What Makes Easy One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles So Special
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you combine tender chicken, silky egg noodles, and a rich, buttery sauce all in one pan. The garlic and Parmesan melt into a creamy dream, and the whole house smells like a hug. It’s the answer to that age-old question: what’s the easiest way to make a comforting dinner that feels like a treat?
This recipe for Easy One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles reminds me of the simple, hearty meals my grandmother used to whip up after a long day—no fuss, just pure, honest goodness from a single skillet. It’s the kind of dish that proves you don’t need a mountain of pots and pans to create something truly memorable around the family table.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Easy One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken chunks generously with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. This first step is where you build the foundational flavor for your entire skillet noodles dish.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to foam slightly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for just about 1 minute, until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and give it a good stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—you’ll see small bubbles forming around the edges of the pan.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles
Add the dry egg noodles directly to the skillet, making sure to submerge them in the liquid. Let them cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The noodles will become tender and the sauce will thicken up beautifully.
Step 7: Bring It All Together
Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and everything is perfectly combined into a creamy chicken noodles masterpiece.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Easy One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese for good measure. Serve immediately while it’s hot and comforting.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Every family has its own little secrets in the kitchen, and after making this one pot chicken pasta countless times, I’ve picked up a few of my own. Here are some ways to make this recipe truly yours.
- Flavor Swap: For a different twist, swap the Italian seasoning for a teaspoon of dried herbs de Provence or simply use dried thyme.
- Diet Tweak: To lighten it up, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit less rich.
- Prep Fix: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken. Just stir it in during the last few minutes to heat through.
- Storage Tip: Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken, so add a splash of broth when reheating to bring back the creamy consistency.
Healthier Alternatives for Easy One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles
I often get asked, “Can I make this creamy one-pan chicken and noodles a bit healthier?” Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You can use whole wheat egg noodles for extra fiber, or even chickpea pasta for a protein boost.
For a lighter sauce, swap the heavy cream for whole milk or half-and-half, though keep in mind it won’t be quite as indulgent. You can also amp up the veggies—stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach right at the end, or add some sautéed mushrooms along with the garlic.
How to Serve Easy One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles
This dish is a complete meal all on its own, straight from the skillet. But I love to round it out with a simple side. A crisp, green salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the buttered chicken noodles perfectly.
In our house, we often enjoy it with some steamed green beans or roasted asparagus. And for a truly nostalgic touch, nothing beats a slice of crusty bread for mopping up every last bit of that delicious, creamy sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the easiest way to make one-pan chicken and noodles?
The easiest way is to follow this recipe for Easy One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles! The true secret to simplicity is cooking everything in a single skillet. You build layers of flavor without creating a pile of dishes, making cleanup an absolute breeze.
Can I use different pasta for buttered noodles with chicken?
You certainly can! While wide egg noodles are classic, other short pasta like fusilli, penne, or farfalle work wonderfully in this one pot chicken pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package directions for the pasta you choose.
How do you keep one-pan chicken and noodles from getting dry?
The key is not to overcook the noodles and to use the right liquid-to-pasta ratio. This recipe is designed to create a perfectly creamy sauce. If you find the dish thickens too much upon standing, simply stir in a small splash of warm chicken broth or cream when reheating.
What sides go well with chicken and buttered noodles?
This easy chicken noodles dish is quite satisfying on its own. For balance, I love serving it with a light, acidic side like a simple arugula salad or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini. It’s all about that contrast of flavors and textures.
How long does it take to cook one-pan chicken pasta?
From start to finish, this Easy One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles comes together in about 30 minutes. The active cooking time is around 20 minutes, with just 10 minutes for quick prep. It’s a true weeknight lifesaver.
What kind of chicken is best for a one-pan noodle dish?
I find that boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into even chunks, work perfectly for a quick-cooking skillet noodles recipe. They cook through evenly and stay tender. Chicken thighs are also a fantastic option for even more flavor and juiciness.
Is it possible to make this recipe without butter?
Yes, if you need to avoid butter, you can substitute an equal amount of olive oil. The flavor profile will change slightly, becoming more savory and herbal, but you’ll still end up with a delicious and easy chicken noodles dinner.
