Bright and Comforting Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Broth and Orzo:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
Add the orzo pasta and cook until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Chicken and Seasonings:
Stir in the shredded chicken, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, and thyme.
Reduce the heat to low and let the flavors meld together for 5 minutes.
Add Spinach (Optional):
