Five Days of Favorites: Day 5!

This is the perfect day for my last day of favorites! We are a family that loooove soups. Soups make a day so cozy, you can make them in bulk and save them for another rainy or snowy day, and you can typically stretch them pretty far for low cost by just increasing the broth, noodles or potatoes. Here's to a lovely snowy and rainy day :)

Day 5: Chicken Florentine Soup

2 tbsp olive oil

1 1/2 c chopped onions

1 1/2 tsp sugar

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/8 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)

1 can (15 oz) Italian Style tomato sauce

5-6 cups chicken or turkey stock or 1 can (46 oz) chicken broth

1 1/2 - 2 cups shredded cooked chicken or turkey

1 1/2 c cooked orzo or other small pasta

1/2 lb fresh spinach, well washed and shredded

1/4 c fresh basil leaves shredded or 1-2 tbsp pesto sauce

1/4 c grated parmesan cheese

salt

ground pepper

1. In large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat oil. Add onions, sugar, Italian seasoning & red pepper.

2. Saute 2-3 minutes until onion is translucent.

3. Stir in tomato sauce and stock; reduce heat to med-low and simmer uncovered 8-10 minutes until slightly reduced, stirring occasionally.

4. Stir in shredded chicken or turkey, orzo, spinach, basil, parmesan, salt and pepper to taste.

5. Cook 4-5 minutes longer until heated through.

6.. Serve with hot crusty garlic bread.