Looking for an easy dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup? This One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles is the ultimate solution. Juicy seared chicken breasts, tender egg noodles, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce come together in one skillet for a comforting, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish is full of creamy goodness and family-friendly flavor.
Why You’ll Love It
One-pan cleanup
Rich, creamy, and garlicky
Family-friendly and kid-approved
Perfect for weeknight dinners
Budget-friendly ingredients
Ingredients Breakdown
Protein & Main Flavor:
4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – The star protein, seared for a golden crust and juicy interior.
Salt and Pepper – Basic seasoning that enhances every layer of the dish.
Cooking Base:
2 tbsp Olive Oil – Used to sear the chicken and build the flavor base.
3 Garlic Cloves, Minced – Adds aromatic depth to the sauce.
Creamy Sauce & Pasta:
1 cup Heavy Cream – Creates a luxuriously smooth sauce.
2 cups Chicken Broth – Provides savory flavor and helps cook the noodles.
8 oz Egg Noodles – Tender and perfect for absorbing the creamy sauce.
Rich Finish:
3 tbsp Butter – Adds richness and silkiness to the sauce.
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese – Brings a nutty, salty depth to the dish.
Optional Garnish:
Fresh Parsley, Chopped – Adds a pop of color and a fresh finish.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with roasted green beans or steamed broccoli
Serve with garlic bread or a crisp side salad
Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
Tips for Success
Pound thicker chicken breasts for even cooking
Stir noodles occasionally to prevent sticking
Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and texture
For extra richness, add a splash more cream before serving
Variations
Add veggies: Toss in spinach, peas, or mushrooms
Make it cheesy: Stir in mozzarella or provolone for extra meltiness
Herb it up: Add thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for more depth
Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked shredded chicken
Storage & Reheating
Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce
Freeze: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! Short pasta like rotini or penne also works—just adjust the cooking time.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can cook the chicken ahead and store it separately until ready to combine.
One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in egg noodles, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
- Mix in butter and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Warm for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle chicken with paprika or Italian seasoning before searing.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
- This dish tastes best served immediately while the noodles are tender and the sauce is creamy.
