One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles – Simple, Flavorful, and Perfect for Busy Days

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for dinner ideas that don’t take forever to cook but still pack a punch in flavor. One of my absolute go-to recipes is One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. It’s quick, delicious, and requires minimal clean-up – which, let’s be honest, is always a win in my book.

This recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when you want something comforting and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s easy enough for anyone to make – even if you’re just starting to experiment with cooking.

Let me walk you through how to make this amazing dish that’ll become a staple in your meal rotation!

What Makes One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles So Special?

First off, I love recipes that are easy and quick to make without compromising on taste. This one-pan wonder combines perfectly seasoned chicken with tender buttered noodles, making it a complete meal that hits all the right notes.

But here’s the best part: since it’s all cooked in one pan, the clean-up is a breeze! It’s always nice when dinner is easy to cook and even easier to clean up after.

Another reason I love this recipe is that it’s so versatile. Whether you’re in the mood for chicken or want to switch things up with another protein, this dish can easily accommodate your preferences. It’s also customizable with different vegetables or pasta types – making it the kind of recipe that can easily become your go-to weeknight meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, I’ve kept things simple. You don’t need a ton of ingredients, just the basics that most kitchens already have. Here’s everything you’ll need to make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – If you prefer thighs, they work just as well, though they might take a little longer to cook.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – This adds a nice base for searing the chicken and gives the dish that wonderful richness.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – A little salt and pepper go a long way in seasoning your chicken and noodles. Don’t be afraid to be generous here!
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – The garlic flavor in this recipe is key to making everything come together.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – This complements the garlic and adds depth to the seasoning.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness and color to your chicken.
• 1 cup chicken broth – You can use vegetable broth if you prefer, but chicken broth gives it that rich, savory flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream – For the best creamy texture, this is a must. You can substitute it with half-and-half or milk, but it won’t be quite as rich.
• 8 oz egg noodles (or your favorite pasta) – Egg noodles cook quickly and work beautifully in this dish, but feel free to use penne, fusilli, or any pasta you have on hand.
• 1/4 cup butter – Adds richness and creaminess to the dish, taking it from good to amazing.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan gives this dish a nice cheesy finish that really brings all the flavors together.
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Totally optional, but I love it!

I like to keep this dish simple with just a few seasonings to let the flavors of the chicken and noodles shine. It’s amazing how much flavor you can get from just a handful of ingredients!

How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Alright, let’s get to cooking! This recipe is easy enough for even the busiest days. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts. I sprinkle both sides with a little salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. The seasoning is key to getting that tasty, golden crust on the chicken.

In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the chicken breasts. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as the chicken hits the pan – that’s a sign that you’re on the right track!

Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it’s fully cooked through and has a nice golden color. You’ll want the internal temperature of the chicken to reach 165°F for the best results. I usually use a meat thermometer just to be sure. No one wants undercooked chicken, right?

Once your chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest. Don’t worry about the little brown bits left in the pan – they’ll add tons of flavor to your noodles later!

Step 2: Make the Buttered Noodles

In the same skillet, add your chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. This is where all the flavor comes together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any of those browned bits left from the chicken. That’s pure flavor right there!

Once it’s simmering, add your noodles to the skillet. Stir them into the liquid so they’re evenly coated. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the noodles cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.

While the noodles are cooking, feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little more salt or garlic powder can make all the difference, so don’t be afraid to check in with your taste buds as you go!

Step 3: Add the Finishing Touches

Once the noodles are done and the liquid has mostly absorbed, it’s time to add the butter and Parmesan cheese. Stir them in until everything is nice and creamy. The butter really makes the noodles extra silky and smooth, while the Parmesan adds a delicious cheesy kick that brings everything together perfectly.

Now, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and add it back to the pan. Give everything a good stir to make sure the chicken gets coated in all that buttery goodness. If you want a little fresh pop of flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top. It not only adds a burst of color but also a touch of freshness that balances out the richness of the dish.

Tips for the Best One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

• Chicken Breasts vs. Thighs: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, but if you prefer thighs, feel free to swap them out! Just keep in mind that thighs may need a little longer to cook, so be sure to check their internal temperature before serving.
• Pasta Variations: While egg noodles work wonderfully in this dish, feel free to use any pasta you like. Penne or fettuccine would be great substitutes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
• Creaminess: Want to make the dish even creamier? Add a little more heavy cream or a splash of milk. You can also play with the amount of butter and cheese depending on how rich you want the sauce. The more cheese, the better, in my opinion!
• Make it a Meal: If you want to add more veggies to this dish, you could toss in some spinach, peas, or even sautéed mushrooms right before adding the chicken back in. I’ve made this with frozen peas, and it was delicious!
• Make Ahead: This dish is also perfect for meal prepping. You can cook everything in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

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

Not only is this dish incredibly easy, but it’s also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies, swap out different pasta shapes, or even make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. It’s a great base for a weeknight dinner, but fancy enough for a weekend meal when you want something special.

The best part? The kids will love it too. With the creamy noodles and tender chicken, it’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. And because it’s all cooked in one pan, you won’t be standing over the sink washing a pile of dishes afterward. That’s a big win!

Plus, if you’re feeding a family or having friends over, this dish can easily be doubled. Just make sure you have a big enough pan to handle the extra portions.

The Final Word

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles has become one of my go-to recipes because it’s everything I want in a meal: simple, quick, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a whole family, this dish is sure to impress.

I love how it all comes together in just one pan, making clean-up so much easier. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that just tastes like comfort food – rich, creamy, and packed with deliciousness. It’s definitely a recipe I turn to time and time again!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your skillet and give this amazing One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles a try. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you – and if you’ve got any tweaks to the recipe, I’d love to hear them!