1-First Step: Preparation and Mise en Place Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out. This makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Dice your onion finely so it will cook evenly. Measure out your seasonings and have them ready to add. Grate your cheeses if they’re not pre-shredded (freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties which have anti-caking agents). Having everything prepared before you start cooking means you won’t be scrambling to find ingredients midway through the process.

2-Second Step: Browning the Chicken Heat the avocado oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your cubed chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pot work in batches if necessary so the chicken browns properly rather than steaming. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken develops a nice golden-brown exterior and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate. This initial browning step adds rich flavor to the final dish that you wouldn’t get if you simply boiled the chicken.

3-Third Step: Sautéing the Onions Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion to the same pot you used for the chicken. There should be enough residual oil, but add a splash more if needed. Sauté the onions for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation of your dish. Add the Italian seasoning and garlic powder now, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until they become aromatic. This toasts the spices slightly, releasing their essential oils and maximizing their flavor impact. The kitchen should smell amazing at this point!

4-Fourth Step: Combining Ingredients Return the browned chicken to the pot with the onions and spices. Add the dry pasta to the pot, then pour in the jar of pasta sauce. Here’s the trick: fill the empty pasta sauce jar with water and pour that in as well. This ensures the perfect liquid-to-pasta ratio. Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture will look thick at this stage, but don’t worry the pasta will release starch as it cooks and the liquid will absorb to create the perfect consistency. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is when you might add vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.

5-Fifth Step: Cooking the Pasta Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook for 15-18 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The pasta is done when it’s tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. The sauce should be thick and coating the pasta nicely. If it seems too dry before the pasta is tender, add a splash more water. Conversely, if there’s too much liquid when the pasta is done, remove the lid and cook for a few more minutes to reduce the sauce.

6-Final Step: Adding Cheese and Serving Remove the pot from the heat. Add half of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese, stirring gently until melted and creamy. This creates that luscious cheese sauce everyone loves. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and cover the pot for a minute or two until it melts. Sprinkle with dry parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot directly from the pot for a rustic presentation, or transfer to a serving bowl. This meal pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and some crusty bread. If you’re looking for a delightful dessert to follow, try this banana bread coffee cake for a perfect ending to your meal.