mm's ersatz russian soup

[om_nom_noms]

serves 6-8

olive oil for sauteeing
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, chopped
(I would have added chopped carrots, had we had any)
about 2-3 c mushrooms (or whatever you'd like to put in)
1 t thyme
1/2 T tarragon
1/2 to 1 t dill (dillweed)
salt and pepper to taste
2 qts boxed organic chicken broth
2T sherry
2 bay leaves
1 or 2 chicken breasts, cut in bite-size pieces
1/2# whole wheat pasta -- I used fusili
1/4 c chopped parsley
2-3 c spinach, cut in ribbons

1. In 3 qt or larger pot, heat oil and saute onion, garlic, and celery, stirring until softening.
2. Add mushrooms and spices (x bay leaves) and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add chicken broth and sherry, and bring to a boil.
4. Add bay leaves and chicken, and cook 10 minutes.
5. Add pasta and cook additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep pasta from sticking together.
6. At this point, add more broth or water, if necesary, and heat again to a boil/simmer.
7. Add parsley and spinach, and cook about 2 minutes.
8. Serve, passing sour cream, which is wonderful in the soup!