The weather is shifting colder and Fall is settling in. Along with that a lot of folks are getting sick. This is a recipe that is like a big hug in a bowl, perfect for when you're feeling less than great and very easy to make.

Ingredients:

8oz Pastina (any small pasta works but stars are recommended for their cuteness factor.)

1 yellow or white onion, roughly chopped

2 carrots, roughly chopped

2 celery sticks, roughly chopped

6 cups chicken or vegetable broth or bone broth

1 Parmesan rind (if you have it, fine to omit)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Chop the vegetables roughly; you don't need to be precise.

Add them to a large pot with the broth, reserving 1 cup, and Parmesan rind (if using). Turn the heat to high and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, turn down the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Remove the vegetables from the pot using a strainer and add to a blender with ½-1 cup of the broth. You can also use an immersion blender right in the pot. Blend until smooth.

Pour the pureed veggies back into the pot and add the pastina and remaining broth if using an immersion blender. Simmer for 7-9 minutes until the pasta is cooked.

Remove from heat and season with Parmesan cheese, salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve topped with some freshly chopped parsley and more grated Parmesan.