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Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 85 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Heat the Oil: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add Broth and Water: Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Season the Soup: Add dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to the pot, stirring well to distribute the herbs and seasoning throughout.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all spices are well incorporated into the broth.
  7. Add Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot, stirring to mix them evenly with the broth and seasonings.
  8. 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.
  9. Add Chicken: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken to heat it through and infuse flavor into the soup.
  10. 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.
  11. Add Bay Leaf: Place the bay leaf into the pot and simmer for an additional 2 minutes to impart subtle depth of flavor.
  12. Remove Bay Leaf: Remove and discard the bay leaf carefully to avoid any bitterness in the final soup.
  13. Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add a pleasant tangy note.
  14. 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.