PASTINA SOUP: THE ULTIMATE COMFORT FOOD

### Instructions:

#### Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil (or butter) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

#### Step 2: Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth, and stir to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

#### Step 3: Cook the Pastina
Once the broth is simmering, add the pastina to the pot. Stir occasionally, and cook the pastina according to the package instructions, usually about 6-8 minutes. The tiny pasta should cook quickly and become tender.

#### Step 4: Optional Egg Addition (for extra richness)
For a velvety, creamy texture, crack an egg into a bowl and whisk it lightly. Slowly drizzle the egg into the soup while stirring constantly. The egg will cook in the hot broth, creating delicate ribbons of egg throughout the soup, making it extra comforting.

#### Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the pastina is cooked and the soup is ready, remove the pot from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, and if desired, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a bit of chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve your **Pastina Soup** hot, and enjoy the comforting warmth it provides.

### Why You’ll Love Pastina Soup:

– **Quick and easy**: This soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast comfort meal.
– **Light and nourishing**: While hearty, it’s also light enough to be easily digestible, making it an excellent option when you’re feeling under the weather or just need something easy on the stomach.
– **Customizable**: Pastina Soup is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the vegetables, add some chicken for protein, or even experiment with different broths to suit your tastes.
– **Perfect for all ages**: While children love the tiny, bite-sized pasta, adults can appreciate the soothing, flavorful broth and the nourishing ingredients. It’s a universally loved dish.
– **Affordable ingredients**: Most of the ingredients needed for this recipe are pantry staples, making it an inexpensive yet satisfying meal.

### Variations:

– **Add protein**: If you want to turn this soup into a more substantial meal, you can add cooked chicken, turkey, or even meatballs.
– **Vegetarian version**: Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and leave out any meat for a plant-based option.
– **Cheesy version**: For a more indulgent twist, add shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese to the soup right before serving for a cheesy, gooey finish.

### Health Benefits of Pastina Soup:

– **Nourishing broth**: Broths, especially those made with chicken, are rich in nutrients that can help promote gut health, hydration, and overall wellness.
– **Packed with vegetables**: The carrots, celery, and onions in the soup provide essential vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants.
– **Easily digestible**: Due to its light and mild ingredients, Pastina Soup is gentle on the stomach, making it perfect for those recovering from illness or seeking a comforting, easy-to-digest meal.

### The Comforting Power of Pastina Soup

There’s something magical about **Pastina Soup** — its simplicity makes it feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re in need of a comforting meal after a long day, fighting off a cold, or introducing a new generation to a beloved family recipe, this dish is the ultimate comfort food.

With its soft, tiny pasta and flavorful broth, Pastina Soup embodies the spirit of home-cooked goodness. So, the next time you’re craving a soothing, nourishing meal, remember that a bowl of Pastina Soup can make everything feel just a little bit better.