Nutritional Benefits of Chicken and Stars Soup

Feeling sick or just want something warm? Chicken and stars soup is perfect. It’s not just tasty; it’s also full of nutrients that boost your immune system. Let’s explore the good stuff in this beloved soup.

A ½ cup of Campbell’s Condensed Chicken & Stars Soup has only 70 calories. It’s mostly carbs, with some fat and protein. This means you can enjoy it without worrying about too many calories.

But it’s not all about calories. The soup is rich in protein from the chicken. Protein helps your body fix and grow tissues. It also keeps you full longer.

Chicken and stars soup also has vitamins and minerals. For example, Great Value Chicken & Stars Condensed Soup has 60mg of potassium. This is key for muscle and nerve health. It also contains iron and other essential nutrients.

So, when you need a comforting meal that’s also good for you, try chicken and stars soup. It’s a classic that’s both tasty and nutritious.

Introduction to Chicken and Stars Soup

Chicken and stars soup is a beloved comfort food for many families. It combines tender chicken, flavorful broth, and star-shaped pasta for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner.

What is Chicken and Stars Soup?

Chicken and stars soup is a fun twist on traditional chicken noodle soup. The star-shaped pasta adds a playful touch. The soup has a rich chicken broth, tender chicken, and veggies like carrots and celery.

This soup is very versatile. You can use leftover chicken or swap broth for chicken bone broth. Vegetarians can make it meat-free by using vegetable broth.

History and Origins of the Soup

Chicken and stars soup comes from the classic chicken noodle soup. The star-shaped pasta was added in the mid-20th century. It made the soup more fun for kids.

Over time, it became a favorite family meal. The news of Ronzoni stopping pastina sales in 2023 upset many. People shared their love for this dish on social media.

Key Ingredients in Chicken and Stars Soup

Chicken and stars soup is a favorite during cold months. It’s not just tasty but also full of good stuff for the family. Let’s dive into what makes this soup truly special.

Chicken Stock and Meat

The soup’s heart is a rich chicken broth. It’s made by simmering chicken bones and veggies for hours. This creates a savory base that fills the soup with chicken flavor.

Recipes often add cooked, shredded chicken. This adds protein and a nice texture to the soup.

Enriched Pasta Stars

The star-shaped pasta is a key part of chicken and stars soup. These pasta stars are made from enriched wheat flour. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals like iron and B vitamins.

The pasta stars add fun to the soup. They also make it more filling with their complex carbs.

Vegetables: Carrots and Celery

Carrots and celery are essential in chicken and stars soup. They add color, crunch, and flavor. Carrots are sweet, while celery is fresh and peppery.

Both are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This makes the soup a healthy, satisfying meal.

Macronutrient Breakdown of Chicken and Stars Soup

Chicken and stars soup is a comforting and nutritious meal. But, have you wondered about its macronutrient breakdown? Let’s explore the calories, carbs, protein, and fat in a typical serving.

Calories per Serving

A serving of chicken and stars soup has about 138 calories. This makes it a low-calorie option. It’s great for those watching their weight or wanting a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat Content

Here’s what’s in one serving of chicken and stars soup:

• Carbohydrates: 27 grams
• Protein: 26.9 grams
• Fat: 5.6 grams

The carbs come from the pasta stars. The protein is from the chicken and bone broth. High-protein chickpea noodles and chicken bone broth add to the protein.

Here’s a table comparing the soup’s macronutrients to daily values (DV) for a 2,000-calorie diet:

Chicken and stars soup is high in protein, making it filling and satisfying. Its low calorie density and balanced nutrients make it a nutritious choice for your diet.

Vitamin and Mineral Content

Chicken and stars soup is not just a cozy meal. It’s also packed with important vitamins and minerals. Even though the amounts are small, they help a lot. A 1.5-cup serving gives you:

• Vitamin A: 3290IU
• Vitamin C: 29.4mg
• Calcium: 32mg
• Iron: 0.8mg

The iron in chicken and stars soup is especially good. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which transports oxygen throughout your blood. This soup has about 0.8mg of iron, which is 4% of what adults need every day. The iron comes from the enriched pasta stars, which also have other vitamins.

This soup also has vitamins A and C, and calcium. Vitamin A is good for your eyes, immune system, and cell growth. Vitamin C supports collagen production and aids in wound healing. Calcium plays a vital role in building strong bones and teeth.

