One-pan Chicken With Creamy Buttered Noodles Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting taste of One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles on a busy weeknight. Juicy, golden-brown chicken meets rich, buttery noodles coated in a velvety, seasoned sauce—all made in a single pan for minimal cleanup.

I first stumbled upon this dish when looking for an easy way to satisfy my family's cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. What started as a simple combination of pantry staples quickly became one of our most requested dinners. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes!

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

Get ready to fall in love with this one-pan wonder. It's the perfect balance of flavor, convenience, and budget-friendliness.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. With everything cooking in the same pan, you’ll have fewer dishes to wash and a stress-free cleanup.

Second, it's packed with comforting flavors. The combination of buttery noodles, tender chicken, and a creamy, seasoned sauce makes this dish feel indulgent without being heavy.

Third, it's a budget-friendly meal. Using simple, inexpensive ingredients like chicken breast, butter, broth, and pasta means you can feed your family a delicious homemade meal without breaking the bank.

Finally, it's endlessly versatile. Swap out the protein, add veggies, or tweak the seasonings to match your personal taste.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, yet carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating a deliciously creamy, comforting meal.

Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breasts work just as well if you prefer a leaner option.

Butter: The foundation of the rich, silky sauce. Use high-quality unsalted butter to control the seasoning level, adding salt as needed.

Pasta: Egg noodles are the classic choice for this dish, as their tender texture absorbs the buttery sauce beautifully. However, fettuccine or rotini also work well.

Chicken broth: This forms the base of the sauce, adding both depth of flavor and the liquid needed to cook the pasta directly in the pan.

Heavy cream: A small amount of heavy cream gives the dish its signature velvety texture. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, half-and-half can be substituted, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

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

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

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt until it starts to foam. Then, add your seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

In the same pan, melt an additional tablespoon of butter, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add your uncooked egg noodles and toss them in the melted butter for a minute to coat them in flavor.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and let the noodles cook until they become tender and absorb most of the liquid.

Once the noodles are nearly done, stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the pan. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Finish with a final pat of butter for extra silkiness, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan for an extra touch of indulgence.

Storage Options

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers store well for easy meals later.

To refrigerate, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

To freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For reheating, warm the noodles over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between, and add a little extra liquid as needed.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ways to change it up:

• Swap the protein: Use shrimp, turkey, or even tofu instead of chicken.
• Add veggies: Stir in peas, spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Change the pasta: Instead of egg noodles, try penne, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute butter with olive oil and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

No matter how you customize it, this One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!

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