One-pan Chicken With Creamy Buttered Noodles Recipe

There's nothing better than a comforting bowl of One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles on a busy night. The rich, velvety sauce clings to tender egg noodles, while juicy, golden-browned chicken adds a hearty touch. Every bite is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and satisfying flavors.

I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I was craving something cozy but didn’t want to spend hours cooking. The idea of using just one pan for the whole meal was a game-changer, and after a few tweaks, this recipe became a staple in my kitchen. It’s now my go-to meal when I need something easy, delicious, and guaranteed to please the whole family.

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

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that checks all the right boxes—quick, easy, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor.

First off, this is a true one-pan meal, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup. Everything, from browning the chicken to simmering the noodles in a rich, creamy sauce, happens in a single skillet.

It’s also quick and beginner-friendly. This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. If you can chop chicken and stir a sauce, you can make this dish with ease.

Not to mention, it’s budget-friendly. Simple pantry staples like butter, garlic, and broth transform into a luxurious sauce that tastes like something from a restaurant.

And finally, this meal is endlessly versatile. Swap the chicken for shrimp, toss in some mushrooms or spinach, or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. No matter how you tweak it, it’s always delicious.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles lies in a few key ingredients that come together beautifully.

Chicken – I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs stay extra juicy and tender, but if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work just as well.

Egg noodles – These soft, buttery noodles soak up the sauce perfectly. Their light texture makes them ideal for creamy dishes, but if you don’t have them on hand, fettuccine or rotini can work in a pinch.

Butter and garlic – This duo forms the backbone of the flavor. The butter adds richness, while garlic infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic depth.

Chicken broth and heavy cream – These two create the perfect balance between creaminess and lightness. The broth keeps the sauce from being too heavy, while the cream gives it a luxurious texture.

Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a salty, umami boost. Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly, so opt for a block and grate it yourself.

You’ll also need a large skillet with a lid, which allows the noodles to cook right in the pan without needing a separate pot.

How To Make This One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles

Cooking this dish is incredibly simple, and everything happens in one pan for maximum ease.

Start by heating a generous pat of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add your diced chicken and season it with salt and pepper. Let it sear undisturbed for a few minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of butter along with minced garlic. Let the garlic cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Once the liquid starts to simmer, add the egg noodles directly into the pan. Stir them gently to ensure they’re evenly submerged. Cover the pan with a lid and let the noodles cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and have absorbed most of the sauce.

When the noodles are tender, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Finally, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for an added touch of indulgence.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! This dish stores well and makes for an easy next-day meal.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of broth or milk when reheating will bring it back to life.

To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent the sauce from separating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to tweak it based on what you have on hand.

Want to make it lighter? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt.

For extra veggies, stir in spinach, mushrooms, or peas just before adding the Parmesan cheese.

Not a fan of chicken? Try this dish with shrimp or even sliced sausage for a different protein option.

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

No egg noodles? Use fettuccine, rotini, or even orzo for a fun twist on the classic.

Experimenting with flavors is part of the fun—this recipe is your canvas, so feel free to make it your own!

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