One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles %

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Picture this: tender, juicy chicken nestled alongside perfectly cooked noodles, all swimming in a rich, creamy sauce. This one-pan wonder combines the comfort of buttered noodles with succulent chicken, and the best part? It all comes together in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Whether you’re a busy parent or simply love efficient cooking, this recipe will become your new weeknight favorite.

Pure Comfort

There’s something magical about the combination of pasta and cream sauce that speaks directly to the soul. This dish takes that comfort factor to new heights by adding perfectly seasoned chicken and turning everything into a cohesive, satisfying meal. The noodles soak up the savory chicken flavors while cooking, creating an experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

What You Need

For this cozy creation, gather 4 chicken breasts, 8 ounces of egg noodles, 3 tablespoons butter, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley for garnish. A large skillet with a lid will be your most important tool.

Time to Cook

Total time: 30 minutes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Steps to Make It

Season chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foamy
Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown
Remove chicken and set aside
In the same pan, add garlic and cook until fragrant
Pour in chicken broth, cream, and remaining seasonings
Add noodles and stir to combine
Return chicken to the pan, nestling it among the noodles
Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until noodles are tender
Stir in Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley

Make It Perfect

The key to perfection lies in the timing. Don’t overcook the chicken in the initial sear – it will continue cooking when returned to the pan. Keep an eye on the liquid levels while the noodles cook; if they seem dry, add a splash more broth. The sauce should be creamy but not too thick.

Mix It Up

Get creative with your protein choice – try this with shrimp for a 15-minute version, or use chicken thighs for extra richness. The noodle options are endless too; penne, fettuccine, or rotini all work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Perfect Partners

Serve alongside roasted broccoli or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. A chunk of crusty bread for sauce-soaking is never a bad idea. For wine lovers, a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Busy Day Hero

This recipe shines on hectic evenings. Prep the ingredients in the morning, and dinner will come together in a flash. The single-pan approach means you can help with homework or take that important call while dinner simmers away.

Work Ahead

Season the chicken and measure ingredients earlier in the day. You can even slice the chicken into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time. The dish reheats beautifully, so consider making it when you have a few extra minutes.

Save Some For Later

Leftovers stay good for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s silky texture. The flavors often deepen overnight, making day-two dinner even more delicious.

Everyone’s Happy

Kids love the familiar comfort of buttered noodles, while adults appreciate the sophisticated flavors. It’s easily customizable for picky eaters – serve the chicken separately or adjust seasoning levels to taste.

Good For You Too

While creamy and comforting, this dish provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates. Use whole grain noodles for added fiber, or lighten it up with half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The one-pan cooking method helps retain nutrients that might be lost when draining pasta water.

Easy Clean Up

The beauty of one-pan cooking shines here – just one skillet to wash! Pro tip: Fill the pan with hot water while you eat to make cleanup even easier. Any stuck-on bits will lift right off.

Switch It Up

Transform this recipe throughout the seasons. Add fresh herbs and lemon zest in spring, sun-dried tomatoes in summer, mushrooms in fall, or root vegetables in winter. The basic technique remains the same while the flavors evolve.

Simply Perfect
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between easy and impressive, homey and sophisticated. It’s simple enough for Monday night but special enough for company.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich. For best results, use half-and-half as a minimum.
Why are my noodles taking longer to cook?
Different brands and types of pasta have varying cooking times. Adjust liquid amounts and cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and adjust cooking time as needed.
Why did my sauce break?
Keep heat at a gentle simmer and avoid boiling once cream is added.
Can I freeze this dish?
While possible, cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. Best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook during the initial sear, and ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
What’s the best pan to use?
A large (12-inch) skillet with high sides and a lid works best.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles isn’t just a recipe – it’s a solution to busy weeknights that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or comfort. It’s proof that delicious, satisfying meals don’t require complicated techniques or endless cleanup. Master this versatile dish, and you’ll have a reliable go-to that pleases everyone at the table while keeping your kitchen time efficient and enjoyable.

Explore More Delicious Recipes

If you enjoyed the simplicity and flavor of this One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles, you’ll love discovering other crowd-pleasing recipes. Try the Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef for a rich, hearty option or the creamy indulgence of Crockpot Beef Tips and Noodles for a comforting meal. For a chicken variation, the zesty Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine is a must-try. Want more creamy dishes? Indulge in the baked goodness of Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Pasta Bake. For a soup twist, the cozy Garlic Parmesan Creamy Mushroom Rice Soup is perfect for chilly nights. Don’t miss the vibrant flavors of High Protein Grilled Chicken Alfredo Pasta or the irresistible Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce to spice up your weeknight dinners.