Looking for a hassle-free dinner that’s full of flavor, comfort, and ease? Say hello to One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles—a recipe that combines the tenderness of juicy, pan-seared chicken with the velvety goodness of buttery, cheesy egg noodles. All of it comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze and dinner a dream.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner cook, or someone just craving a warm and hearty meal after a long day, this one-pan wonder delivers in both taste and simplicity. With a short ingredient list and minimal effort, this dish turns a handful of pantry staples into a weeknight masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- All-in-one skillet: No need to juggle multiple pots or dirty up your entire kitchen.
- Balanced meal: Protein-packed chicken, carb-comfort noodles, and a creamy sauce to bring it all together.
- Customizable: Easy to modify based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the flavor combination.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this easy yet flavorful dish, gather the following:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 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
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken in the pan. Sear each side for 5–6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown too much, or it can become bitter.
3. Add Liquid Base
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a light simmer. The broth adds savory depth while the cream creates a luxurious base for the sauce.
4. Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles directly into the skillet. Cover with a lid and let them simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the noodles absorb the creamy mixture evenly.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the noodles are cooked through, reduce the heat. Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese. These ingredients thicken the sauce and give it a rich, nutty flavor. Return the chicken to the skillet and let it heat through for 2–3 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, herbal finish. Serve hot, spooning the creamy noodles and sauce generously over the chicken.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: ~30g
- Fat: ~23g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
This dish is satisfying and nutritious, perfect for a full dinner that won’t leave you feeling overly heavy.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Use High-Quality Chicken: If you can, opt for organic or free-range chicken breasts for better texture and flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing, give the chicken space. If your skillet isn’t large enough, sear in batches.
Adjust Noodle Type: No egg noodles? Try small pasta like rotini, penne, or even fettuccine—but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Stir Often: Keep stirring during the noodle stage to avoid burning and ensure everything cooks evenly.
Taste As You Go: As always, taste the sauce before serving. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of chili flakes for extra zing.
Variations and Add-Ins
This one-pan meal is a great blank canvas. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
Veggie Boost
- Spinach or Kale: Stir in at the end until wilted.
- Peas or Broccoli: Add in with the noodles to cook together.
- Mushrooms: Sauté with the garlic for an earthy twist.
Protein Swaps
- Boneless thighs: For more flavor and tenderness.
- Shrimp: Add during the last 5 minutes of noodle cooking.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian version, pan-sear tofu cubes until crisp.
Cheese Options
- Swap Parmesan with shredded mozzarella, Asiago, or a bit of Gruyère for a richer profile.
Spice It Up
- A dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne can add a subtle heat to the dish.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Meal Prep: This dish is excellent for meal prep. Cook as directed, then store in individual containers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Storage: Let the dish cool before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Add a splash of cream or broth when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
Freezing: This dish freezes fairly well, but noodles can become softer when thawed. If freezing, undercook the noodles slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Looking to round out the meal? Here are some great sides and beverages to pair with your creamy chicken noodles.
Side Dishes
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- Steamed green beans or asparagus
- Roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts
Drink Pairings
- A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
- Sparkling water with lemon slices
- Light beer or a wheat ale
- Iced tea or lemonade for a non-alcoholic option
Why This Recipe Works
There are countless chicken pasta dishes out there, so what makes this one so special?
Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning you’ll spend more time enjoying your food and less time washing dishes.
Rich, But Not Heavy: The balance of cream, broth, butter, and cheese creates a velvety sauce without being overly rich.
Balanced Flavor: Savory chicken, creamy noodles, garlic, and cheese blend harmoniously with just a few pantry staples.
Ready in 35 Minutes: Start to finish, this recipe comes together quickly—perfect for weeknights.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common, inexpensive ingredients but tastes like something you’d order from a restaurant.
Common Questions
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free cream alternative (like coconut cream or cashew cream), olive oil or vegan butter, and omit the cheese or use a vegan version.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
Water with a bouillon cube or even vegetable broth can be substituted in a pinch.
Can I use whole wheat noodles or gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely. Just check package directions as cooking times may vary.
Is this dish good for kids?
Yes—most kids love noodles and mild chicken. You can even cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking for easier eating.
Final Thoughts
Few meals hit the spot quite like One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles. It’s warm, filling, and comforting—the kind of meal that brings people together at the dinner table, even on the busiest days. With just a handful of ingredients and under an hour in the kitchen, you’ll have a wholesome and satisfying dinner that looks and tastes like you put in way more effort than you did.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, a date night at home, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to deliver comfort and flavor every time. Bookmark it, print it, and make it part of your go-to dinner rotation.