1-Getting started: Getting started with this recipe is straightforward and fun, beginning with prepping your ingredients for smooth sailing. First off, season your diced chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to build that authentic flavor base. This method keeps things simple yet delicious, perfect for beginners or anyone in a rush.

2-Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the seasoned chicken for about 5 minutes until it’s mostly done, and set it aside. Next, in the same pot, sauté the minced onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their aroma. If you’re looking for more chicken ideas, check out our easy chicken parmesan recipe for a classic twist.

3-Add the marinara sauce: Add the marinara sauce and the water from the emptied jar to the pot, bring it to a boil, and then reduce to a strong simmer. Return the chicken to the pot along with the uncooked pasta, stir everything well, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes until the pasta is tender. Finally, stir in the parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of mozzarella, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella on top, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it melts beautifully.

4-Garnish: Garnish with additional Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, or basil if you want an extra pop of flavor. This whole process takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, yielding around 6 servings that pair great with a green salad or garlic bread. For the best creamy texture, skip breading the chicken and consider adding toasted Italian panko breadcrumbs on top for some crunch.