Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Ingredients

• 9 cups chicken stock
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 1/3 cups carrots, chopped
• 1 1/3 cups onions, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 rotisserie-cooked chicken, shredded (about 3 cups)
• 8 ounces orzo pasta, uncooked
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 2 1/2 teaspoons lemon rind, grated
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, coarsely cracked (optional)
• 1/4 cup romano cheese, grated (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   1. Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven.

2. 2

   2. Add carrot, onion, celery, garlic, thyme, lemon rind and salt. Saute over medium heat until vegetables begin to soften.

3. 3

   3. Add chicken stock and lemon juice. Bring to a boil.

4. 4

   4. Add chicken and orzo. Simmer until orzo is cooked thru.

5. 5

   5. Just before serving add parsley. Garnish with black pepper and Romano cheese.