When life gets busy, who doesn’t love a quick, delicious, and hearty dinner idea? This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is everything you’ve been searching for: creamy, savory, and made in just one skillet. Yes, that means fewer dishes to clean! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re in need of a cozy, comforting meal, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
This dish is simple to make yet full of flavor. Here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- One Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
- Creamy Goodness: A luscious sauce made with heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese.
- Hearty Comfort: Tender chicken and buttery noodles create a meal that feels like a warm hug.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild, cheesy flavor is a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
- Quick Prep: From start to finish, you’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients for One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Here’s everything you need for this no-fuss dinner:
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, seasoned to perfection.
- Olive Oil: For a flavorful, golden sear.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds irresistible aroma and depth.
- Chicken Broth: A savory base for the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Brings the creaminess we all crave.
- Egg Noodles: The perfect choice for soaking up all that buttery goodness.
- Butter: Essential for that velvety finish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds cheesy richness.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, but it adds a pop of color and brightness.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet with a lid
- Tongs for flipping the chicken
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Noodles
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the egg noodles, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the noodles.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, allowing them to warm through in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley (if desired) and serve warm.
What to Serve with One-Pan Chicken and Buttered Noodles
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
- Garlic bread for extra indulgence
Tips for Perfect One-Pan Chicken and Buttered Noodles
- Sear Like a Pro: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for those first 5-6 minutes to develop a golden crust.
- Stir Occasionally: This prevents the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Thin the Sauce: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes! While egg noodles work wonderfully, you can substitute them with other pasta types like fettuccine or rotini. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or even milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Add a little extra Parmesan for creaminess.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Peas, spinach, or mushrooms would be excellent additions. Add them in Step 2 when cooking the noodles.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap the egg noodles for a gluten-free pasta option and use a gluten-free chicken broth.
Wrap-Up
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the kind of recipe that reminds you why cooking at home is worth it. It’s easy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for any night of the week. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can dress it up with veggies, swap ingredients, or keep it classic.
If you loved this recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for another simple and satisfying meal or learn How to Make Summer Sausage for a fun kitchen project that’s perfect for sharing.
Don’t forget to save this recipe for later, and if you make it, I’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on Pinterest and let me know how it turned out in the comments. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, comforting, and made in just one skillet, this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the ultimate weeknight dinner! Tender chicken and buttery egg noodles come together in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add egg noodles, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
- Reduce heat, stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, allowing it to heat through.
- Garnish with parsley (if desired) and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra veggies, add peas, spinach, or mushrooms in Step 2.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with noodles
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: one-pan chicken with buttered noodles, creamy chicken and noodles, skillet dinner, easy chicken recipe, quick weeknight dinner