This Cozy Chicken and Star Pasta Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It features tender chicken, cheerful star-shaped pasta, and flavorful veggies, making it super comforting.
On chilly days, this soup is my go-to! It’s so easy to whip up, and I love how it brings everyone together. Plus, who can resist slurping those adorable little stars? 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A good choice for sautéing since it has a nice flavor. If you need a substitute, avocado oil or vegetable oil works too. I prefer olive oil for the taste it adds to the veggies.
Onion, Celery, and Carrots: These form the base of flavor in the soup. If you don’t have one of them, use a mix of whatever aromatics you have on hand, such as leeks or bell peppers. They will add their unique twist!
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this dish quick and easy! If you have leftover chicken, that’s perfect. For a vegetarian alternative, try chickpeas or cooked lentils for a different texture.
Star-Shaped Pasta: Stelline is so cute, but if you can’t find it, small macaroni, or any small pasta will do. Just adjust cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
Herbs: Dried herbs are convenient, but fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor. If you only have dried, they work just fine! Just use about a third of the amount as dried herbs are stronger.
How Can I Ensure My Soup Has Great Flavor?
Building flavor is crucial in this soup. Start with sautéing the onion, celery, and carrots, also known as mirepoix. This softens them and unlocks their sweet flavor.
- Heat your oil before adding veggies; this helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t rush the sautéing process! Giving them time allows their flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add garlic last, as it cooks quickly. This prevents it from burning, which can create bitterness.
- Taste along the way! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
These small steps make a huge difference and will lead to a delicious, heartwarming soup everyone will love! Enjoy your cooking experience!
Cozy Chicken and Star Pasta Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 cup star-shaped pasta (stelline)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of half a lemon (optional)
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy soup takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes for cooking. In total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but comforting enough to serve on a chilly evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Vegetables:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the diced onion, celery, and sliced carrots. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion becomes translucent.
2. Adding Flavor:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute more, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as that can lead to a bitter taste!
3. Building the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme and oregano. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This will release all those lovely flavors into the broth.
4. Simmering the Chicken:
Add the shredded chicken into the pot. Reduce the heat and let your soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together beautifully.
5. Cooking the Pasta:
Now, it’s time to add the star pasta! Stir it in and cook until the pasta is tender, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on the pasta—nobody likes mushy noodles!
6. Final Seasoning:
Once the pasta is cooked, season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the chopped fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavor.
7. Brighten It Up:
If you’d like a little zing, add the lemon juice now. It’s optional but highly recommended for that fresh touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh thyme sprigs. Enjoy this warm and hearty chicken and star pasta soup with your loved ones for a cozy meal.
Each bite is filled with comfort! 😊
FAQ for Cozy Chicken and Star Pasta Soup
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While star-shaped pasta adds a fun touch, you can substitute it with small pasta like orzo, ditalini, or even elbow macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken Broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth is a great alternative for a lighter flavor. If you’re looking for a more intense taste, feel free to use homemade broth or stock if available. You can also dilute a bouillon cube in water as a quick substitute!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup ahead of time. Just follow the recipe up until you add the pasta. Refrigerate and when ready to serve, reheat the soup and add the pasta, cooking until it’s tender. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy in leftover soup.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, but be mindful that the pasta may become slightly softer upon reheating. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.