A rustic skillet filled with golden-seared chicken breasts placed on a bed of buttery, Parmesan-infused egg noodles, garnished with fresh parsley, sitting on a wooden table.

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

by

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender, juicy chicken with rich, buttery noodles in a single pan. It’s a quick, comforting dinner option that cuts down on both cooking and cleanup time. The noodles soak up all the delicious flavors from the chicken and broth, while a touch of Parmesan and fresh parsley takes it to the next level. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy dinner idea, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Noodles:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 12 ounces egg noodles
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Sear the Chicken:
    Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Sauté Garlic:
    In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  4. Cook the Noodles:
    Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the egg noodles, ensuring they are evenly coated in the broth.
  5. Combine and Cook:
    Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet on top of the noodles. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom.
  6. Add Parmesan:
    Once the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the broth, remove the chicken from the skillet. Stir the Parmesan cheese into the noodles, mixing until fully incorporated.
  7. Serve:
    Slice the chicken if desired and serve it on top of the buttered noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 generous portions
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

This recipe is ideal for a quick dinner without compromising on taste.

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or crispy tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Gluten-Free Alternative: Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta and check that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
  • Cheesy Upgrade: Add a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella, Asiago, or Gouda for an extra creamy dish.
  • Spicy Twist: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish some heat.
  • Herbaceous Flavor: Experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or fresh basil for added depth.

Storage and Reheating

  • Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the noodles from drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini works well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and either omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese substitute.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Of course! Toss in spinach, peas, or broccoli florets during the last few minutes of cooking for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a simple yet satisfying recipe that brings comfort to your table in under 30 minutes. It’s versatile, flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, buttery noodles, and Parmesan cheese creates a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a regular in your rotation. Whether you follow the classic recipe or experiment with the variations, this meal guarantees smiles all around.