Heat the oil until it sizzles
In a small bowl, stir pepper, garlic and salt together.
Pat chicken dry and season with the above
Add chicken to pot with tongs. Let sear for five minutes on the first side.
Add 1 cup of chicken broth to the pan and cover the pot. Let the chicken simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Dice the onion, celery, and carrots into small pieces
Remove the chicken from the pot after simmering to cool.
add the onions, celery and carrots to the pot over medium high heat and sauté until soft (10-15 minutes)
Shred the chicken using two forks or a hand mixer
Add the rest of the chicken stock to the pan plus 3 c of water once the veggies are tender
Add 1/8 tsp black pepper
Cover the pot, and bring to a boil.
When the soup is boiling, add the pastina and stir. Lower the temperature a bit so it doesn't overboil. Boil for about 10 minutes or until it's al dente.
After 10 minutes, add the shredded chicken and 1/3 cup of grated parmesan, or a parmesan rind if you have one
Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for a few minutes.
Serve with the rest of the grated parmesan