Name: Chicken and Stars Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cups diced carrots (fresh or frozen); 6 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth; 1 quart plus 1 14.5-ounce can); 2 cups star pasta (look for stelline or pastina at your store, or use orzo); 1 cup shredded fully cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is great here); ½ teaspoon salt; Parmesan cheese (optional); minced fresh parsley (optional); fresh lemon juice (optional)

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When the winter chill settles in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Chicken and Stars Soup. This soup takes me back to my childhood, where my grandmother would make it lovingly on cold afternoons. I still remember the aroma wafting through the house, inviting me to the kitchen where I could barely wait to scoop up a steaming bowl. What I love most is how the tiny star-shaped pasta dances around in the broth, each spoonful bringing back beautiful memories and warmth.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
220 kcal

Protein:
15 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
8 g

Tools Used:
Calphalon 5-Quart Pot

What You’ll Enjoy About This Chicken and Stars Soup

1. A Heartwarming Tradition

For many, Chicken and Stars Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a tradition. It’s the kind of dish that brings families together on chilly evenings, reminding us of shared stories and laughter around the table.

2. Comfort Food at Its Best

This soup encapsulates everything that comfort food should be. The tender pieces of chicken, combined with the gentle crunch of carrots and the delightful star pasta, create a symphony of flavors that can soothe the soul.

3. Quick and Easy Preparation

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making Chicken and Stars Soup is a breeze! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be approachable and quick.

4. Healthier Alternatives

Using reduced-sodium vegetable broth allows you to control the salt content without sacrificing flavor. It’s a simple way to make this dish lighter and healthier while still being delicious.

5. Versatility

This recipe is a canvas. You can add your favorite vegetables or even swap in different shapes of pasta. It easily adapts to your family’s preferences, making it a go-to for any occasion!

6. Great for Leftovers

One of the best aspects of Chicken and Stars Soup is that it tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a perfect meal prep option.

Ingredients Required for Chicken and Stars Soup

The ingredients for Chicken and Stars Soup are simple yet effective, creating a warm and comforting dish. Each element plays a crucial role in ensuring a delicious, hearty soup that warms you from the inside out.

1 tablespoon olive oil: This adds a rich flavor and helps to sauté the carrots for extra sweetness.
2 cups diced carrots: Fresh or frozen, these add natural sweetness and color to the soup.
6 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth: A great base that keeps the soup light yet flavorful.
2 cups star pasta: Look for stelline or pastina; these tiny shapes make the soup fun and appealing.
1 cup shredded fully cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is perfect here; it adds protein and heartiness.
½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
Optional: Parmesan cheese, minced fresh parsley, and fresh lemon juice: These add a fresh finishing touch to the dish.

How to Cook Chicken and Stars Soup

Cooking Chicken and Stars Soup is a delightful experience, filled with comforting aromas and warm flavors. Let’s walk through the steps together.

Begin by heating a medium pot over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the olive oil and let it heat for a minute.
Add the diced carrots into the pot. Stir them gently to coat in the warm oil. Cover the pot and let them cook for about 4 minutes, allowing the carrots to soften slightly.
Next, pour in the reduced-sodium vegetable broth and increase the heat to high. It’s time to bring the soup to a boil. Watch for those first bubbles!
As soon as it reaches a boil, reduce the heat back to medium. This is where we let the soup simmer gently.
Now, add the star pasta. Cook according to your package instructions, usually about 5 to 6 minutes, until they are tender yet still hold their shape. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is just right, stir in the shredded fully cooked chicken. This is the moment when the soup starts to come together beautifully.
Season with salt to taste. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients well.
When serving, consider garnishing with Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
Enjoy your cozy bowl of Chicken and Stars Soup that’s sure to warm you from the inside out!

Things Worth Knowing

Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels without sacrificing flavor.
Keep an eye on the pasta; it can overcook quickly in the broth.
Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking at the bottom of the pot.
If the soup thickens too much, add additional broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Ways to Customize

There are so many ways to put your personal touch on Chicken and Stars Soup. Here are some tips to make this recipe your own!

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Warm to serve, adding more broth or water as needed.
Freezing: You can freeze this soup; however, the pasta may absorb liquid upon thawing. Add broth to restore consistency.
Pairing: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping.
Veggie Boost: Add other vegetables like peas or green beans for extra nutrition.
Spice It Up: For a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Herbal Flavor: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavors further.

Serve This Chicken and Stars Soup With

Crusty Bread: A slice of freshly baked bread is perfect for dipping.
Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the heartiness of the soup.
Occasions: This comforting soup is perfect for lunch, dinner, or cozy nights in.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in the fridge for a few days or freeze for later enjoyment.
Seasonal Pairing: Enjoy this dish during the winter months when it’s most satisfying and warming.

FAQ

The warmth and nostalgia of Chicken and Stars Soup come together beautifully. With each spoonful, you’re met with tender chicken, vibrant carrots, and fun star-shaped pasta. This combination not only provides a satisfying texture but also evokes memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings at home. It’s truly a dish that wraps you in comfort with every bite.

Absolutely! Chicken and Stars Soup is a great meal prep option. You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just remember that the pasta may absorb some of the liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a bit more broth when reheating to restore its original consistency. This makes it a convenient choice for busy weeknights!

Yes, Chicken and Stars Soup can be a healthy meal option, especially since it includes nutrient-rich ingredients like carrots and chicken. Using reduced-sodium vegetable broth helps keep the sodium content in check. The soup is also packed with protein, making it a filling choice. Just be mindful of the added cheese and seasonings, as they can alter the nutritional profile.

The beauty of Chicken and Stars Soup lies in its versatility. You can add different vegetables like peas or corn, or even swap the star pasta for another shape if that’s what you have on hand. Herbs and spices can also be experimented with to change the flavor profile. This adaptability makes it easy to cater to your personal taste or dietary needs!

Conclusion

Chicken and Stars Soup is not just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly day. The blend of flavors and textures creates a delightful experience that’s hard to resist. I encourage you to give it a try soon; it may just become a beloved staple in your home, evoking cherished memories with every bowl served.