Ingredients

• 8 ounces orzo pasta
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3 medium carrots, chopped, or more to taste
• 3 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 (32 ounce) cartons fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 lemon, zested
• 8 ounces cooked chicken breast, chopped
• 1 (8 ounce) package baby spinach leaves
• 1 lemon, sliced for garnish (optional)
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)