One-pan Chicken With Creamy Buttered Noodles Recipe

There's something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy, buttery noodles paired with tender, juicy chicken. This One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles is the ultimate weeknight dinner—easy to make, packed with flavor, and best of all, requires minimal cleanup!

this Recipe

I first made this dish on a night when I had absolutely no energy left for an elaborate meal. With just a handful of pantry staples and a single pan, I managed to create something so delicious, my family immediately asked for it again the next day. Now, it’s become a regular on our dinner table, and I’m sure it will be on yours too.

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

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort meal. This dish checks all the right boxes for a stress-free, satisfying dinner.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just one pan, you’ll cook the chicken, simmer the noodles, and create a rich, creamy sauce—all in under 30 minutes.

Second, it’s budget-friendly. You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just simple staples like chicken, butter, garlic, broth, and noodles. It’s a great way to feed a family without breaking the bank.

Third, it’s packed with flavor. The combination of butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese gives the noodles a luxurious, creamy texture with a rich, savory taste that perfectly complements the tender chicken.

Finally, it’s endlessly versatile. You can switch up the protein, add veggies, or tweak the seasonings to match your family’s preferences. This recipe is a blank canvas for all kinds of delicious variations!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component works together to create a comforting and satisfying meal.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work beautifully here, cooking up tender and juicy. You can also use boneless thighs if you prefer a richer, more succulent bite.

Egg Noodles: These cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully, giving you a rich, buttery base for the dish. You can swap them for fettuccine or even rotini if that’s what you have on hand.

Butter & Garlic: The backbone of the sauce. Butter adds richness, while garlic infuses a deep, savory aroma that elevates the entire dish.

Chicken Broth & Heavy Cream: The broth provides a flavorful cooking liquid for the noodles, while heavy cream gives the sauce a luscious, velvety texture. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half.

Parmesan Cheese: A must for that perfect umami punch. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, enhancing the creamy texture and adding depth of flavor.

A large skillet with a lid is ideal for this recipe, ensuring even cooking and minimal mess.

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

Creating this dish is easier than you might think. Let’s walk through the process step by step.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a generous pat of butter and let it melt until slightly foamy. Place the chicken breasts in the pan, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

In the same pan, add more butter along with minced garlic, stirring until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This step helps infuse the butter with deep, garlicky goodness, which forms the foundation of the sauce.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the egg noodles, making sure they are fully submerged in the broth. Cover the pan and let the noodles cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they don’t stick.

Once the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. This is when the magic happens—the sauce thickens, coating every noodle in velvety richness.

Slice the cooked chicken breasts and nestle them back into the pan, letting them soak up all that creamy, buttery goodness for a couple of minutes before serving.

From start to finish, this meal takes around 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you’ll be happy to know this dish stores well. Allow the noodles and chicken to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but you can loosen it up with a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.

Freeze: For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm leftovers gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a bit of liquid (broth or cream) to bring back the creamy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Use a different protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even leftover rotisserie chicken to make this dish even quicker.

Add veggies: Stir in baby spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrition and color. You can also sauté bell peppers or zucchini with the garlic for added texture.

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a little kick.

Go lighter: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk for a slightly less rich version. You can also use low-fat cheese to cut down on calories.

Try a different cheese: While Parmesan is classic, you can experiment with Asiago, Gruyère, or even a touch of sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.

This recipe is all about making it your own, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect version. No matter how you tweak it, one thing’s for sure—this One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles will always be a hit!

Print