There’s something downright magical about a big, steaming bowl of Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe, with its tender chicken, tiny star-shaped pasta, and beautifully seasoned, golden broth. This is true comfort food in every spoonful, perfect for soothing sniffles, feeding a hungry crowd, or just warming up a chilly day. The playful pasta adds a nostalgic charm, making it as much a hit with kids as it is with adults—no wonder it’s a family favorite. With simple, wholesome ingredients and a quick stovetop method, you’ll find this Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe is as easy to make as it is heartwarming to eat.

Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe comes from simple, fresh ingredients working together to create flavor, warmth, and color. Every element—from aromatic veggies to a spritz of lemon—plays a starring role. Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect pot of soup:

Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps soften the vegetables right from the start.
Onion: Provides a flavorful base and enhances the savory notes of the broth.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness, a cheerful pop of orange, and extra nutrients.
Celery: Lends crunch and an herby depth you can’t skip in classic chicken soup.
Garlic: Just a little goes a long way to boost flavor and aroma.
Chicken broth: Forms the warming, soul-soothing base; opt for low-sodium for more control over seasoning.
Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken is a great shortcut and keeps things juicy and tender.
Star-shaped pasta (stelline): A whimsical twist that soaks up all the delicious flavors—kids will love it!
Dried parsley: Adds an herby, fresh taste that brightens the soup beautifully.
Dried thyme: Offers earthy, almost floral notes that make the soup aromatic and cozy.
Salt: Adjust to taste for seasoning—the right amount makes all the flavors shine.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle kick to balance out the broth.
Lemon juice (optional): A squeeze at the end lifts all the flavors and adds brightness.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Sprinkled just before serving for lovely color and a hint of freshness.

How to Make Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add your diced onion, carrots, and celery—this trio is known as mirepoix, and it’s what gives so many soups their incredible depth of flavor. Stir them occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and filled your kitchen with their enticing aroma.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for just about a minute. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells extra fragrant—be careful not to let it brown, as you want a mellow, sweet garlic flavor rather than any bitterness.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Next, pour in the chicken broth. This is the heart of the Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe, turning all the sautéed veggies and garlic into a nourishing base. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, letting all the flavors start to mingle and deepen.

Step 4: Add Chicken, Herbs, and Seasonings

Once the broth is bubbling, stir in your cooked shredded chicken, dried parsley, thyme, salt, and black pepper. These seasonings give the soup its soul-warming aroma and flavor. If your chicken is straight from the fridge, this is a good time to let it heat up and become super tender in the broth.

Step 5: Cook the Star Pasta

Sprinkle in the star-shaped pasta, stirring well so it doesn’t stick together as it cooks. Let it simmer according to package directions, usually about 6 to 8 minutes, until each little pasta star is tender and plump, ready to soak up the delicious broth.

Step 6: Brighten with Lemon (Optional)

If you love a tiny burst of fresh flavor, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon just before serving. This small touch really elevates the Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe, balancing out the richness and giving it a gentle zing.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a hint of garden-fresh flavor. Ladle it into bowls and serve it piping hot for the full cozy effect!

How to Serve Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A simple shower of freshly chopped parsley is classic, adding both color and lively herbal notes to each bowl. For some creamy richness, try a dollop of sour cream, or a few shavings of Parmesan for an umami boost. Even a little fresh cracked black pepper on top makes each bowl of Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe extra inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with a hunk of crusty bread or a warm, buttery roll—perfect for dunking and soaking up every drop of broth. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette balances out the cozy warmth of the soup. For the ultimate comfort meal, offer a grilled cheese sandwich or cheesy toast on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Make the Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe even more fun by serving it in colorful mugs for an easy, grab-and-go lunch—or fancy it up for dinner parties by using elegant soup bowls and topping with a twist of lemon peel or edible flowers. Serving mini portions in little cups makes a charming starter at gatherings, and kids love taking their bowls outside for a cozy picnic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You’ll notice the star pasta happily soaks up much of the broth as it sits, so consider adding a splash more stock when you’re ready to reheat.

Freezing

Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe freezes well, but for best texture, freeze the soup without the pasta, as the stars can get overly soft. Freeze the broth and chicken with veggies in airtight containers for up to 3 months, then cook fresh pasta when you reheat and serve.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If the pasta has absorbed most of the broth, stir in a little extra chicken stock to restore its soul-warming, slurp-worthy texture. A quick reheat in the microwave works, too—just make sure to cover the bowl so the soup heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While stars are classic and nostalgic, any small pasta shape like orzo, tiny shells, or ditalini works beautifully in this Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe. Just adjust cooking times as needed for the pasta you choose.

Is this soup gluten-free?

The traditional recipe isn’t gluten-free due to the wheat-based pasta, but you can easily swap in gluten-free star-shaped or small pasta to make the Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe perfect for gluten-free diets.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, the Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe adapts well to a slow cooker! Sauté your veggies first for best flavor, then add everything except the pasta to the slow cooker. Stir in the pasta 15 minutes before serving so it stays tender, not mushy.

How can I make the soup creamier?

Stirring in a half cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking makes the Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe luxuriously creamy and rich. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or your favorite plant-based cream.

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

You can! Simply dice raw chicken and add it after the broth comes to a simmer, letting it poach gently until fully cooked. Shred or chop it before adding the pasta for the perfect texture in your Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cozy, nourishing dish that’s as fun to eat as it is easy to prepare, give this Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe a try. It’s the ultimate comfort food for all ages and guaranteed to put smiles around your table—one star at a time!

Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

A comforting and delicious Chicken and Stars Soup recipe that is perfect for a cozy night in or when you need a warm bowl of homemade goodness. This soup is packed with shredded chicken, star-shaped pasta, and aromatic vegetables in a flavorful chicken broth.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup star-shaped pasta (stelline)
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
juice of ½ lemon (optional)
fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Add Aromatics: Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook Soup: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add shredded chicken, dried parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in star pasta and cook according to package directions, usually 6 to 8 minutes, until pasta is tender.
Finish and Serve: If desired, stir in lemon juice for brightness. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
For a creamier soup, stir in ½ cup heavy cream at the end of cooking.
The pasta will absorb liquid as it sits, so add more broth when reheating leftovers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American