Description
This Hearty Chicken and Starry Pasta Soup is the perfect dish for cozy evenings or when you need a quick, wholesome meal. Packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and charming star-shaped pasta, this soup is comforting, kid-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. The parmesan rind and fresh lemon juice take the flavor to the next level, creating a dish that is rich, bright, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 sweet onion (diced)
- 3 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 celery sticks (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 ½ cups cooked (shredded chicken)
- 7 to 8 cups chicken stock
- 1 parmesan cheese rind
- 1 cup stelline pasta (mini star-shaped pasta)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped (plus extra for garnish))
- Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and poultry seasoning, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Incorporate the Chicken and Broth: Add the shredded chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken stock. Drop in the parmesan rind for added flavor, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the stelline pasta and continue to simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Remove the parmesan rind.
- Final Touches: Stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.
Notes
- Substitute for Parmesan Rind: If you don’t have a parmesan rind, add a small chunk of parmesan cheese for similar flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the stelline pasta with gluten-free pasta to make the soup gluten-free.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, cook pasta separately if planning to store the soup.
- Freezing Tip: Freeze the soup (without the pasta) for up to 3 months. When reheating, cook fresh pasta and add it to the soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American