Description
Chicken and Stars Soup is a comforting and hearty American classic that’s perfect for any day you want a warm, nourishing meal. Made with tender shredded chicken, star-shaped pasta, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs, this soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop and perfect for the whole family. It’s a kid-friendly recipe that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Protein & Pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 3/4 cup uncooked stelline or star pasta
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Combine Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then add the dried thyme, dried parsley, and uncooked star pasta to the pot.
- Simmer Pasta: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the star pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Add Chicken and Heat Through: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm throughout.
- Season and Finish: Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
- Substitute gluten-free small pasta to make this soup gluten-free.
- If preparing ahead, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving to keep it from becoming too soft.
- For added flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
