Introduction
Chicken and Stars Soup is a delightful, comforting dish that brings back fond childhood memories for many. This delicious soup is packed with tender chicken, nourishing vegetables, and fun star-shaped pasta, making it a perfect meal for both kids and adults. It’s an easy recipe to follow, ensuring you can whip it up in no time, whether for a cozy evening at home or to serve to guests.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken: 2 cups cooked and shredded
Carrots: 1 large, diced
Celery: 1 stalk, diced
Onion: 1 small, diced
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Chicken broth: 6 cups
Star-shaped pasta: 1 cup
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Salt: to taste
Pepper: to taste
Fresh parsley: for garnish
Prep Time
The prep time for Chicken and Stars Soup is approximately 15 minutes. This includes chopping vegetables and shredding the cooked chicken.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time for this hearty soup is around 30 minutes. Therefore, the total time from start to finish is about 45 minutes. This recipe yields around 6 servings, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Begin by cooking the chicken in a large pot over medium heat. Add a bit of oil if necessary to prevent sticking. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink and is fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they are softened and the onions are translucent.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in Broth
Add chicken broth to the pot, scraping the bottom to combine and release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5: Add Stars Pasta and Seasonings
Once boiling, add the stars pasta to the soup, along with dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
While the soup is simmering, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the pasta is cooked, return the shredded chicken back to the pot.
Step 7: Final Stir and Serve
Give the soup a good stir to combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot.
Notes
Note 1
You can use rotisserie chicken as a time-saver for this recipe.
Note 2
Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas or corn for added nutrition and flavor.
Note 3
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Note 4
If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, simply add a bit of water or broth when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
