Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Flu and cold season is around the corner. The best cold remedy is Vitamin C and Chicken Soup. I found this recipe online.

 It's made with a light and refreshing chicken lemon broth, orzo pasta, and vegetables. This comforting soup is healthy and perfect for a cold day and not to mention....delicious.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch thick
• 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
• 8 cups of chicken broth
• Lemon slices (thinly sliced)
• Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/3 cup)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 1/2 cups orzo pasta
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste 

In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender, about 5 minutes. the chicken broth, lemon juice, bay leaf and bring to a boil.

Add the orzo and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes, or until orzo is tender. Add the chicken and heat for about 5 minutes.

Remove the pot from the heat. Add lemon slices. Discard the bay leaf and stir in the parsley. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm.

*Note: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken in this soup.