Crock Pot Italian Orzo Soup with Spinach and Parmesan

I love an easy crock pot meal! This was great for a busy weeknight meal, just add some yummy crusty bread and you are all set! this recipe is adapted from 365 Days of Slow Cooking.

1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp italian seasoning
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
2 tsp olive oil
1 bay leaf
1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted tomatoes
5 cups veggie or chicken broth
1 cup orzo
1 tsp salt
3 cups spinach
Salt and pepper
Parmesan cheese

In a pan saute the onion, garlic, italian seasoning, carrots and celery in the olive oil.  When the vegetables soften stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 3 minutes. Place in the crock pot and add the bay leaf, fire roasted tomatoes, broth, salt and orzo and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Stir in the spinach and season with pepper then cook for 20 more minutes.  Serve topped with parmesan cheese.