One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the kind of comforting, no-fuss meal that feels both cozy and quietly elegant.

Tender, golden-seared chicken is nestled into silky, butter-enriched noodles that cook right in a creamy, garlicky sauce, allowing every strand to soak up rich flavor.

With everything coming together in a single pan, this dish delivers the warmth of a homemade classic while keeping the process simple, relaxed, and perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back family dinners.

Why People Will Love This One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles:

True one-pan convenience – Everything cooks in a single skillet, saving time, reducing cleanup, and making this dish perfect for busy nights.

Comfort food at its best – Creamy, buttery noodles paired with tender chicken deliver a warm, soothing meal that feels familiar and satisfying.

Rich flavor without complexity – Simple ingredients like garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan come together to create a deeply flavorful sauce with minimal effort.

Perfect texture balance – Golden-seared chicken contrasts beautifully with soft, silky noodles coated in a luscious sauce.

Family-friendly appeal – Mild, comforting flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults, while still feeling elevated enough for grown-up tastes.

Quick yet impressive – The dish comes together fast but looks and tastes like something that took much longer to prepare.

Versatile and adaptable – Easy to customize with vegetables, herbs, or different pasta shapes without changing the core method.

Reliable, no-fail results – Straightforward steps and forgiving ingredients make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Leftovers reheat beautifully – The sauce stays creamy when reheated gently, making this a great option for next-day meals.

Key Ingredients:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean yet tender protein that sears quickly and stays juicy when gently simmered back into the sauce, making the dish satisfying without feeling heavy.

Olive oil forms the flavor base for browning the chicken, adding subtle richness and helping create those golden, savory edges that build depth from the very first step.

Garlic brings warmth and aromatic intensity, infusing the cream-based sauce with savory notes that elevate the dish without overpowering its comforting nature.

Chicken broth acts as both a cooking liquid and flavor enhancer, allowing the noodles to absorb savory depth as they cook while keeping the sauce balanced.

Heavy cream gives the sauce its signature silkiness, creating a luxurious coating that clings to the noodles and ties the chicken and pasta together.

Egg noodles are ideal for this recipe because of their tender texture and ability to soak up sauce, ensuring every bite is creamy and satisfying.

Butter adds richness and a smooth, glossy finish, rounding out the sauce and enhancing the overall comfort-food quality of the dish.

Parmesan cheese contributes a nutty, salty depth that thickens the sauce naturally and adds complexity without overwhelming the other flavors.

Fresh parsley provides a bright, herbal finish that balances the richness and adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Expert Tips:

Pound the chicken slightly for even cooking
Lightly flattening the chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy, preventing dry edges and undercooked centers.

Season the chicken generously before searing
Proper seasoning at the start builds flavor from the inside out and creates a well-balanced final dish without needing excess salt later.

Sear, don’t rush
Let the chicken develop a golden crust before flipping. That caramelization adds depth and prevents the meat from sticking to the pan.

Lower the heat before adding garlic
Garlic burns quickly. Reducing the heat slightly keeps it fragrant and sweet rather than bitter.

Use warm broth and cream
Adding cold liquids can shock the pan and slow cooking. Slightly warmed liquids help maintain a smooth, cohesive sauce.

Stir noodles gently and occasionally
Gentle stirring keeps noodles from sticking while preserving their shape and preventing the sauce from becoming gluey.

Taste before adding cheese
Parmesan is naturally salty. Always taste the sauce first to avoid over-seasoning.

Finish with butter off the heat
Stirring in butter at the end creates a silkier sauce and a glossy finish without breaking the cream.

Rest briefly before serving
A short 2–3 minute rest allows the sauce to thicken naturally and cling better to the noodles.

Garnish thoughtfully
Fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon brightens the richness and keeps the dish from feeling heavy.

One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts — 4

Olive oil — 2 tablespoons

Garlic — 3 cloves, finely minced

Chicken broth — 2 cups

Heavy cream — 1 cup

Egg noodles — 8 ounces

Butter — 3 tablespoons

Parmesan cheese — ¼ cup, freshly grated

Salt and black pepper — to taste

Fresh parsley — chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the pan.

Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Reduce the heat slightly. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

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Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Add the egg noodles to the skillet, stirring so they are fully submerged in the liquid.