Chicken and stars soup isn’t a big source of vitamins and minerals by itself. But it’s great when you eat it with other foods. Adding a side salad or veggies can make your meal more nutritious.

Health Benefits of Chicken and Stars Soup

Chicken and stars soup is more than a cozy winter treat. It’s also packed with health benefits, making it a great choice when you’re feeling under the weather. This classic soup boosts your immune system, keeps you hydrated, and gives you a mix of important nutrients.

Immune System Support

The ingredients in chicken and stars soup help your immune system. Studies show that chicken soup is full of nutrients and has anti-inflammatory effects. These can help with cold and flu symptoms. The chicken in the soup also provides protein, which is key for repairing tissues in your body.

Hydration and Electrolyte Balance

Staying hydrated is key when you’re sick. Chicken and stars soup helps with this, offering electrolytes like sodium. This helps keep your body’s fluid balance right. The warm broth also eases sore throats and makes you feel better.

“Chicken soup kept the individual fuller for longer periods, likely due to being well-hydrated, having sufficient protein intake, and meeting nutritional needs.”

Comfort Food for Cold and Flu Season

Chicken and stars soup is more than just good for you; it’s also a comfort food. Eating it daily for a week can reduce cravings for unhealthy foods. It also helps you sleep better, making you feel more energized in the morning.

This soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It supports your health goals, like avoiding sickness and managing weight. So, next time you need a warm, comforting meal, try chicken and stars soup. It’s full of health benefits.

Low Calorie Density and Weight Management

Choosing foods with low calorie density is key for weight management. Chicken and stars soup, with just 59 calories per 100g, is perfect. It’s comforting and nutritious, helping you feel full without overeating.

The soup’s mix of chicken, veggies, and pasta stars in a tasty broth makes for a filling meal. The high water content and protein and fiber from chicken and veggies keep you full. This may help you reduce your calorie intake throughout the day.

Adding chicken and stars soup to your diet is a tasty way to manage your weight. Here’s what a typical serving provides:

Chicken and stars soup is great for weight management. It’s low in calories yet packed with nutrients. It fits well into many diets, from low-calorie to low-carb, making it a healthy choice.

Finding foods that nourish and keep you full is key to managing weight. Chicken and stars soup does just that, making it a great addition to your diet.

Next time you want a comforting, healthy meal, try chicken and stars soup. It’s good for your taste buds and your waistline!

Sodium Content and Considerations

Chicken and stars soup can be both comforting and nutritious. However, it’s key to watch the sodium. A single serving of Campbell’s Condensed Chicken & Stars Soup has 790mg of sodium. This is 34% of the daily recommended amount. Many canned soups have similar high sodium levels, with some reaching up to 890mg per serving.

The FDA advises not to exceed 2,300mg of sodium daily. The American Heart Association recommends a limit of 1,500 mg. Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure. This raises the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Sodium per Serving

Let’s look at the sodium in chicken and stars soup:

• Campbell’s Chunky Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: 790mg per 1 cup serving
• Progresso Chicken Corn Chowder Flavored with Bacon: 830mg per 1 cup serving
• Annie’s Star Pasta & Chicken Soup: 800mg per can serving
• Campbell’s Homestyle New England Clam Chowder: 890mg per 1 cup serving

Sodium levels vary by brand and type. Always check nutrition labels and know your portion sizes to manage sodium intake.

Reduced Sodium Options

For those wanting to cut down on sodium, some brands offer reduced sodium soups. These soups have 25-50% less sodium than regular ones. They’re a good choice for those on a low-sodium diet.

When looking for reduced sodium soups, compare labels. Choose the one with the lowest sodium that you like. You can also mix regular soup with water or low-sodium broth to lower sodium levels.

By choosing reduced sodium soups and being mindful of sodium, you can enjoy chicken and stars soup. This approach allows you to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.

Comparison to Other Soups

Chicken and stars soup is not the only comforting and nutritious soup out there. Let’s compare it to other favorites like chicken noodle soup and creamy soups.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken and stars soup is similar to chicken noodle soup. The main difference is the pasta shape, stars versus noodles. Both soups offer a mix of chicken, veggies, and carbs.

