If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious, One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles is your new go-to meal. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts and rich, creamy buttered noodles in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. The garlic-infused broth and the Parmesan cheese create a velvety sauce that coats the noodles perfectly, while the chicken adds protein and flavor. Whether you’re short on time or simply craving a comforting meal, this simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
The best part? It all comes together in one pan, so you don’t need to worry about washing a bunch of pots and pans afterward. It’s a quick, hassle-free meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort, perfect for those busy nights when you need something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works:
This one-pan dish works because of the balance of flavors and the cooking technique. Cooking the chicken in olive oil first adds a crispy golden crust, locking in moisture and flavor. The garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream create a creamy, savory sauce that perfectly coats the egg noodles, while the butter and Parmesan cheese elevate the sauce to a rich, luxurious level.
The entire meal is cooked in one skillet, which allows the chicken and noodles to soak up the same delicious flavors. The key to success is the use of heavy cream and chicken broth, which together form the base of the creamy sauce. As the noodles cook, they absorb all the wonderful flavors, creating a cohesive, well-seasoned dish with each bite. Plus, the chicken stays juicy and tender because it’s cooked before the noodles and doesn’t dry out in the skillet. This recipe’s simplicity, combined with the richness of the sauce, makes it a perfect choice for an easy yet indulgent dinner.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe:
3 garlic cloves, minced – Garlic is the foundation for the dish’s flavor, adding a fragrant base to the creamy sauce.
1 cup heavy cream – Heavy cream provides the rich, velvety texture that gives this dish its creamy, indulgent sauce.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, making them a great choice for this meal.
2 tbsp olive oil – Used to cook the chicken, olive oil helps create a nice sear on the outside of the chicken while keeping it moist inside.
8 oz egg noodles – These tender noodles absorb the sauce beautifully, providing the perfect texture to complement the chicken.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential for seasoning the chicken and noodles to your liking.
2 cups chicken broth – Chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce and helps cook the noodles.
3 tbsp butter – Butter adds richness and helps create a creamy sauce that coats the noodles and chicken.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan adds a sharp, salty flavor to the sauce, balancing out the richness of the cream and butter.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – Chopped parsley is an optional garnish that adds color and a touch of freshness to the finished dish.
How To Make This Recipe:
Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Prepare the Noodles:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden. Then, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to add flavor to the sauce.
Cook the Noodles:
Stir in the egg noodles and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the noodles cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they reach your desired tenderness. Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles don’t stick to the bottom of the pan. The noodles will absorb the broth and cream, making them soft and creamy.
Combine the Ingredients:
Once the noodles are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the butter and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until both melt and the sauce becomes creamy. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them on top of the noodles. Let the chicken heat through for a couple of minutes.
Serve:
Once everything is combined, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve the dish warm. Spoon the creamy buttered noodles over the chicken, ensuring each bite is loaded with flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Steamed Vegetables: Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, to add some lightness and freshness to balance the rich, creamy sauce.
Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls: Serve with some warm garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the extra creamy sauce, making the meal even more indulgent.
Side Salad: A crisp, fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish and add a bit of crunch.
Helpful Tips:
Cooking the Chicken: Make sure the chicken breasts are evenly sized so they cook at the same rate. If they’re uneven in thickness, consider pounding them to an even thickness before cooking.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep an eye on the noodles to ensure they don’t overcook. Stirring occasionally will prevent them from sticking to the pan and help them cook evenly.
Adding More Flavor: You can enhance the flavor by adding some Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the noodles while they cook, or even a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a bright burst of flavor.
Make It Creamier: If you prefer a richer sauce, you can increase the amount of butter and Parmesan cheese. You can also add a little extra cream if you want a more decadent finish.
Timing:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serve:
Once you’ve combined all the ingredients and garnished with parsley, serve the dish immediately while it’s hot and creamy. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, but special enough to enjoy for a cozy weekend meal.
One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles is a meal that combines simplicity with flavor in the best way possible. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and soft noodles come together in one pan for an effortless yet delicious dinner that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re feeding the family or cooking for yourself, this dish is perfect for those nights when you want something comforting and full of flavor with minimal effort.