Chicken and Stars Soup is the ultimate comfort in a bowl—a nostalgic, gently flavorful soup packed with tender chicken, sweet vegetables, and those charming little star-shaped pastas that never fail to make you smile. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, craving a hug in food form, or making dinner for the pickiest eaters, this soup hits just the right note of wholesome and fun. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, cozy enough for a rainy day, and familiar enough to become a family classic. Let’s bring this beloved favorite to your kitchen!

Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken and Stars Soup lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient here is chosen for the part it plays: from adding depth and natural sweetness to giving that iconic soup its irresistible texture and vibrant color.

Olive oil: Gives a smooth base for sautéing and adds a gentle richness.
Onion (1 small, diced): Brings sweetness and aromatic depth as it cooks down.
Carrots (2 medium, peeled and sliced): Infuses a pop of color and mild sweetness in every bite.
Celery (2 stalks, sliced): Adds an earthy note and classic soup texture.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Lends a subtle savory kick that rounds out the flavors.
Low-sodium chicken broth (6 cups): The flavorful liquid backbone of the soup—pick low-sodium so you can control the saltiness.
Cooked chicken breast (1 cup, shredded): Tender, protein-packed bites that make the soup hearty and satisfying.
Stelline or star pasta (3/4 cup uncooked): The whimsical, signature shape that makes Chicken and Stars Soup so special.
Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): A little goes a long way—adds gentle, classic savory notes.
Dried parsley (1/2 teaspoon): Brightens up the soup and adds herbal freshness.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon, optional): A splash at the end adds perky brightness and balances rich flavors.
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Just a sprinkle lifts the whole bowl visually and flavor-wise.

How to Make Chicken and Stars Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion, carrots, and celery—this is the aromatic trio that sets the stage for the whole soup. Let them soften and get lightly golden for about 5 minutes, giving everything an occasional stir to unlock those sweet, homey vegetable flavors.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Stir in your minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds, until fragrant. Garlic burns easily, so don’t wander away! This short burst of heat brings out all the punchy aroma you want, without turning bitter.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Grab your low-sodium chicken broth and pour it right in, stirring well to loosen up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot. Increase the heat to bring everything up to a gentle boil—the broth will soon become the soul-soothing base of your Chicken and Stars Soup.

Step 4: Season and Simmer with the Stars

Once your broth is bubbling, add the dried thyme, parsley, and uncooked star pasta. Reduce the heat so it simmers gently. Give it about 8 minutes; the pasta will plump up perfectly, transforming your pot from basic to magical (those star shapes really do spark joy!).

Step 5: Warm the Chicken

Stir in your shredded, cooked chicken and let it warm through for another 2 to 3 minutes. This infuses the soup with meaty goodness while keeping the chicken tender. If you’re using rotisserie or leftover chicken, this is its time to shine.

Step 6: Taste and Finish

Season with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and stir in that splash of lemon juice if you like a little zip—it brightens up every spoonful. Just before serving, toss in some fresh parsley if you have it for extra color and a burst of herbal freshness.

How to Serve Chicken and Stars Soup

Garnishes

A handful of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of cracked black pepper looks gorgeous and adds extra pop. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, try a little finely grated lemon zest or a drizzle of good olive oil. Classic saltines or oyster crackers on the side never hurt, either!

Side Dishes

Keep things simple to let your Chicken and Stars Soup shine. Warm slices of crusty bread, a grilled cheese sandwich, or even a simple green salad all make perfect companions. For kids (or just the young at heart), serve with a grilled cheese cut into fun shapes for maximum smiles.

Creative Ways to Present

Pour your soup into wide, shallow bowls so those stars are impossible to miss. Fancy a family-style moment? Try a big soup tureen at the table for everyone to serve themselves. You can also use colorful mugs for a cozy, handheld dinner—perfect for curling up on the couch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the Chicken and Stars Soup to cool to room temperature, then ladle it into airtight containers. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The starch in the pasta will thicken the broth slightly over time, but the flavor stays comforting and delicious.

Freezing

To freeze, it’s best to cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating, as the stars can become mushy after freezing. Store the soup base and cooked pasta in separate containers. Both will freeze well for up to 2 months; just thaw them in the fridge overnight before warming.

Reheating

Reheat your Chicken and Stars Soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems a bit thick. Microwave in short bursts if you’re in a hurry, stirring between each interval to keep the heat even and the pasta from sticking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Soup

Absolutely! Any very small pasta will work—think orzo, acini di pepe, or tiny alphabet shapes for some nostalgic flair. Just adjust cooking time as needed so they stay tender but not mushy.

How can I make Chicken and Stars Soup gluten-free?

Substitute your favorite gluten-free small pasta and ensure your broth is also gluten-free. Cook the pasta separately to ensure the best texture, then add just before serving.

Is rotisserie chicken okay to use?

Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just shred and remove any skin for the ideal texture. It’s a fantastic way to turn leftovers into something fresh and cozy.

Can I add more veggies?

Of course. Diced zucchini, frozen peas, spinach, or corn all fit right in. Just add them near the end of cooking so they stay vibrant and don’t overcook.

Why is my pasta soggy?

Pasta continues to soak up broth as the soup sits. For the best texture, cook the pasta just until tender and, if making ahead, store it separately from the soup base to avoid over-softening.

Final Thoughts

There’s something utterly timeless about Chicken and Stars Soup—it’s cozy, playful, and so easy to make from scratch. I hope you’ll bring this classic to your table and let it fill your kitchen with warmth (and a little bit of magic!). Give it a try and share it with someone you love!

Chicken and Stars Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and wholesome Chicken and Stars Soup recipe that is perfect for chilly days or when you need a soothing bowl of soup. This easy-to-make soup is hearty, flavorful, and a favorite among both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
3/4 cup uncooked stelline or star pasta
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil. Add thyme, parsley, and star pasta. Simmer for 8 minutes until pasta is tender.
Finish Soup: Stir in shredded chicken, simmer for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
If making ahead, cook pasta separately and add before serving to maintain texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American