In a recent taste test, some chicken noodle soups were ranked. They were judged on flavor and appeal:

Cream-based Soups

Chicken and stars soup beats cream-based soups like bisques and chowders in calories and fat. Cream-based soups use heavy cream or milk for their creamy texture. This contributes a significant amount of calories and fat.

Chicken and stars soup gets its comfort from chicken broth and pasta stars. It doesn’t need dairy, making it a better choice for those watching calories or fat.

Homemade vs. Canned Chicken and Stars Soup

Choosing between homemade and canned chicken and stars soup is a personal preference. Homemade soup lets you control the ingredients and nutrition. Canned soups are quick but might not be as healthy.

Making your own chicken and stars soup is simple. You need just a few ingredients and about 40 minutes to cook. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 5 ounces egg noodles or pasta stars
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 heaped tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 8 cups chicken stock or broth

By making your own soup, you can adjust ingredients to your liking. You can use low-sodium broth or add more veggies. This way, you ensure fresh, healthy ingredients.

Canned chicken and stars soup is great for when you’re in a hurry. It’s quick and easy. But, it often has more sodium and fewer veggies than homemade.

Homemade soup has about 298 calories per serving. It has 11.4g of fat, 24.8g of protein, and 748.7mg of sodium. Canned soups can have different values, so always check the label.

Whether you choose homemade or canned soup depends on your lifestyle. Homemade is rewarding if you enjoy cooking. But, canned soups are convenient for busy days.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Chicken and stars soup is a comforting treat. It goes well with many side dishes and pairings. This makes it a great choice for a satisfying meal.

Crackers or bread are classic pairings for this soup. They provide a pleasant contrast to the creamy soup. Dipping them in the broth adds flavor and satisfaction.

Side Salads and Vegetables

Adding a side salad or veggies boosts the soup’s nutritional value. A spinach salad with bacon is quick and tasty. Roasted green beans with harissa add a spicy kick.

For a heartier side, try stuffed baked potatoes or vegan sweet potato fries. They add substance without making the meal too heavy.

Other Delightful Pairings

Cheese and veggie quesadillas or a grilled cheese sandwich are great with this soup. The melted cheese brings a cozy element.

A roasted pear salad adds elegance to the meal. The sweetness of the pears pairs well with the soup’s flavors.

Chicken and stars soup is versatile and comforting. Try different sides to find your favorite pairings. This easy soup recipe can be enjoyed in many ways.

Variations and Recipes

Chicken and stars soup is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. You can make simple changes to the classic recipe. This way, you can create a soup that’s uniquely yours and full of nutrients.

Adding Extra Vegetables

Adding more vegetables can make your chicken and stars soup even better. Try adding diced onions, peas, or potatoes. These add fiber and vitamins. Make sure to cut the vegetables and chicken into small pieces for quick cooking.

This simple change can turn a classic soup into a heartier meal. It’s a great way to make your soup more satisfying.

Using Different Pasta Shapes

Experimenting with different pasta shapes can add variety to your soup. You can swap pasta stars for other small shapes like acini di pepe or orzo. This can make your soup look and taste different.

Consider making a double batch of your pasta soup on Sundays. This is perfect for preparing meals throughout the week. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for 2 months.

“The Chicken and Stars Soup recipe consists of just 7 ingredients and can be made in under 25 minutes.”

To enhance the flavor, add a Parmesan rind to the broth. This trick adds depth and richness. Serve with grated Parmesan, fresh rosemary, and thyme for extra flavor.

Chicken and stars soup is like “Italian Nonna’s Penicillin Soup.” It’s comforting and nourishing. Use fresh ingredients like chicken wings, carrots, onions, and celery for a rich broth. It’s delicious and nutritious, whether with pasta stars or without.

Chicken and Stars Soup for Different Diets

Chicken and stars soup is a comforting dish that many enjoy. But, some people have special dietary needs. These include gluten-free and low sodium diets. Luckily, making these soups fit these diets is easy with a few tweaks.

Gluten-free Options

For those with gluten issues, finding a gluten-free pasta is key. Many stores now sell gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea. These can replace the traditional pasta in the soup, keeping it gluten-free.

Another way to make the soup gluten-free is to skip the pasta. Focus on the chicken broth, chicken, carrots, and celery. This makes a light, yet filling soup that’s gluten-free.

