Recipe: This Chicken Pastina is my families favourite cozy Italian grandma–inspired soup and an ab

Ingredients

• 4 sprigs thyme
• 1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 4), patted dry
• 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more
• Freshly ground pepper
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 large carrots, peeled, thinly sliced
• 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 Parmesan rind (optional)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup pastina or other small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo)
• 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• Finely grated Parmesan and chopped parsley (for serving)