If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that doesn’t require tons of pots and pans, this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts perfectly seared to golden-brown perfection, nestled atop a bed of creamy, buttery egg noodles that soak up every bit of luscious sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This dish is the ultimate cozy meal that combines simplicity, rich flavors, and minimal cleanup. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe is comforting, satisfying, and sure to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful dish. Each ingredient plays its part perfectly — from the olive oil that sears the chicken golden to the Parmesan cheese that melts into the noodles for that irresistible creamy finish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose evenly sized breasts for uniform cooking and juicy tenderness.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a lovely golden sear and prevents sticking while giving subtle fruity undertones.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with an aromatic punch that elevates every bite.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Provides a savory base that adds depth to the sauce and cooks the noodles perfectly.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings luscious richness and creaminess that transforms the noodles into pure comfort.
- 8 oz egg noodles: These wide, tender noodles soak up the sauce wonderfully, creating a buttery, silky texture.
- 3 tbsp butter: Adds smoothness and enhances flavor, ensuring each bite feels indulgent.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, cheesy note that rounds out the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to season the chicken and sauce perfectly.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil warms, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Once the skillet is hot, place the chicken carefully in the pan and sear each side for 5 to 6 minutes until a gorgeous golden crust forms and the chicken is cooked through (aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). This crust locks in the juicy tenderness and creates that beautifully appetizing appearance. When the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside—your noodles are about to steal the show!
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Using the same skillet (this keeps all those flavorful browned bits!), toss in the minced garlic and sauté until it’s wonderfully fragrant, which should only take about 30 seconds. This brief step ensures the garlic isn’t bitter but fills the pan with a warm aroma. Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Now add the egg noodles, cover the skillet, and let them cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The noodles will gradually absorb the creamy broth, becoming tender and so flavorful from the cooking liquid.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Once your noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened just right, stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese. These ingredients melt into the saucy noodles, creating a silky, rich coating that is simply divine. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them right on top, and let everything warm together for a few moments. This step allows the flavors to mingle beautifully—you’ll notice the sauce slightly thickening around the chicken, making every bite a perfect combination of textures and tastes.
Step 4: Serve
With everything combined and warmed, your one-pan masterpiece is ready to enjoy. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve this dish warm, ideally straight from the skillet so the noodles stay luscious and the chicken juicy.
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is a classic garnish that adds just the right touch of brightness and a splash of color to balance the creamy richness. If you want to jazz it up, a light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan right before serving adds an extra cheesy flair. Some lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also bring a lovely zing that cuts through the buttery sauce for a fresh twist.
Side Dishes
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is pretty hearty on its own, but you can round out the meal with some crisp, green vegetables to add texture and freshness. Think steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a bright arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These lighter sides add just enough freshness to complement the creamy noodles without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the chicken sliced on a bed of the buttered noodles and drizzle a bit of the creamy sauce over the top. You can also arrange the chicken whole alongside a neat pile of noodles garnished with herbs. For a family-friendly twist, make it a fun bowl meal where everyone can mix and match toppings like extra cheese, cracked pepper, or even sautéed mushrooms or peas for variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy noodles will thicken as they chill, so keep that in mind. Leftovers are best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal due to the creamy sauce, which can sometimes separate or become grainy after thawing. If you do freeze leftovers, pop them in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. To help maintain texture, consider freezing chicken and noodles separately when possible.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently to preserve the creaminess. Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce looks too thick or dry. Microwaving works fine too, but stir often and heat in short bursts to avoid overheating one spot.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Bone-in chicken breasts can be used, but cooking times will be longer. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C, and consider finishing the chicken in the oven after searing to ensure even cooking.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with a mixture of milk and cream cheese or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option, although this will slightly alter the taste and texture of the sauce.
What type of noodles work best?
Wide egg noodles are ideal because they soak up the creamy sauce wonderfully, but you can also use other pasta shapes like fettuccine or pappardelle for a similar effect.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Peas, spinach, or mushrooms can be stirred into the noodles towards the end of cooking to boost color and nutrition without compromising the comforting vibe of the dish.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden-brown on the outside and juicy inside with no pink.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is a beautiful blend of simplicity and richness that makes every meal feel a little more special. It’s a perfect dish when you want something comforting without the fuss — just great flavors, minimal clean-up, and happy family smiles all around. Give it a try, and soon enough, this cozy skillet dinner will earn a cherished spot on your recipe rotation.
Print
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy one-pan meal featuring juicy seared chicken breasts served over creamy buttered egg noodles, all cooked together in a rich garlic-infused broth with Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Noodles and Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 3 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Noodles: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the egg noodles, cover the skillet, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine & Finish: Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted, creating a creamy sauce. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and let them heat through with the noodles for a couple of minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the warm chicken and buttered noodles immediately.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- You can substitute egg noodles with any pasta of your choice, but keep an eye on cooking time.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less creamy.
- Adding vegetables like peas or spinach in step 2 can brighten up the dish and add nutrition.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
