Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup with a Twist (Orzo!)

 

Having this soup is like getting a hug.  Specifically I wanted to make something for T because she got braces and everything she eats hurts. We have been eating Chikarina and some other Progresso soups for a week and now its time to make my own! 

This is the perfect soup for when you pick up a Rotisserie chicken, eat some of it and then don't know what to do with the rest. Its like Chicken Noodle Soup with a Twist! Instead of the usual boring pasta we are using Orzo which is a Rice Pasta.  Just fun and different! 

I used spinach but was thinking kale or other greens might be good too. 

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces orzo pasta (made extra and used for a pasta dish)
• 4 medium carrots, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 4 to 5 dashes Cayenne
• 1 tst Paprika
• 3 Bay leaf
• 2 to 3 (32 ounce) cartons chicken broth
• Juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon
• Zest of 1/2 to 1lemon
• Rotisseri chicken breast pulled 
• Baby spinach leaves 3 to 4 handful

Optional:

• Grated parmesan
• Chopped celery
• Fresh herbs

Method:

1) Cook the Orzo Aldente and set aside

2) In a Dutch Oven, Saute onions and carrots in olive oil

3) Add Minced Garlic, Thyme, Bay Leaves, Oregano, Salt, Pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 mins

4) Add the chicken broth and bring to boil. Lower and simmer for 7 mins

5) Add lemon juice, zest, pulled chicken. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. 

6) Last add spinach leaves and simmer for a few mins. Turn off, taste and adjust salt, cayenne and paprika. Let it sit. 

Serve garnished with parmesan or lemon wedge. Share with your neighbors as you will have quite a large amount! 

Special Ingredient: