My daughter stopped by last weekend with her three kids in tow—each one with a bottomless appetite and an endless stream of energy. By the time they’d galloped through my living room, tugged every curtain, and demanded every snack, I knew I needed to cook something hearty, fast, and loved by everyone. But here’s the catch—no mess, and no time to prep something elaborate. That’s when my “old reliable” came to mind: One-Pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles.
I first made this dish on a weeknight in 1987. I’d come home late from parent-teacher conferences, and all I had in the fridge were a few chicken breasts, cream, a half-bag of egg noodles, and an idea. It came together like magic. Over the years, I’ve played with it a bit—adding garlic here, a splash of broth there—but it’s never failed me. My husband called it his “comfort bowl,” and my grandkids now call it “Nana’s Chicken Twirls.”
What I love most isn’t just the creamy richness or the juicy, tender chicken—it’s the way the flavors soak into every swirl of noodle. And how it hugs the soul after a long day. Today, I still turn to this one-pan wonder when life is busy and bellies need filling.
Short Description
A creamy, savory one-pan chicken noodle dish featuring juicy seared chicken breasts, rich Parmesan cream sauce, and tender egg noodles—all cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup and maximum comfort.
Key Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Tools Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan with a lid
- Tongs or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Don’t let it brown too much or it may taste bitter.
Step 3: Add Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to loosen any browned bits from the bottom—these add depth of flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles to the skillet. Cover with a lid and let them cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The noodles should become tender and soak up some of the liquid.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese. Let them melt fully into the sauce, turning it velvety and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
Step 6: Return the Chicken
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan, nestling it into the creamy noodles. Warm through for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if using.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Serve directly from the skillet—family style—while it’s warm and fragrant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– One pan means less cleanup, more joy
– Creamy and comforting without being too heavy
– Ready in under 30 minutes
– Kid-approved, adult-loved
– Great for weeknights and leftovers
– Flexible and easy to adapt
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Mistake: Overcooked Chicken
Solution: Use a meat thermometer and remove chicken at 165°F. Let it rest while finishing the noodles to keep it juicy.
Mistake: Undercooked Noodles
Solution: Stir occasionally while simmering. Add a splash of broth if the liquid gets too low before the noodles are tender.
Mistake: Grainy Sauce
Solution: Stir in the Parmesan off the heat or at low heat to keep it smooth.
Mistake: Too Salty
Solution: Go light on the salt until after adding cheese and broth (which are already salty).
Mistake: Burnt Garlic
Solution: Lower the heat before adding garlic. Just a quick sauté is enough.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this dish as a hearty main on chilly evenings or casual family dinners. Pair it with:
– A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette
– Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
– A glass of chilled Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon
– Dinner rolls or crusty garlic bread for scooping up that sauce
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat on Stove: Add a splash of milk or cream and reheat on low until warmed through, stirring often.
Microwave: Cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, rotini or penne work well too. Just adjust the cook time and liquid slightly as needed.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and a dairy-free butter alternative. Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan version.
3. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Peas, spinach, or mushrooms can be stirred in during the noodle stage for extra nutrients.
4. How can I make this more flavorful?
Try adding Italian seasoning, a pinch of chili flakes, or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end.
5. Is this good for meal prep?
Yes. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week. The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.
Tips & Tricks
Slice the chicken thinly before returning to the pan for quicker warming.
Stir the noodles gently while cooking to prevent breakage.
Freshly grated Parmesan gives a smoother melt than pre-shredded.
Let the sauce rest for a minute off the heat to thicken slightly.
Garnish with parsley or lemon zest for a fresh finish.
Recipe Variations
Lemon Herb Chicken Noodles
Add 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest with the broth. Use Italian seasoning or fresh thyme for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Spicy Cajun Chicken Noodles
Season chicken with Cajun spice before searing. Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika and 1/4 tsp cayenne to the sauce for a bold, smoky twist.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Noodles
Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms after removing the chicken. Let them brown before adding garlic and continuing the recipe.
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Noodles
Swap chicken for 1 lb shrimp. Cook shrimp until pink (about 2–3 minutes per side), remove, and proceed with the recipe as written.
Final Thoughts
This recipe brings me back to the comforting rhythm of weeknight dinners when the house was loud, the clock was ticking, and everyone needed something warm to come home to. What makes it special isn’t just the creamy sauce or the tender chicken—it’s how it brings people together. It’s the kind of meal that makes the table feel fuller, both with food and conversation.
Even now, when the kids are grown and I’m blogging instead of grading papers, I find myself turning to this one-pan meal. It’s dependable, satisfying, and filled with the kind of flavor that makes people ask for seconds. If you’re looking for a dish that fits into your real life—hectic evenings, last-minute plans, or just an empty fridge—you’ll find this one earns its place in your kitchen too.
One-Pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles
Print ThisIngredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and 165°F inside. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Reduce heat, add minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Broth and Cream
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to lift browned bits. Simmer gently.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Add egg noodles, cover, and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Stir in butter and Parmesan until melted. Adjust thickness by adding broth/cream or simmering uncovered.
Step 6: Return the Chicken
Slice chicken, add back to skillet, and warm for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with parsley.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Serve straight from the skillet while warm.
