Step 1

Season the chicken thighs with Italian seasoning, paprika, and salt.

Step 2

Heat an empty, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet (such as a cast-iron or stainless steel pan) over medium heat for 2 minutes. This allows the skillet to heat through.

Step 3

Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add chicken thighs. Cook the chicken on medium heat for 5 minutes on one side, undisturbed. This allows the chicken to sear.

Step 4

Flip the chicken thighs over, reduce heat to low-medium, and cook for about 5 more minutes or longer on the other side, without moving it, until it's cooked through.

Step 5

The meat thermometer should register 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet.

Step 6

Add sliced mushrooms, generously seasoned with salt and pepper, to the same, now empty, skillet. Cook on medium heat for about 2 minutes (flipping once) until lightly browned and softened. Remove half of the cooked mushrooms from the skillet to a plate.

Step 7

Add uncooked orzo, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and ¼ teaspoon salt to the same skillet with half of the cooked mushrooms.

Step 8

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer (medium-low) and cook for about 5 or 10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the pan until the orzo is cooked through.

Step 9

Add fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking the orzo.

Step 10

Add ½ cup of cream. Stir everything on low-medium - do not bring the sauce to a boil.

Step 11

Season with salt and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Step 12

Stir in the remaining half of cooked mushrooms.

Step 13

Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Reheat gently on low heat.