked up a lot of broth, add a splash of water or extra chicken broth to bring back that lovely soupy consistency. For quick lunches, reheating in the microwave works wonderfully too.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for Chicken and Stars Soup?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and infuses the soup with even more savory flavor. Just shred or chop it and add as instructed.

Can I substitute the star pasta with another shape?

Yes, if you can’t find star-shaped pasta, tiny shapes like orzo, ditalini, or even alphabet pasta all work delightfully well in Chicken and Stars Soup.

Is Chicken and Stars Soup gluten-free?

This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by swapping the traditional star pasta for a gluten-free alternative found at most grocery stores or online.

How can I make this soup more flavorful?

Use homemade chicken broth if you have it, sauté the veggies well before adding the other ingredients, and adjust your herbs and seasonings to taste. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can also brighten the flavors!

Can I make Chicken and Stars Soup in advance?

Yes, this soup is an excellent make-ahead meal. For best results, store the pasta and broth separately if you plan to prepare it more than a day in advance, then combine and reheat before serving for the ideal texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of a better way to bring warmth and nostalgia to your table than with a homemade pot of Chicken and Stars Soup. It’s simple, satisfying, and the perfect pick-me-up for any season. Grab your spoon, share with someone you love, and let this classic comfort soup work its magic!

Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and easy-to-make Chicken and Stars Soup that’s perfect for chilly days. This soup is loaded with shredded chicken, vegetables, and star-shaped pasta in a flavorful broth.

Ingredients

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Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup small star-shaped pasta
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add carrots and celery: Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth: Bring to a boil. Stir in dried thyme and parsley.
Add pasta: Cook until al dente, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in chicken: Heat through. Season with salt and pepper.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.