Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-pan chicken and buttered noodles is the ultimate comfort meal—simple, hearty, and ready in less than an hour. It brings together juicy chicken pieces, golden and flavorful from searing, paired with tender egg noodles coated in rich, buttery goodness. The beauty of this dish lies in its convenience: everything is cooked in a single pan, which means fewer dishes and easy cleanup. The flavors are mild yet satisfying, making it a perfect family-friendly recipe that appeals to both kids and adults. With its combination of protein, carbs, and buttery richness, it stands alone as a complete meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish is both practical and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this one-pan wonder guarantees a deliciously satisfying dinner every time.
One-Pan Chicken and Buttered Noodles Recipe: Easy Comfort Food
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This one-pan chicken and buttered noodles recipe is a simple, comforting meal made with tender chicken, egg noodles, and a buttery garlic sauce—all cooked together for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional butter, optional for richness
Instructions
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add egg noodles and cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally, until tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Return chicken to the pan and stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add more butter if desired for extra creaminess.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.
- Add vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition.
- For a creamy twist, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan/Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts are the main protein, offering lean, tender bites that cook quickly and pair well with buttery noodles.
Egg noodles provide a soft, comforting base that absorbs the buttery sauce beautifully.
Butter coats the noodles, lending rich flavor and a silky finish.
Olive oil is used to sear the chicken, ensuring it cooks evenly and develops a golden crust.
Garlic infuses both the chicken and noodles with aromatic depth.
Chicken broth adds savory flavor and helps cook the noodles directly in the pan.
Onion brings mild sweetness and a layer of complexity to the dish.
Parsley is used as a garnish, brightening the flavors and adding freshness.
Salt and black pepper season the chicken and noodles to taste, enhancing all the flavors.
Parmesan cheese provides a finishing touch of nuttiness and richness.
Directions
Start by seasoning chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add egg noodles, stirring occasionally, and cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, then return to the pan with the noodles. Toss everything together, letting the chicken absorb the buttery sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking requires about 25 minutes, for a total of 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the noodles. Freezing is not recommended as the noodles may lose their texture.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy version – Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Herb-infused – Add thyme, basil, or rosemary for extra flavor.
Veggie boost – Toss in peas, spinach, or broccoli for added nutrition.
Cheese lover’s – Top with mozzarella or extra Parmesan for more cheesy goodness.
Spicy twist – Add red pepper flakes for a gentle heat.
Garlic lovers’ – Double the garlic for bolder flavor.
Protein swap – Use chicken thighs, shrimp, or even turkey instead of chicken breasts.
Lemon zest – Add a touch of lemon juice or zest for brightness.
Gluten-free – Use gluten-free noodles to adapt the recipe.
One-pot casserole – Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs add more juiciness and flavor to the dish.
Do I need to cook the noodles separately?
No, they cook directly in the broth for convenience.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, peas, spinach, or broccoli are great additions.
How do I prevent noodles from sticking?
Stir occasionally while simmering to keep them loose.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, short pastas like penne or rotini work well.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely—it’s mild, buttery, and very approachable.
Conclusion
One-pan chicken and buttered noodles is a comforting, satisfying meal that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. With tender chicken, buttery noodles, and a light garlic flavor, it is perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekends. Easy to customize with vegetables, herbs, or different proteins, this recipe is versatile enough to keep on repeat in your kitchen. Plus, with everything made in one pan, cleanup is quick and easy. This dish proves that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to create a meal that feels special.
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