Created on September 25th, 2025 at 06:11 pm
Soothing, Simple, Soul-Warming Comfort
This soothing veggie broth with pastina is the kind of cozy recipe that feels like a warm hug on a hard day. Whether youāre under the weather, short on time, or simply craving something light and nourishing, this Italian-inspired comfort soup is your go-to. With no chunks and no meat, itās gentle on the stomach yet full of flavor thanks to lemon, garlic, and a parmesan-rich base. One pot. Easy steps. Crowd-pleasing. Perfect for your next feel-good meal.

š Why Youāll Love This Recipe
This comforting soup is your quick-fix when youāre not feeling your bestāor just want something warm and easy. Blended vegetables make it kid-friendly, and the pastina adds just the right touch of heartiness. Itās veggie-packed, lemony, light, and made in one pot. Want to keep it meat-free or add protein? Youāve got options. This is one of those light easy soup recipes youāll come back to again and again.
ā±ļø Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
š Ingredients List
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 large carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 yellow onion, quartered
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 ribs celery, halved
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- Parmesan rind (optional)
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 ¼ cup pastina (or orzo, stelline, ditalini)
- 1 lemon (juice of, more to taste)
To serve:
- Freshly grated parmesan
- Black pepper
- Drizzle of olive oil (optional)
- Chopped parsley (optional)
⨠Kitchen Tools Youāll Need
This recipe doesnāt require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Immersion blender or heat-safe blender
š©āš³ Step-by-Step Instructions
- SautƩ the Veggies
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium. Add carrots, onion, celery, garlic, salt & pepper. Cook 4ā5 minutes, stirring until slightly browned. š§š„ - Simmer It All Down
Add parmesan rind and broth. Cover and bring to a gentle boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 25ā30 minutes until veggies are very soft. - Blend for Creaminess
Remove the rind. Blend the veggies until smooth using an immersion or heat-safe blender. Return to pot. š² - Add Pastina
Add pastina and cook 8ā10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally. - Lemon Finish
Stir in lemon juice. Adjust seasoning. Thin with extra broth if needed. š - Serve & Enjoy
Ladle into bowls and top with parmesan, black pepper, and optional parsley or olive oil.
š” Pro Tips
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Cook pastina separately if storing.
- Substitutions: Use orzo, ditalini, or stelline instead of pastina.
- Protein Boost: Add shredded rotisserie chicken, canned chickpeas, white beans, or lentils.
- Meal Prep: Prep the veggies and freeze the blended baseājust add pasta and lemon later.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with crusty bread or a green salad for a full meal.
š Nutrition Table
Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 plate | 274 | 12g | 39g | 10g | 4g | 5g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
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