If you are craving a comforting, effortless meal that brings together the heartiness of chicken with the creamy indulgence of buttered noodles, then this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is just what you need. It’s a fantastic dish that combines tender, seared chicken breasts with silky egg noodles swimming in a luscious garlic cream sauce, all cooked in a single skillet to save you from a mountain of dishes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat, this dish will win over your taste buds and quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is, yet each item plays a starring role. From the juicy chicken breasts to the rich Parmesan cheese, here’s what brings the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color into your skillet.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein of the dish, providing juicy, tender bites with a lovely golden crust.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and infuse the dish with a subtle, fruity flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory kick that elevates every bite.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The flavorful base that helps cook the noodles and keeps everything moist.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Delivers richness and creaminess that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 8 oz egg noodles: Soft and tender, these noodles soak up all the wonderful sauce in the pan.
- 3 tbsp butter: For that luxurious finish, helping create a glossy, velvety sauce.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every element in the dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A pop of green and bright freshness to garnish and lift the flavors.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the pan warms up, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, aiming for a golden-brown crust and fully cooked, juicy interior. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest—this step locks in the juices and prepares the skillet for the next stage.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles
In the same skillet, leave those wonderful browned bits behind—they are flavor gold! Add your minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant (about 30 seconds) to avoid any bitterness. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the egg noodles. Cover the skillet and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have soaked up that rich, creamy liquid. This method ensures the noodles cook right in the sauce for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Once the noodles are tender, stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy. Finally, nestle the cooked chicken back into the pan, letting it warm through and marry with all the flavors. This last step is where everything comes together in perfect harmony, creating that irresistible, comforting dish you’ve been craving.
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Letting the dish rest for a minute or two before serving is ideal. Then, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to brighten up the plate and add a lovely herbal note that cuts through the creaminess perfectly. A little extra grated Parmesan at the table can never hurt either for those who like it extra cheesy.
Side Dishes
Since this meal is rich and hearty, pairing it with lighter, fresh sides works beautifully. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon, or roasted vegetables that add contrast in texture and freshness. These sides balance the richness while keeping your dinner colorful and nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, serve this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe right from the skillet it’s cooked in, placed in the center of the table for everyone to dig into. Alternatively, plate individual portions with a drizzle of extra sauce over the top and an artful sprinkle of parsley. For a touch of elegance, add a few lemon wedges on the side to brighten each bite as desired.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The sauce may thicken as it chills; just add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring back that silky consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. To maintain the best texture, freeze the chicken and noodles together in a freezer-safe container, making sure it’s sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwave reheating at high power to prevent drying out the chicken and noodles.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic and perfect for soaking up the sauce, you can substitute with fettuccine, pappardelle, or even smaller pasta shapes like rotini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a dairy-free butter substitute. Nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor instead of Parmesan.
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Bone-in chicken breasts or thighs can be used but will require longer cooking time to cook through. Consider partially cooking the chicken first or adjusting your simmering time for the noodles so everything finishes together.
How do I get the chicken perfectly cooked without drying it out?
Cooking the chicken over medium heat until just done and letting it rest are key to juicy results. Removing it from the heat before combining it with the noodles also prevents overcooking.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Fresh spinach, peas, or mushrooms are great additions. Add them in during the noodle cooking process so they cook right in the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe truly is a stellar weeknight winner that feels indulgent without the fuss. The way the tender chicken pairs with creamy, buttery noodles is nothing short of magic, and knowing you can create this in just one pan makes it even better. I hope you give it a try soon and find it as comforting and delicious as I do—it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your dinner lineup.
Print
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and comforting one-pan chicken dish served with creamy buttered egg noodles cooked together in a savory garlic and Parmesan sauce. This recipe delivers tender, golden chicken breasts alongside rich and flavorful noodles, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce and Noodles
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Noodles: Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the skillet, stir them into the liquid, then cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the noodles to cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the noodles, and heat everything through for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the chicken and creamy buttered noodles hot from the skillet.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smoother melting.
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles; check for tenderness at the 8-minute mark.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
