Asparagus Orzo Soup

• 1 lb asparagus spear
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dried orzo pasta or 1/2 cup other tiny pasta
• 3 cups snow pea pods, ends and strings removed
• 6 cups torn fresh spinach
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup pesto sauce (optional)
• 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese

1. Snap off and discard woody bases from asparagus.
2. Bias-slice asparagus into 1-inch-long pieces.
3. Set aside.
4. In a 4-quart Dutch oven cook onion and garlic in hot oil until tender.
5. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Stir in pasta; reduce heat and boil gently for 5 minutes.
7. Stir in asparagus and snow peas.
8. Return soup to boiling and cook 3 minutes more.
9. Stir in spinach and pepper; cook 1 minute more.
10. Remove soup from heat.
11. Ladle soup into bowls.
12. If desired, swirl 1 to 2 teaspoons pesto into each bowl of soup.
13. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of each serving.

spear, onion, garlic, olive oil, chicken broth, orzo pasta, snow pea pods, fresh spinach, pepper, pesto sauce, parmesan cheese

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/asparagus-orzo-soup-54516 (may not work)