1-Step One: Prepare Your Ingredients Before you turn on the stove, gather and prep all your ingredients. Dice the onion into small, even pieces so it cooks uniformly. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, for quick and even cooking. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

2-Step Two: Cook the Chicken Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook until no longer pink in the center, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally for even browning. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. According to the National Chicken Council, chicken is an excellent source of lean protein that supports muscle health and provides essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and niacin.

3-Step Three: Build the Flavor Base In the same pan, add the diced onion, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This step infuses the oil with aromatic flavors that will carry through the entire dish.

4-Step Four: Create the Sauce Pour in the entire jar of pasta sauce (24 ounces). Here’s a handy trick: fill the empty sauce jar with water and pour it into the pan. This technique ensures you get every bit of sauce from the jar while adding just the right amount of cooking liquid for the pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.

5-Step Five: Cook the Pasta Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with 16 ounces of dry pasta. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta absorbs the sauce flavors as it cooks, making every bite delicious.

6-Step Six: Add the Cheese Remove the lid and stir in 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese along with all the Parmesan cheese. Watch as it melts into creamy goodness throughout the pasta. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese for that golden, bubbly finish everyone loves. As noted by WebMD, cheese provides calcium for bone health and protein for muscle maintenance, making this comfort food somewhat nutritious too.

7-Step Seven: Serve and Enjoy Sprinkle dried parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while the cheese is melted and gooey. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for soaking up extra sauce.