I cooked 1 cup dry rice prior to adding into the soup near the end. Should have used the suggested 3/4 cup (or perhaps ditalini pasta or even barley). Added 1/8t red pepper flakes (should have used 1/4). Added 1 teaspoon thyme. Added the fresh spinach and 1T of parsley at the end (I never actually cook the spinach since it wilts down fast). Husband liked it even though he's not a huge fan of rice.
