If you are craving something heartwarming, nourishing, and irresistibly charming, this Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender chicken, brightly colored vegetables, and tiny pasta stars swimming in a fragrant, savory broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. This soup combines simple, wholesome ingredients with a touch of lemony brightness and fresh herbs, making it perfect for a chilly day or anytime you want to indulge in comfort food that feels both familiar and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe brings its own magic, crafting flavors that are layered but never overwhelming. These basics are the backbone, adding texture, aroma, and that classic cozy vibe we all crave in a chicken soup.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle richness and helps sauté the aromatics to release their full flavor.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened to translucent perfection.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with a warm, inviting aroma and gentle bite.
- Chicken broth: Forms the savory, comforting base of the soup, full of hearty goodness.
- Water: Balances the broth concentration and helps cook the ingredients just right.
- Dried thyme and parsley: Bring earthy, herby notes that elevate the soup’s flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything into harmony.
- Carrots and celery: Offer crunch, color, and sweetness that brighten the soup.
- Cooked chicken: Tender shredded pieces that add protein and make this soup truly hearty.
- Small pasta stars: Fun, bite-sized pasta that soak up the broth and contribute delightful texture.
- Bay leaf: Adds subtle complexity and a slightly floral undertone.
- Lemon juice: A splash of brightness that lifts all the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: A final fresh herb garnish that adds color and a burst of freshness.
How to Make Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add diced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent—this releases its natural sweetness that forms the base of your soup.
Step 2: Add garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring you keep it moving to prevent any bitter burnt bits while coaxing out its fragrant aroma.
Step 3: Combine liquids and spices
Pour in chicken broth and water, then sprinkle in the dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well so that those spices can meld together with the broth and aromatics, crafting a balanced, inviting flavor.
Step 4: Simmer vegetables
Add sliced carrots and celery and bring the soup to a boil before lowering the heat to simmer. Let it cook gently for about 10 minutes so the vegetables become tender yet retain a slight bite that adds great texture.
Step 5: Add chicken and pasta stars
Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, followed by the tiny pasta stars. These little shapes soak up the broth as they cook, turning the soup into a satisfying meal packed with cheerful pasta bites.
Step 6: Infuse with bay leaf and finish cooking
Drop the bay leaf into the pot and let the soup simmer for another couple of minutes to deepen the flavor. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving—its subtle floral notes truly round out the dish.
Step 7: Brighten with lemon juice and garnish
Finally, stir in fresh lemon juice for a lovely hint of brightness that keeps the flavors lively, then sprinkle chopped parsley on top for freshness and a pop of color. Your Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe is now ready to warm your soul!
How to Serve Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley at the end not only gives your soup a beautiful vibrant green touch but also brings a slight herbal freshness that contrasts perfectly with the savory broth. A dash of freshly ground black pepper or a small drizzle of good olive oil can also elevate each bowl.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside crusty bread or buttery crackers for dipping—that satisfying crunch complements the tender soup perfectly. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can round out the meal if you want a fuller spread without competing with the comforting flavors of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or decorative soup mugs, which add a cozy and charming touch. You could also sprinkle some grated Parmesan or a few chili flakes on top if you want to experiment with extra flavor layers or add a bit of heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent the pasta from absorbing all the liquid before reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but it’s best to undercook the pasta slightly before freezing so it doesn’t become mushy when thawed. Store the soup in freezer-safe containers and consume within 2-3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if the pasta has absorbed some of the liquid. Avoid microwave reheating if possible for more even warming.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried for this soup?
Absolutely! Fresh thyme and parsley can be used, though they should be added towards the end of cooking to preserve their delicate flavors. Dried herbs provide more intense flavors if added earlier.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Cooked shredded chicken from rotisserie, boiled breasts, or leftover roast chicken all work wonderfully. The key is tender, cooked chicken that easily shreds to mix seamlessly.
Can I substitute the star pasta with another shape?
Yes! Any small pasta like orzo, small shells, or ditalini can replace stars. Just keep portions modest to maintain the cozy texture balance.
Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken, adding hearty beans or tofu for protein instead.
Why does the soup call for both chicken broth and water?
This combination helps keep the broth flavorful without it becoming too intense or salty, and balances cooking the vegetables and pasta so the soup remains light yet comforting.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe is like crafting a warm, delicious hug on a chilly day. It’s simple, satisfying, and utterly comforting, perfect for sharing with family or savoring on your own. Give it a try—you’ll quickly understand why it’s one of those beloved recipes folks keep coming back to.
Print
Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender shredded chicken, small star-shaped pasta, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a flavorful herb-infused chicken broth, this soup delivers warmth and nourishment in every spoonful. Brightened with a touch of lemon juice and fresh parsley, it’s both satisfying and fresh-tasting, ideal for a family meal or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
Protein and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup small pasta stars
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion and cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion becomes soft and translucent, enhancing the soup’s flavor base.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning and to release the garlic’s aroma.
- Add Broth and Water: Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season the Soup: Add dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to the pot, stirring well to distribute the herbs and seasoning throughout.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all spices are well incorporated into the broth.
- Add Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot, stirring to mix them evenly with the broth and seasonings.
- Simmer Vegetables: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape.
- Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken to heat it through and infuse flavor into the soup.
- Add Pasta: Mix in the small pasta stars and continue simmering the soup for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is cooked and tender.
- Add Bay Leaf: Place the bay leaf into the pot and simmer for an additional 2 minutes to impart subtle depth of flavor.
- Remove Bay Leaf: Remove and discard the bay leaf carefully to avoid any bitterness in the final soup.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add a pleasant tangy note.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the soup for a burst of color and fresh herbal flavor before serving hot.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from leftovers or a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust pasta cooking time based on the pasta type if not using star-shaped pasta.
- Vegetarian option: substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken.
- For a thicker soup, add an extra half cup of pasta or simmer a bit longer to reduce broth.
- Lemon juice can be adjusted or omitted according to taste preference.
