Cozy Lemon Veggie Broth with Pastina

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 you’re 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, it’s 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.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This comforting soup is your quick-fix when you’re not feeling your best—or just want something warm and easy. Blended vegetables make it kid-friendly, and the pastina adds just the right touch of heartiness. It’s veggie-packed, lemony, light, and made in one pot. Want to keep it meat-free or add protein? You’ve got options. This is one of those light easy soup recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

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⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4

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📝 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)

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✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t 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

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Veggies
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium. Add carrots, onion, celery, garlic, salt & pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring until slightly browned. 🧄🥕
2. Simmer It All Down
   Add parmesan rind and broth. Cover and bring to a gentle boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 25–30 minutes until veggies are very soft.
3. Blend for Creaminess
   Remove the rind. Blend the veggies until smooth using an immersion or heat-safe blender. Return to pot. 🍲
4. Add Pastina
   Add pastina and cook 8–10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally.
5. Lemon Finish
   Stir in lemon juice. Adjust seasoning. Thin with extra broth if needed. 🍋
6. Serve & Enjoy
   Ladle into bowls and top with parmesan, black pepper, and optional parsley or olive oil.

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💡 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 base—just add pasta and lemon later.
• Serving Ideas: Pair with crusty bread or a green salad for a full meal.

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📊 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.