Name: Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 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; ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning; 1 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken; 7 to 8 cups chicken stock; 1 parmesan cheese rind; 1 cup uncooked stelline pasta, mini pasta stars; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, plus more for topping; parmesan cheese, for topping; lemon wedges, for spritzing

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When the chill of winter sets in, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup to wrap you in comfort. I remember the first time I made this dish; the aroma of melting butter mingled with the freshness of onion, carrots, and celery took over my kitchen, making it feel like a cozy haven against the frosty outside. This soup is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a nostalgic reminder of family gatherings and cold nights spent indoors. Each spoonful is filled with tender chicken, delightful mini pasta stars, and a hint of zest from fresh lemon juice. It becomes a ritual, a go-to recipe when I want to bring warmth to my home and heart.

The beauty of this Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup is its versatility. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, hosting a family dinner, or just want to indulge in something delicious, this soup fits the bill. It’s easy to make and even easier to love. On a particularly brisk evening, the thought of this soup brewing on the stove is enough to brighten my mood. I can’t help but smile when I think about how it brings people together, creating moments of laughter and warmth around the dinner table.

So, if you’re ready to embrace the comforting vibes and fill your kitchen with enchanting aromas, let’s dive into this delightful recipe. You won’t just be preparing a meal; you’ll be crafting memories that linger long after the last spoonful has been savored.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
25 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Saucepan, Large Pot, Mixing Bowl, Peeler, Wooden Spoon, Cutting Board

What Sets This Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup Apart

It’s Comfort Food at Its Best

There’s something truly magical about the combination of chicken and pasta in a warm broth. The rich flavors meld together, creating a deliciously comforting experience that warms you from the inside out.

Easy to Prepare

Even if you’re short on time, making Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup is a breeze! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a hearty dinner on the table in no time.

Perfect for the Winter Season

As winter approaches, this soup becomes a staple in my kitchen. Its warmth and heartiness make it the quintessential dish for cold evenings, providing nourishment and comfort when you need it most.

Kid-Friendly Delight

With its fun stelline pasta and flavorful broth, this soup is loved by both kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables while satisfying picky eaters.

Leftover Friendly

This soup keeps beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers. The flavors deepen and improve overnight, and it’s easy to reheat for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

What Goes Into Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup

The ingredients in Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup work together harmoniously, creating a symphony of flavors that warm the heart. The star of the show is undoubtedly the tender chicken, which pairs beautifully with the delicate stelline pasta and bright lemon juice. Each ingredient is chosen not just for taste but also for the comforting feel it brings to the soup.

3 tablespoons unsalted butter: This rich butter forms the base of the soup, adding depth and creaminess.
1 sweet onion, diced: The onion brings sweetness and flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
3 carrots, peeled and diced: Carrots add a touch of natural sweetness and a lovely texture.
2 celery sticks, diced: Celery provides a fresh crunch and aromatic flavor that complements other vegetables.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic enhances the savory notes of the soup with its rich aroma.
Kosher salt and pepper: Seasoning is crucial for balancing the flavors and bringing the soup to life.
½ teaspoon poultry seasoning: This blend of spices elevates the chicken flavor, making it irresistible.
1 ½ cups cooked, shredded chicken: Cooked chicken adds substance and protein, making this soup hearty.
7 to 8 cups chicken stock: Stock creates the flavorful broth base that brings everything together.
1 parmesan cheese rind: The rind adds a depth of flavor that enriches the soup.
1 cup uncooked stelline pasta: These adorable mini pasta stars make the soup fun and delicious.
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: A splash of lemon brightens the soup, adding a fresh zing.
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, plus more for topping: Parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Parmesan cheese, for topping: Grated cheese finishes the soup perfectly, adding richness.
Lemon wedges, for spritzing: A squeeze of lemon at serving time enhances the flavors even more.

Step by Step Instructions for Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup

Making Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup is not just about following a recipe; it’s about embracing the joy of cooking. Let’s walk through the steps together, enjoying the process as much as the delicious outcome.

Heat the butter in a large stock pot over medium-low heat. Watching it melt is one of my favorite parts; it already smells divine!
Add in the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic with a big pinch of salt and pepper. I suggest starting with at least ½ teaspoon of each to build flavor. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften.
Once the veggies are softened, stir in the minced garlic and poultry seasoning. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait!
Next, add in the shredded chicken. Mix well, letting the chicken absorb the flavors. This step adds a heartiness to your soup, making each spoonful satisfying.
Pour in 7 cups of chicken stock and drop in the parmesan cheese rind. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. You’ll want to keep an eye on it to prevent it from boiling over.
Now, stir in the stelline pasta. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 8 minutes. Make sure it doesn’t get too mushy!
Add in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. This is where the magic happens; the soup becomes bright and fresh. Taste it to see if you need more salt or pepper.
If the parmesan rind didn’t melt entirely, you can scoop it out at this point. You can also decide if you want to add that extra cup of chicken stock depending on your preferred consistency—hearty or brothy.
Serve the soup immediately. I love to top mine with grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. Don’t forget a lemon wedge for spritzing!
As a tip for leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately if you plan to enjoy this soup over a couple of days. It keeps the texture just right!

Things Worth Knowing

Cook the pasta separately: If planning for leftovers, cook the stelline pasta separately. This prevents it from soaking up too much broth and becoming mushy over time.
Use high-quality stock: The quality of chicken stock can significantly affect the flavor of your soup. Choose a good-quality stock for the best results.
Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add or swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Peas or corn can make delightful additions!
Adjust seasoning to taste: Always taste your soup before serving. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice depending on your personal preference.

Recipe Notes about Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup

There are a few things to keep in mind while making this delightful soup. These tips will help you perfect your Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup every time you prepare it.

Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Freezing: This soup freezes well! Store it in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Pairing: Serve your soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Variations: Consider adding cooked spinach or kale for added nutrition. They’ll wilt beautifully in the soup.
Meal Prep: This soup is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch at the beginning of the week for quick lunches or dinners.

Perfect Matches for Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup

When serving Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup, consider these delicious pairings that complement its flavors beautifully.

Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is ideal for dunking in the soup.
Garden Salad: A light salad adds a refreshing crunch and balances the heartiness of the soup.
Cheesy Garlic Bread: For indulgence, serve with cheesy garlic bread for a comforting meal.
Family Gatherings: This soup is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, providing warmth and nourishment.
Cozy Evenings: It’s also fantastic for cozy movie nights at home, bringing the family together.
Seasonal Occasions: Perfect for winter occasions, it adds a festive touch to any holiday gathering.

FAQ

Absolutely! Using leftover chicken is a great way to save time. Just shred it and add it directly to the soup when you’re heating the broth. It will absorb all the wonderful flavors, making it even more delicious!

You can keep Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just remember to cook the pasta separately if you plan to freeze!

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh garden salad, or even cheesy garlic bread. It’s a complete meal on its own, but these sides enhance the experience.

Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables according to your taste. Peas, spinach, or even zucchini can be great additions to Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup. Get creative and make it your own!

Conclusion

In summary, Cozy Chicken and Stars Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table. Its easy preparation and comforting flavors make it a must-try, especially during chilly evenings. I encourage you to gather your ingredients and savor the process of making this soup. You’ll not only fill your belly but also create wonderful memories with every bowl served!