Low Sodium Diets

For those watching their sodium, canned chicken and stars soup can be high in salt. A single serving has 552mg of sodium, which is a lot. But, there are ways to enjoy this soup without too much salt.

Choosing reduced sodium soups is one option. These soups taste like the regular version but have less sodium. Always check the nutrition labels to find the best option for you.

Another way is to make your own soup with low sodium ingredients. Use low sodium broth and fresh, whole ingredients. This lets you control the salt in your soup, making it fit your low sodium diet.

Whether you need a gluten-free or low sodium soup, it’s possible to enjoy chicken and stars soup. Try gluten-free pasta, reduced sodium soups, or make your own. This way, you can enjoy this classic soup while meeting your dietary needs.

Nutritional Information for Popular Brands

Choosing a chicken and stars soup means looking at different brands’ nutritional info. Even though they share similar ingredients, each brand can have its own twist. This is why comparing is key.

Campbell’s Chicken and Stars Soup

Campbell’s is a big name in chicken and stars soup. Their condensed version has the following per ½ cup:

• Calories: 70
• Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 790mg
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 3g

Campbell’s soup is high in sodium, with 790mg per serving. If you’re watching your sodium, look for a lower sodium option or use less salt.

Store Brand Varieties

Many stores have their own chicken and stars soup, like Walmart’s Great Value or Kroger’s Private Selection. These soups are often cheaper but similar in nutrition to name brands.

Comparing store brands to Campbell’s, you might see differences in calories, fat, sodium, carbs, and protein:

Always check the nutrition labels and compare brands. This helps you choose the best soup for your diet and taste.

Conclusion

Chicken and stars soup is a classic comfort food with many nutritional benefits. It combines tender chicken, pasta stars, and veggies like carrots and celery in a tasty broth. This mix of protein, carbs, and nutrients makes it a great choice for a quick meal or when you’re not feeling well.

This soup is also very versatile. You can change it up by using gluten-free pasta stars or adding more veggies. Its low calorie count also makes it good for those watching their weight but still wanting a filling meal.

However, it’s important to watch the sodium in chicken and stars soup, especially if you’re worried about blood pressure or are on a low-sodium diet. Choosing reduced-sodium options or making it from scratch with low-sodium broth can help manage sodium levels. This way, you can still enjoy the soup’s comforting flavors and health benefits.

In summary, chicken and stars soup is a favorite in many homes. It’s a delicious and nutritious way to warm up or find comfort when you’re sick. By knowing its nutritional profile and how to vary it, you can add it to a healthy diet that supports your health and well-being.

FAQ

What are the main ingredients in chicken and stars soup?

Chicken and stars soup has chicken stock, cooked chicken, and pasta stars. It also includes carrots and celery. Some brands add salt, modified food starch, and chicken fat for flavor.

How many calories are in a serving of chicken and stars soup?

Campbell’s Condensed Chicken & Stars Soup has 70 calories in a ½ cup. It has 59 calories per 100g, making it low in calories.

Is chicken and stars soup a good source of vitamins and minerals?

Yes, it has small amounts of vitamins and minerals. A 100g serving has 0.29mg of iron, which is 2% of the daily value. The pasta stars also add to the iron content.

What are the health benefits of chicken and stars soup?

This soup can soothe sore throats and keep you hydrated when you’re sick. It has electrolytes like sodium to help balance fluids. The chicken and veggies in it support health and immunity.

Is chicken and stars soup a good choice for weight management?

Yes, it’s low in calories at 59 per 100g. It can help you feel full and eat less, aiding in weight management.

How does chicken and stars soup compare to other soups?

It’s similar to chicken noodle soup but with pasta stars instead. It’s lower in calories and fat than cream-based soups because it doesn’t have heavy cream or milk.

Can I make chicken and stars soup at home?

Yes, making it at home lets you control what goes in. You can adjust ingredients to meet your dietary needs, like reducing sodium or adding more veggies.

What can I serve with chicken and stars soup?

You can enjoy it alone or with crackers or bread for crunch. Adding side salads or more veggies boosts nutrition and variety.

Can I customize chicken and stars soup to my liking?

Yes, you can add your favorite veggies or use different pasta shapes. This makes the soup more personalized and fun.

Is chicken and stars soup suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

For those on gluten-free diets, use gluten-free pasta or skip it. For low sodium diets, choose reduced sodium broth or make it homemade.