One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles Recipe 🍗🍝
This One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles is an easy and comforting dinner, combining juicy chicken, rich buttery noodles, and a creamy Parmesan sauce—all made in one skillet for minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Noodles
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook the Noodles
- Stir in the egg noodles, making sure they are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the skillet and let the noodles cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until they reach the desired tenderness.
4. Combine Everything
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, allowing them to warm through for 2 minutes.
5. Serve
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve warm, making sure to spoon plenty of creamy sauce over the chicken and noodles.
30 Popular Questions & Answers About One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles
General Questions
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and add extra flavor. -
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti can replace egg noodles. -
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Stir occasionally and make sure there is enough liquid. -
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
Use Romano or Asiago cheese as substitutes. -
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, spinach, peas, mushrooms, or broccoli would be delicious additions.
Ingredient Questions
-
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk with a little extra butter works well. -
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but add it toward the end just to warm it up. -
Do I have to use fresh garlic?
No, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. -
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, but chicken broth gives a richer flavor. -
Can I add more cheese?
Of course! Adding extra cheese will make the sauce even richer.
Cooking Questions
-
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F (75°C) internally. -
Do I need to cook the noodles separately?
No, they cook right in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors. -
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water. -
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. -
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, but add the noodles in the last 20 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
Serving & Storage Questions
-
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. -
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but the noodles may get a little softer upon reheating. -
How do I reheat leftovers?
Heat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth. -
What side dishes go well with this meal?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. -
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything up to the point of adding the chicken back, then reheat when ready to serve.
Customization Questions
-
Can I add mushrooms?
Yes, sauté them with the garlic before adding the broth. -
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use coconut milk and dairy-free cheese. -
Can I make this low-carb?
Yes, swap noodles for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. -
What herbs can I add for extra flavor?
Thyme, oregano, or basil complement the dish beautifully. -
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly grated melts better, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
Troubleshooting Questions
-
What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a little more broth or cream to loosen it up. -
Why is my chicken dry?
It may have been overcooked—check internal temp with a meat thermometer. -
What if I don’t have a large skillet?
Use a Dutch oven or deep pan. -
Can I use a different type of butter?
Yes, garlic butter or herb butter adds extra flavor. -
What if my sauce isn’t creamy enough?
Add a bit more Parmesan or an extra tablespoon of butter.
30 Tips to Make One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles Even More Delicious
Flavor Enhancements
- Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a deeper flavor.
- Add lemon zest for a fresh twist.
- Stir in cooked bacon bits for extra richness.
- Use smoked paprika to enhance the seasoning.
- Add white wine before the broth for extra depth.
Ingredient Swaps
- Swap egg noodles for fettuccine for a restaurant-style dish.
- Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Replace Parmesan with Gruyère or Fontina for extra creaminess.
- Try ground chicken or turkey instead of whole chicken breasts.
- Add spinach for a healthy boost.
Cooking Tips
- Sear the chicken until golden brown for extra texture.
- Let the sauce simmer uncovered for a richer consistency.
- Don’t overcook the noodles—test for doneness early.
- Always let the chicken rest before slicing.
- Stir the noodles frequently to prevent sticking.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Double the recipe and freeze half for later.
- Store leftovers in single-serving containers for easy reheating.
- Keep extra sauce on hand to refresh leftovers.
- Use a vacuum-sealed bag for long-term freezing.
- Reheat with a little extra butter for freshness.
Creative Additions
- Drizzle with truffle oil for a gourmet touch.
- Add sautéed onions for a sweet and savory boost.
- Top with fried shallots for crunch.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy contrast.
- Garnish with shaved Parmesan for a fancier look.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with a side of roasted asparagus.
- Pair with a chilled glass of Chardonnay.
- Spoon extra sauce over mashed potatoes.
- Serve in a hollowed-out bread bowl.
- Top with fresh basil for a burst of color.
This One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles is the perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy, delicious, and comforting! 🍗🍝✨