Sausage, White Bean & Orzo Soup w/Spinach

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, casings removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (15 ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup orzo
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups spinach coarsely chopped
• salt and pepper to taste
• lemon juice to taste

Directions

1. Saute the garlic in olive oil for a couple minutes before adding the sausage and red chili pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat until cooked all the way through.in a large sauce pan over medium heat and set aside, about 6 minutes.
2. Add the broth, sausage, beans, orzo, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the orzo is fully cooked. 
3. Add the spinach (roughly chopped) and simmer for 1-2 minutes until it wilts. 
4. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice. Remove the bay leaf and serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.