One-pan Chicken With Creamy Buttered Noodles Recipe

The Best One-Pan Chicken With Creamy Buttered Noodles Recipe

Comfort arrives in the most delightful way with this one-pan chicken with creamy buttered noodles that promises pure culinary bliss.

Tender chicken and silky pasta dance together in a single skillet, creating magic with minimal cleanup.

The recipe combines simplicity and decadence in every single bite.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick yet satisfying, and this dish delivers precisely that.

Succulent chicken nestles perfectly alongside buttery, rich noodles that melt in your mouth.

Each forkful promises a burst of creamy, savory goodness that will make everyone at the table smile.

Let’s dive into a meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner experience.

Pro Tips for the Creamiest Buttered Noodles

  • Marinate chicken in herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of taste before cooking.
  • Avoid overcooking egg noodles by checking them a minute before the recommended cooking time to maintain a tender, al dente consistency.
  • Slowly add cheese and cream off direct heat to prevent separation and ensure a silky, smooth sauce.
  • Swap egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of the dish.
  • Cook extra chicken and sauce, storing separately in the refrigerator for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

Variations for Chicken and Noodles Dishes

  • Gluten-Free Zoodle Version: Replace egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative. Use gluten-free chicken broth and season zoodles with herbs for extra flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Use olive oil margarine to maintain creamy texture while keeping the dish dairy-free.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Variation: Add dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary to chicken seasoning. Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and include chopped spinach in the sauce for Mediterranean flair.

Serving Ideas for One-Pan Chicken and Noodles

  • Family Dinner Favorite: Serve this hearty dish with a crisp green salad and roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love.
  • Cozy Comfort Plate: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley on top to enhance flavors and add a beautiful touch of color to the creamy noodles.
  • Protein Power-Up: Pair with a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans to boost nutritional value and create a balanced, satisfying dinner that keeps everyone full and happy.
  • Leftover Magic: Store any remaining chicken and noodles in an airtight container for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats quickly and tastes just as good as the night before.

Storing Creamy Buttered Noodles with Chicken

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate chicken and noodles to prevent soggy texture.
  • Place chicken and noodles on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring noodles between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness.
  • Warm chicken and noodles in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

  • Is it possible to make this dish healthier?

Absolutely! Use whole wheat noodles, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, and choose skinless chicken breasts to reduce calories.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

  • Can I add vegetables to this one-pan meal?

Definitely! Sauté some spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers in the skillet before adding noodles to boost nutrition and add more flavor to the dish.

Why You’ll Love One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles

  • Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delicious meal in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and saving precious evening time for family moments.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy noodles and perfectly seasoned chicken create a universally loved dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its rich, familiar flavors.
  • Flexible Cooking Technique: Easily adaptable recipe allows for simple ingredient swaps or additions, making it perfect for using what's already in your kitchen and catering to different taste preferences.
  • Minimal Skill Required: Straightforward cooking steps make this recipe beginner-friendly, ensuring even novice home cooks can achieve a restaurant-quality meal with confidence.

Everything Needed for Chicken and Creamy Noodles

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that forms the centerpiece of this comforting one-pan meal.
Noodle Base:
  • Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that provides a soft and satisfying foundation for the creamy sauce.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic seasonings that add depth and zest to the chicken.
  • Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the noodles and infuses additional taste.
  • Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and velvety texture to the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty note that complements the creamy sauce.
Cooking Base:
  • Olive Oil: Used to cook the chicken and prevent sticking in the skillet.

One-Pan Cooking Steps for Creamy Chicken Noodles

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with a blend of salt, ground black pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring every inch is well-seasoned for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Golden Protein

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the pan, cooking until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior and are completely cooked through.

Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 3: Boil the Noodle Base

In the same skillet used for chicken, pour in chicken broth and bring to a rolling boil.

Add egg noodles and cook until they reach a tender, delightful consistency, absorbing all the delicious flavors left behind from the chicken.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Magic

Reduce the skillet’s heat to low.

Add:
  • Butter
  • Heavy cream
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Gently stir the ingredients until they meld into a smooth, luxurious sauce that coats the noodles with rich, velvety goodness.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy noodles.

Allow everything to warm together for a minute, ensuring the chicken is heated through and perfectly integrated with the sauce.

Serve immediately while hot and incredibly inviting.

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One-pan Chicken With Creamy Buttered Noodles Recipe

One-pan Chicken With Creamy Buttered Noodles Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting one-pan chicken with creamy buttered noodles brings Italian-inspired simplicity to weeknight dinners. Succulent chicken and silky pasta meld into a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Liquid and Dairy Components:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (0.5 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Pasta:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles

Instructions

  1. Generously coat chicken breasts with a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even coverage.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F), then carefully place seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate, keeping warm and retaining skillet juices.
  4. Pour chicken broth into the same skillet, bringing to a rapid boil within 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add egg noodles to the boiling broth, stirring occasionally and cooking for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low and introduce butter, allowing it to melt completely and coat the noodles.
  7. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, creating a silky base, and sprinkle Parmesan cheese while continuously stirring.
  8. Gently combine ingredients until sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
  9. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it atop the creamy noodles to reheat and blend flavors.
  10. Serve immediately, ensuring each plate receives a generous portion of chicken and luxuriously coated noodles.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are evenly seasoned for maximum flavor absorption and consistent taste in every bite.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
  • Use room temperature butter and cream for smoother, more even sauce consistency and quicker melting.
  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, reducing calories while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 575 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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