Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep oven-safe pan or a heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until the chicken develops a lovely golden-brown crust and smells wonderfully savoury. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate; it won't be cooked through at this stage.

Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same pan, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent, emitting a sweet aroma. Add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, and chilli flakes (if using). Sauté for another minute until the garlic is fragrant, filling your kitchen with a delightful herby scent.

Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. The liquid should be bubbling lightly around the edges. Add the orzo pasta, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente – it should be tender but still have a slight bite, and the sauce will have visibly thickened.

Introduce Cream and Chicken: Stir in the double cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes beautifully smooth and creamy, turning a pale, inviting colour. Return the partially cooked chicken to the pan, nestling it into the orzo and sauce. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking through and absorb the delicious flavours, and the sauce to thicken slightly further. You'll notice the chicken is opaque throughout.

Finish with Spinach: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the fresh baby spinach until it wilts into the hot orzo, adding a vibrant green colour and a touch of freshness. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: Ladle generous portions into bowls, ensuring everyone gets plenty of chicken and creamy orzo. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful aroma! My husband, who's usually picky, asked for seconds!