White Bean Soup with Lemon and Orzo

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried white beans, soaked overnight and drained
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup orzo pasta
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)