If you’re craving a cozy, heartwarming bowl that feels like a hug in a spoon, then this Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender chicken, delicate mini star-shaped pasta, and fresh herbs, this soup is simple yet utterly satisfying – perfect for chilly days or anytime you want a comforting meal that’s easy to whip up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Comfort: Every spoonful delivers warmth through simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that nourish both body and soul.
- Fun Mini Pasta: Those tiny star-shaped pastas make eating this soup a joy, especially for kids or the young at heart.
- Brightened with Lemon & Herbs: The fresh lemon juice and parsley add a lively, fresh burst that keeps the flavors vibrant.
- Flexible & Easy: This Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe adapts well to the ingredients you have on hand, making it great for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe truly lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each one brings something special—onions and carrots add sweetness and depth, the parmesan rind gives a subtle umami boost, and of course, those adorable stelline pastas create playful texture and charm.
- Unsalted butter: Melts smoothly to create the perfect base for sautéing your vegetables without overpowering their natural flavors.
- Sweet onion, carrots, and celery: Classic mirepoix veggies that build your broth’s flavor and add lovely color and texture.
- Garlic cloves: Give that savory aromatic kick that makes the soup instantly comforting.
- Poultry seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices that complements the chicken beautifully without needing extra fuss.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: Adds hearty protein to make this soup a filling meal.
- Chicken stock: The rich, savory liquid foundation; homemade or store-bought both work well!
- Parmesan cheese rind: Throws in subtle depth and savory notes that elevate the whole pot of soup.
- Uncooked stelline pasta: These mini star-shaped pastas are not just cute, but perfect for scooping up delicious broth.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds just the right amount of brightness to balance the richness.
- Fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous finish and lovely green color.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
One of the best things about this Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe is how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Whether you want to cater to dietary needs, add more veggies, or change up the protein, it’s ready for your creativity!
- Vegetable Boost: Add diced zucchini, peas, or spinach towards the end for extra color and nutrition.
- Protein Swap: Use turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even tofu for a different twist without losing that homey feel.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute stelline pasta with gluten-free stars or small rice noodles to suit gluten sensitivities.
- Herb Variations: Swap parsley for fresh thyme, basil, or dill for a different fragrance each time you make it.
How to Make Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting the butter in a large stock pot over medium-low heat. Toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Allow them to soften slowly, stirring occasionally to coax out their natural sweetness—that aroma alone will have you hooked!
Step 2: Add Garlic, Seasoning, and Chicken
Once the veggies are tender, stir in the minced garlic and poultry seasoning to infuse the pot with savory warmth. Then fold in the shredded chicken, letting it mingle with the fragrant base of the soup.
Step 3: Simmer with Stock and Parmesan Rind
Pour in 7 cups of chicken stock and add the parmesan rind to deepen the flavor. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently—this slow simmer is key to building that luscious, layered broth.
Step 4: Cook the Stelline Pasta
Stir in the uncooked stelline pasta and cook uncovered, stirring now and then, until the pasta is perfectly al dente—about 8 minutes. This step brings in the starry charm that makes this soup shine.
Step 5: Brighten with Lemon and Fresh Herbs
Finish your soup by stirring in freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. If the parmesan rind hasn’t completely melted, fish it out now. Feel free to add more chicken stock if you prefer a brothier soup—the pasta will happily absorb extra liquid as it sits.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe piping hot with a wedge of lemon for spritzing, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top, and a little extra parsley for that pop of color. It’s simple, homely, and utterly delicious!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe
- Sauté Low and Slow: Cooking the vegetables gently over medium-low heat caramelizes their natural sugars, adding sweetness and depth to your broth.
- Parmesan Rind Power: Don’t skip the parmesan rind—it’s a secret ingredient that adds luxurious umami effortlessly.
- Add Pasta Last: To prevent mushy noodles, add the stelline pasta near the end so it’s perfectly al dente and delightful in every bite.
- Prepare Pasta Separately for Leftovers: If making ahead, cook pasta separately—this stops it from soaking up all the broth and keeps the soup fresh and delicious.
How to Serve Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Add fresh sprigs of parsley and a small mound of grated parmesan cheese on top to make your bowl look as good as it tastes. A quick spritz of lemon juice right before eating brightens each soothing spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm garlic rolls. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side complement the rich broth perfectly, rounding out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of extra herbs on top for a charming, homemade feel. For a playful touch, use star-shaped bowls or ladle the soup into clear mugs to show off those adorable pasta stars sparkling in the broth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the pasta from getting gummy, it’s best to keep it separate if possible and combine just before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well without the pasta. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture in portions, then cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to enjoy it again for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to preserve textures and flavors. If reheating frozen soup, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming. Add any cooked pasta or fresh herbs just before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade chicken stock in this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade chicken stock will add incredible depth and richness to the soup, making it even more flavorful and nourishing.
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What can I substitute for stelline pasta if I can’t find it?
If stelline pasta isn’t available, small pasta shapes like orzo, small elbows, or even tiny shells work wonderfully as a replacement without changing the soul of the soup.
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Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken and stock for vegetable broth and add hearty veggies or beans to keep it filling and flavorful.
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How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in leftovers?
The best method is to cook pasta separately and add it to each serving. This way, your soup stays fresh, and the pasta retains its perfect bite.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe enough when you need a reliable, delicious meal that feels like home. It’s simple, comforting, and just the right kind of special that will have you coming back for more. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why this recipe holds such a warm spot in my kitchen!
PrintChicken and Stars Soup Recipe
This comforting Chicken and Stars Soup features tender shredded chicken, savory vegetables, and delicate mini star-shaped pasta simmered in a flavorful chicken broth enhanced with parmesan rind and fresh herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s brightened with lemon juice and topped with parmesan cheese and parsley for a satisfying bowl of homemade goodness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery sticks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste (at least 1/2 teaspoon each)
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 7 to 8 cups chicken stock
- 1 parmesan cheese rind
- 1 cup uncooked stelline pasta (mini pasta stars)
Finishing Touches
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for topping)
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for topping
- Lemon wedges, for spritzing
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the butter in a large stock pot over medium-low heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and a big pinch of salt and pepper (at least ½ teaspoon each). Cook the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they are softened but not browned.
- Add Aromatics and Chicken: Stir in the minced garlic and poultry seasoning, cooking briefly to release their flavors. Then, add the shredded chicken and mix to combine well with the vegetables.
- Simmer Soup Base: Pour in 7 cups of chicken stock and add the parmesan rind to the pot. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer to develop the flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the uncooked stelline pasta stars. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes. Adjust cooking time as needed for your pasta.
- Finish and Season: Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley to the soup. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Remove the parmesan rind if it hasn’t melted completely. Optionally, add the additional cup of chicken stock depending on desired brothiness.
- Serve: Serve the soup immediately, garnished with additional parsley, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and a lemon wedge for spritzing.
Notes
- For meal prep or leftovers, cook the pasta separately as it will absorb most of the broth if stored together overnight. Combine and reheat before serving.
- Adjust broth quantity to your preference—add extra stock for a more brothy soup or less for a heartier texture.
- Use fresh parsley and freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor finish.
