There’s something magical about a recipe that checks all the boxes: simple, satisfying, family-friendly, and ready in one skillet. This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles brings together juicy chicken breasts, tender egg noodles, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce—comfort food made effortlessly.
Why I Love This Recipe
Let’s face it: weeknights are chaotic. Between meetings, homework, and everything in between, a pile of dishes is the last thing anyone wants. That’s where this one-pan wonder steps in. It’s creamy, garlicky, and loaded with flavor, yet requires minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak with your favorite veggies or proteins.
If you’re a fan of sheet pan quesadillas or chicken enchiladas, this one’s going straight into your regular rotation.
📝 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
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
🥄 Ingredient Tips & Swaps
- Protein options: Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs, rotisserie chicken, or even shrimp.
- Cream alternative: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk if you want it a little lighter.
- Add-ins: Stir in peas, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for a veggie boost.
- Noodle choices: Egg noodles cook beautifully in cream, but fettuccine or rotini work too—just adjust liquid and cook time slightly.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Directions
1. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Simmer the Sauce & Noodles
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the egg noodles, stir, then cover with a lid and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
3. Make it Creamy
Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and a silky sauce forms. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth.
4. Combine & Serve
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it warm through for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot!
💡 Tips for Success
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for more consistent cooking.
- Taste and adjust: Always season the sauce at the end to balance saltiness from the cheese and broth.
- Avoid overcooking noodles: Remove from heat as soon as they’re al dente for best texture.
🍷 Serving Suggestions
- Pair this with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.
- A glass of chardonnay or a crisp sparkling water with lemon complements the creaminess perfectly.
- Want a crunchy side? Serve with garlic bread or a simple side salad.
Craving more weeknight comfort? You’ll love this cheesy Dorito Casserole—a crunchy, creamy, and easy dinner win.
🧊 Storage & Leftover Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as cream sauces can separate, but the cooked chicken alone freezes well.
🍽 More Recipes You’ll Love
- Chicken Enchiladas – Saucy, melty, and crowd-pleasing.
- Instant Pot Lasagna – All the layers, none of the wait.
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – Perfect for next-day meal planning.
- Dorito Casserole – Cheesy, crunchy, irresistible.
- Edible Cookie Dough – Because you deserve dessert after dinner.
🔚 Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a keeper. It’s cozy, creamy, and completely satisfying—with just one skillet to clean up. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Let us know how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your tweaks, and tag @ChefManiac when you post it. We love seeing your creations!
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