Meyer Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

This is definitely my new favorite soup!

The fresh taste of Meyer lemons combined with classic, comforting taste of chicken soup....ahhhhhh, it just makes you all warm and cozy and happy all at the same time :D  Yes, my emotions are tied up tightly with food.  It's a problem, I know.  This however, is a guilt free meal that you can enjoy every day. And I did.  Now it's all gone, and I'm sad.  However, I will be making more today!  

Meyer Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup 

slightly adapted from My Kitchen Adventures

1 tsp. Olive oil

1 small onion, chopped 

3 carrots, chopped

3 ribs celery, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bay leaf (or 1/2 tsp. crushed dry bay leaves)

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

3 - 32 oz. boxes of fat free, low sodium chicken stock

8 oz. 1 lb cooked and chopped chicken breast

8 oz. orzo pasta

1/2 cup fresh meyer lemon juice 

zest from one lemon *I took one of the Meyer lemons that I juiced and minced the whole thing (peel & all). I wouldn't recommend this if you are using regular lemons!

salt and pepper, to taste

8 oz. organic baby spinach

lemon slices and Parmesan cheese for garnish ( optional ) 

In a large stock pot heat olive oil on med heat.  Add the onion, carrots and celery.  Cook until vegetables begin to soften. Add in the garlic and cook for another minute.  Add in the bay leaf, thyme, oregano and salt and pepper.  (to taste)  Cook for another 30 seconds or so, and add in broth & chicken.  Bring to a boil.  Turn heat down to a simmer.  Let simmer for about 30 minutes, then bring back to a boil, add in orzo.  Reduce heat, add lemon juice and zest, cover, and let cook for about 10 minutes or until orzo is soft.

Before serving, stir in baby spinach and allow to wilt in hot broth.  Add salt and pepper if needed and remove bay leaf if used.  Garnish with lemon slices and Parmesan cheese, if desired. 

Verdict? FABULOUS! Head over to Renee's blog for Weight Watchers/nutrition info! 

I'm linking this recipe up with Homemaker on a Dime, Delightfully Dowling, A Southern Fairytale, Skip to my Lou, The Girl Creative, Delicious Dishes, Tuesdays at the Table, Tasty Tuesdays, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Made from Scratch Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday ,Blue Cricket Design, Ginger Snap Crafts, Lady Behind the Curtain,  These Chicks Cooked, Miz Helen's Country Cottage, A Little Nosh,  EKat's Kitchen, Simply Delish, Feeding Four, It's a Keeper, Bacon Time with the Hungry Hungry Hypo, Six Sisters' Stuff, The Sweet Details, Life as Mom, Finding Joy in my Kitchen (Ingredient Spotlight - Citrus)