Cover the pan and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and warm through for about 1 minute.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Note: Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup quick and easy.

Important Notes When Making One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles:

Pan size matters
Use a wide, deep skillet so the noodles can fully submerge and cook evenly without overcrowding.

Control the simmer
Keep the liquid at a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil. High heat can cause the cream to separate and the noodles to cook unevenly.

Avoid overcooking the noodles
Egg noodles cook quickly. Check them early and often so they stay tender, not mushy.

Liquid absorption varies
Different noodle brands absorb liquid at different rates. Keep extra broth or water on hand to adjust consistency if needed.

Salt cautiously
Parmesan and broth add saltiness. Always taste before adding more salt, especially near the end.

Chicken reheats best gently
Overheating can dry out the chicken. Warm leftovers slowly with a splash of broth or cream.

Sauce thickens as it cools
The sauce will naturally tighten after cooking. If it seems loose at first, give it a minute before adjusting.

One-pan timing is key
Removing the chicken early and returning it at the end prevents it from overcooking while the noodles finish.

Best enjoyed fresh
While leftovers are good, the dish shines most when served immediately, when the noodles are perfectly coated and the sauce is silky.

How to Enjoy One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles After Cooking

Let It Rest Briefly

Once the dish is finished, allow it to rest for 2–3 minutes off the heat. This short pause helps the sauce thicken slightly and cling better to the noodles, creating a more cohesive texture.

Serve While Warm and Creamy

This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm, when the noodles are silky and the sauce is smooth and glossy. Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, comforting presentation.

Slice or Leave the Chicken Whole

Sliced: Cutting the chicken into strips makes it easier to eat and allows more sauce to coat each piece.

Whole: Leaving the chicken breasts intact creates a hearty, comforting look and keeps them extra juicy.

Balance with Fresh Elements

Because the dish is rich, pairing it with something fresh enhances the overall experience:

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, green beans, asparagus)
A squeeze of lemon over the noodles to brighten the flavors

Customize at the Table

Let everyone personalize their plate:

Extra grated Parmesan for depth
Fresh cracked black pepper
Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Additional chopped parsley for freshness

Enjoy as a Cozy One-Bowl Meal

Serve the chicken and noodles together in shallow bowls so the sauce pools around the pasta. This makes every bite warm, creamy, and satisfying.

Reheat with Care for Leftovers

Warm leftovers gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s silky texture. Stir slowly to avoid breaking the noodles.

Savor the Comfort

Take your time with this dish. It’s meant to be relaxed, soothing, and indulgent—the kind of meal that feels like a quiet reward at the end of the day.

Nutrition Information:

(Values are approximate per serving, assuming the recipe serves 4.)

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of meal is this best suited for?
This dish is ideal for cozy weeknight dinners, casual family meals, or anytime you want comforting food without a lot of cleanup. It feels indulgent yet approachable.

Is this recipe considered comfort food or a lighter meal?
It leans strongly toward comfort food thanks to the creamy sauce and buttered noodles, but it still feels balanced because of the lean chicken and moderate portion size.

Can this dish be served on its own or does it need sides?
It’s a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a light salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted greens to balance the richness.

Does the dish taste very rich or heavy?
While creamy and satisfying, the garlic, broth, and Parmesan keep the sauce savory rather than overly heavy. A touch of fresh herbs or lemon can brighten it further.

Is this a good option for leftovers?
Yes. Leftovers reheat well when warmed gently with a splash of broth or cream, making it a great choice for next-day lunches or dinners.

Why is the chicken removed from the pan before cooking the noodles?
Removing the chicken prevents it from overcooking and drying out while the noodles simmer. Adding it back at the end keeps the meat tender and juicy.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?
Yes, but egg noodles work best because they cook quickly and absorb sauce evenly. If using another pasta, adjust the liquid and cooking time as needed.

How do I keep the cream sauce from separating?
Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a boil. High heat can cause dairy to break, so steady, moderate heat is key.

What should I do if the noodles absorb too much liquid?
Simply add a splash of warm chicken broth or water and stir gently until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

How do I know when the dish is ready to serve?
The noodles should be tender but not mushy, the sauce should coat them smoothly, and the chicken should be heated through without simmering again.