When it comes to quick and flavorful meals, One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the perfect solution for a satisfying dinner that requires minimal clean-up. With just one skillet and a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious, creamy dish that features perfectly seared chicken paired with tender egg noodles, all in a rich, buttery sauce. This recipe is easy to make, family-friendly, and will quickly become a weeknight favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is designed to deliver a comforting, delicious meal in just one pan, making it not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare. The magic of this dish lies in the combination of simple ingredients—chicken breasts, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and egg noodles—which come together to create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the noodles perfectly. Cooking everything in one pan ensures that the chicken infuses the noodles with its savory flavors, while the butter and Parmesan cheese enhance the overall richness of the dish. The key to success is balancing the tenderness of the chicken with the smooth, creamy sauce that coats every noodle, making this dish irresistible.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
To make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles, you’ll need the following ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – the protein of the dish, providing lean meat that’s both tender and flavorful.
2 tablespoons olive oil – for cooking the chicken and adding some richness to the dish.
3 cloves garlic, minced – for that aromatic, savory flavor that makes every bite more flavorful.
2 cups chicken broth – the base of the creamy sauce that will bring everything together.
1 cup heavy cream – to create a rich, velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with the noodles.
8 oz egg noodles – the perfect noodle for this dish, soaking up the creamy sauce and complementing the chicken.
3 tablespoons butter – for added richness and flavor, making the sauce even creamier.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for a cheesy, savory kick that enhances the flavor of the sauce.
Salt and pepper – to taste, to enhance the flavors of the dish.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – for garnish, adding a touch of color and freshness to the final dish.
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This will infuse the oil with a savory aroma that enhances the dish. Next, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
Once simmering, add the 8 oz egg noodles to the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook the noodles for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender and have absorbed much of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Step 3: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the 3 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the butter and cheese melt into the sauce, making it creamy and smooth. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, allowing them to heat through and soak up some of the sauce.
Step 4: Serve
Once everything is well combined and heated through, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley (if desired). Serve the One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles warm, either on its own or paired with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
Use Day-Old Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you have leftover cooked chicken, this recipe is a great way to use it up. Simply add it at the same time you would return the cooked chicken to the skillet in step 3, and let it heat through.
Add Veggies for Extra Color and Nutrition: You can easily incorporate vegetables into this dish. Spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms are great additions that cook quickly and complement the creamy sauce.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick during cooking, simply add a little extra chicken broth or water to thin it out. For a thicker sauce, you can simmer the broth and cream for a little longer before adding the noodles.
Season to Taste: If you prefer a stronger flavor, feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to the sauce. A dash of lemon juice can also brighten the dish and balance out the richness.
Use Fresh, Not Pre-Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt more smoothly and create a creamier sauce compared to pre-grated varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
How to Serve
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a satisfying dish that works perfectly as a stand-alone meal or paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few ways you can serve it:
As a Main Course: This dish is filling enough on its own, thanks to the chicken and noodles. Serve it alongside a light green salad with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Pair with Vegetables: To add more nutrients, serve it with roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli. The freshness and crunch of the vegetables contrast nicely with the creamy texture of the noodles.
With Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread or crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce left in your plate.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the dish with some freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Serve with a Side Salad: A light salad with mixed greens or a tangy caesar salad pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the chicken and noodles.
Pair with a Glass of Wine: This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio.
Time
Making One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is quick and easy. Here’s how the time breaks down:
Prep Time: 10 minutes (for seasoning the chicken and prepping the ingredients)
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (for cooking the chicken, noodles, and sauce)
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
This makes it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
In conclusion, One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a delicious, creamy, and comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The ease of preparation, minimal cleanup, and rich flavors make it an ideal dish for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying without a lot of effort. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that will impress everyone at the dinner table!