Name: Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup uncooked star-shaped pasta (stelline); 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great); juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness); fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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If there’s one thing that brings a smile to both kids and adults alike, it’s a big bowl of the classic Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe. With its whimsical star-shaped pasta, tender bits of chicken, and veggies gently simmered to perfection, this soup is more than a meal—it’s a bowlful of comfort and nostalgia. Whether you’re feeding a picky eater, craving something simple after a long day, or just want to warm your soul, this easy homemade Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe delivers big on flavor, fun, and coziness, all in under 30 minutes.

Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe is that you only need a handful of wholesome ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. Each one plays an important role in creating that perfect balance of savory, fresh, and satisfying flavors while keeping the soup light and kid-friendly.

Olive oil: The foundation for a flavorful sauté, giving your veggies and broth a rich undertone.
Onion: Adds aroma and sweetness that ties the flavors together beautifully.
Carrots: Offer a pop of color, gentle sweetness, and a subtle crunch.
Celery: Gives the soup depth and that unmistakable savory note.
Garlic: Brings warmth and a gentle punch of flavor—don’t skip it!
Low-sodium chicken broth: The heart of any chicken soup; using low-sodium keeps it from being too salty.
Dried thyme: A must for classic herb flavor that instantly says “comfort.”
Dried parsley: Adds a hint of earthiness and color to the broth.
Salt: Enhances every other ingredient—adjust to your taste.
Black pepper: For that tiny bit of heat and depth.
Star-shaped pasta (stelline): The shining star—literally!—giving this soup its playful charm.
Cooked shredded chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds maximum tenderness.
Lemon juice (optional): Just a squeeze brings a hint of brightness and lifts the flavors.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds fresh color and a touch of herbal aroma right before serving.

How to Make Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your finely diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about five minutes—they should soften just a bit and become beautifully fragrant, creating the base for all those cozy vibes ahead.

Step 2: Add Garlic for Flavor

Once the veggies are starting to get tender, stir in your minced garlic. Let it cook for only about 30 seconds. This is when the kitchen will smell absolutely wonderful—garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it and stir constantly!

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in all your chicken broth and sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, turn up the heat, and let the whole pot come to a gentle boil. The herbs will infuse the broth with tons of homey, savory flavor.

Step 4: Simmer with the Stars

Once your soup is bubbling, toss in the uncooked star-shaped pasta. Lower the heat so things stay at a gentle simmer. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy—the stars should hold their shape!

Step 5: Add Chicken and Brighten

Stir in all that succulent shredded chicken and let it heat through for a couple of minutes so every bite is perfectly warm. If you love a bit of zest, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon—it really brings a fresh finish to the Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe. Adjust your seasoning if you’d like.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle your hot soup into bowls and finish each with a generous scattering of chopped fresh parsley. It’s simple, inviting, and absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of green and a leafy aroma. If you want more, a grating of Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of extra black pepper never hurt—each adds another layer of comfort and flavor to this timeless soup.

Side Dishes

This soup is pure nostalgia served as is, but for a heartier meal, pair it with warm, crusty bread, a soft dinner roll, or a classic grilled cheese sandwich. For a lighter touch, try a crisp side salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe in oversized mugs for a snuggly movie-night dinner, or pour it into a thermos for on-the-go lunches and lunchboxes. Make it extra fun for kids by letting them add their own toppings like goldfish crackers or a swirl of Greek yogurt!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it even better the next day!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe! For best results, freeze before adding the star pasta—simply thaw and add fresh cooked pasta later to avoid mushiness. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If the pasta has absorbed a lot of the broth, add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Soup

Absolutely! Orzo, ditalini, or even alphabet pasta make great substitutes for the stars. The magic is in the tiny, tender pasta shapes that give Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe its playful, kid-friendly spirit.

Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap out the stelline for a small gluten-free pasta or gluten-free soup noodles. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy a cozy bowl!

What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?

Leftover cooked chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully, or simmer a couple raw chicken breasts in the broth at the start until cooked through, then shred and stir back in.

How can I make the soup richer in flavor?

If you want an even deeper flavor, sauté the veggies in a mix of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter or add a splash of cream to the finished soup. Using homemade chicken stock is also a wonderful touch.

Can I double this Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe is super easy to scale up. Just double (or triple!) all the ingredients and use a large soup pot—the instructions remain exactly the same.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about a homemade Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe, whether you’re reminiscing about childhood lunches or creating new cozy traditions with your family. So grab your pot, gather those simple ingredients, and let this heartwarming soup work its magic—you’re in for a bowlful of pure comfort and joy!

Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Chicken and Stars Soup, a delicious twist on classic chicken noodle soup. This homemade soup is easy to make and perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup uncooked star-shaped pasta (stelline)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add broth and seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, add thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Cook pasta: Add star-shaped pasta and simmer until tender.
Finish soup: Stir in shredded chicken, heat through. Add lemon juice if desired. Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve.