One-pan Chicken With Creamy Buttered Noodles Recipe

There's something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy buttered noodles, especially when paired with tender, golden-brown chicken. This One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles is the ultimate weeknight dinner—rich, satisfying, and effortlessly simple to make.

I first made this dish on a night when I had exactly zero energy left for cooking but still wanted a homemade meal. A single pan, a handful of pantry staples, and 30 minutes later, I had a creamy, buttery, soul-warming dinner that the whole family devoured. Now, it’s a regular in our meal rotation, and I bet it will be in yours too.

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

Get ready to add this recipe to your list of go-to meals. It’s everything you need in a dinner—quick, delicious, and made with minimal effort.

First off, it’s incredibly easy. This entire dish comes together in one pan, meaning fewer dishes to wash and more time to relax after dinner.

It’s also packed with comforting flavors. The combination of butter, garlic, and cream creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats every bite of noodles and chicken.

Need a budget-friendly meal? This recipe uses simple, inexpensive ingredients like chicken thighs, egg noodles, butter, and broth, making it an affordable way to feed the whole family.

And let’s not forget versatility! You can customize it by adding your favorite veggies, swapping the protein, or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what makes it work so well:

Chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender, even after simmering in the creamy sauce. If you prefer chicken breasts, just be sure not to overcook them to avoid dryness.

Egg noodles are the perfect base for this dish. Their soft texture soaks up the rich, buttery sauce beautifully. If you don’t have egg noodles on hand, you can use fettuccine or even rotini.

Butter plays a starring role, creating the signature buttery richness of this dish. Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the seasoning.

Heavy cream brings the sauce together, making it irresistibly creamy. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich.

You’ll also need chicken broth, garlic, parmesan cheese, and a touch of black pepper to enhance the flavor. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds the perfect finishing touch.

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

This dish is as simple as it is delicious. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt until it’s shimmering. Then, add the chicken thighs, seasoned with salt and pepper, and cook until they’re golden brown—about 4-5 minutes per side. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of butter and toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan.

Next, add the egg noodles right into the broth. Cover and let them simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.

Now, stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, creating a luscious, creamy sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, letting it soak up the flavors for a couple more minutes.

Finish by sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley on top, then serve immediately while everything is hot and creamy. The whole process takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish!

Storage Options

Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your dish.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will continue to absorb the sauce as they sit, so you may need to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.

To reheat, simply warm it over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, adding a little broth or butter to loosen up the sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own!

For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. It won’t be quite as rich, but still delicious.

Want to add some greens? Stir in baby spinach or steamed broccoli at the end for an extra boost of veggies.

If you’re looking for a different protein, try using shrimp or sliced sausage instead of chicken. Both pair wonderfully with the creamy buttered noodles.

Love a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

No egg noodles? No worries! Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work great in this recipe.

Experiment with these ideas and find your favorite version of this comforting dish!

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