Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup

Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup is a comforting, nostalgic dish that combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and small star-shaped pasta in a flavorful, warm broth. The chicken is cooked to perfection, then shredded and added to a light, aromatic broth made with herbs, garlic, and onions. The star-shaped pasta adds a playful touch and soaks up the broth, making each spoonful a warm, satisfying bite. It’s a wholesome soup that brings both comfort and warmth, perfect for chilly days.

The first time I made this, I was craving something soothing yet simple, and this soup hit all the right notes! The chicken is tender and flavorful, the broth is light yet rich, and the little star pasta adds a fun element that makes it feel extra cozy. What I love most about Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup is how easily customizable it is—you can add extra veggies like carrots or celery or even adjust the seasoning to your taste. It’s a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner, a family meal, or when you need something warm to lift your spirits!

Perfect for:

Cold weather comfort
Family meals
Sick days
Weeknight dinners
Fans of chicken soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup will quickly become your go-to comfort food:

Heartwarming and Nourishing: This soup is a hug in a bowl, perfect for lifting your spirits.
Quick and Easy: A straightforward recipe that can be made in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean chicken, vegetables, and broth, this soup is nutritious and filling.
Customizable Ingredients: Add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
Perfect for Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge and can be reheated for a quick meal later.
Delicate Pasta Stars: The cute pasta stars add fun and texture to the soup, making it extra special.
Gentle on the Stomach: This soup is light yet satisfying, ideal when you’re feeling under the weather.
Versatile Broth: The broth can be made as rich or as light as you like, depending on your preference.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this comforting, mild-flavored soup.
Satisfies Hunger: A bowl of this soup is sure to fill you up and keep you cozy all evening.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 22g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

For the Soup:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup small pasta stars (or any small pasta)
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Highlights

Shredded Chicken: Tender chicken adds protein and heartiness to the soup.
Pasta Stars: These small, star-shaped noodles are fun and light, perfect for this dish.
Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, providing depth and flavor.
Thyme: This herb adds a warm, earthy flavor to complement the chicken.
Carrots and Celery: Vegetables that bring natural sweetness and texture to the soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Soup Base:

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
Add Garlic and Seasoning: Add the garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Make the Soup:

Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken.
Cook Pasta: Once the broth is simmering, add the pasta stars. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup:

With a Side of Crusty Bread: Enjoy the soup with warm, toasted bread for dipping.
As a Quick Lunch: A perfect option for a filling and comforting midday meal.
For Sick Days: This light and nourishing soup is ideal when you’re feeling under the weather.
With a Fresh Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
As an After-School Snack: Kids will love this simple and tasty soup after a long day at school.
With a Slice of Cheese: Add a slice of your favorite cheese for extra richness.
For a Crowd: Double the recipe to feed a larger group or for leftovers.
With Crackers or Breadsticks: Serve alongside crackers or breadsticks for crunch and texture.
As a Light Dinner: This soup is the perfect option for a light yet satisfying evening meal.
For a Family Dinner: This recipe makes enough for a family meal and is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Additional Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quicker and equally flavorful result.
Add Extra Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding extra veggies like spinach, kale, or peas to the soup.
Use Homemade Broth: If you have time, make homemade chicken broth for a richer, more savory flavor.
Season Gradually: Taste and adjust the seasoning gradually, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as the soup simmers.
Cook Stars Separately: If you plan to store leftovers, cook the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated.
Herb Variations: Try adding a sprig of thyme or rosemary for a fresh herbal twist.
Make It Creamy: Stir in a little cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking for a creamier soup.
Add a Zesty Kick: Spice it up with a small amount of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor, use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs and remove the bones after cooking.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top with fresh parsley, thyme, or dill to brighten the flavor before serving.

Recipe Variations

Add Vegetables: Include peas, corn, or green beans for extra color and flavor.
Creamy Chicken and Stars Soup: Add a splash of cream or milk for a richer, creamier version.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, like rosemary or sage, for a unique twist.
Spicy Chicken Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the salt content.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the pasta stars for gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free alternative.
Add Lemon: For a fresh flavor, squeeze a little lemon juice into the soup just before serving.

Special Equipment

Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For cooking the soup base and combining all ingredients.
Sharp Knife: For chopping vegetables efficiently.
Soup Ladle: To serve the soup easily and evenly.
Strainer: Optional for straining out any excess vegetables or bones from homemade broth.
Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan cheese if using as a garnish.

FAQ Section

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just leave out the pasta, and add it when reheating.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Absolutely! Any small pasta shape will work, like elbows or orzo.
Can I make the soup spicier?
Yes, you can add chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to add heat.
How long does this soup last in the fridge?
The soup will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge, stored in an airtight container.
Can I add potatoes?
Yes, diced potatoes can be added for extra heartiness. Just cook them along with the carrots and celery.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Add the pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent it from overcooking in the broth.
Can I skip the bay leaf?
Yes, the soup will still be delicious without it, but it does add an extra layer of flavor.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, use vegetable broth and replace the chicken with beans or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just increase the ingredients proportionally and make sure you have a large enough pot.

Conclusion

Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something warm and nourishing. This hearty soup combines tender chunks of chicken with tiny star-shaped pasta, all simmered in a flavorful, savory broth made with aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. The broth is light yet rich, allowing the flavors of the chicken and vegetables to shine through, while the pasta adds a delightful texture to each spoonful.

It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s both filling and comforting, making it ideal for a family meal or a cozy dinner at home. You can also customize it by adding extra herbs, garlic, or a splash of lemon for a bit of brightness. This soup is the perfect bowl of warmth to curl up with.

I can’t wait to see how your Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!