Are you staring into the fridge after a long day, willing a delicious dinner to magically appear? Do you dread the towering pile of pots and pans that comes with a home-cooked meal? We’ve all been there. That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you today. It’s the ultimate solution to your weeknight dinner woes: One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Buttered Noodles.
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!This dish is everything you’re craving: tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats every single bite. The best part? It all comes together in about 30 minutes using just one skillet. Yes, you read that right! Minimal effort, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor. Let’s dive into this easy weeknight meal that will quickly become a family favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
Before we get to the ingredients, let me tell you why this one-pan chicken dinner is a game-changer:
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in a single skillet, from searing the chicken to simmering the noodles. That means more time relaxing and less time scrubbing.
- Incredibly Fast & Easy: With a total time of 30 minutes, this recipe is faster than waiting for delivery. The process is straightforward, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- The Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and soft buttered noodles is the edible equivalent of a warm hug. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
- Surprisingly Versatile: This recipe is a fantastic base. I’ll share some easy variations later so you can mix it up every time you make it!
The Ingredient Breakdown
The magic of this creamy chicken and noodles recipe lies in its simple, humble ingredients. A few key players deserve a special mention:
- Heavy Cream & Chicken Broth: This dynamic duo creates the base of our sauce. The broth adds a savory depth, while the cream brings that rich, luxurious texture we’re after.
- Egg Noodles: Their ruffled edges and tender texture are perfect for grabbing onto the creamy sauce. They cook right in the pan, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the chicken and sauce.
- The “Holy Trinity” of Aromatics: Onion, garlic, and a splash of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) build a flavor foundation that takes this dish from good to “can I have seconds?” great.
Full Ingredient List
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 large Chicken Breasts, cubed
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 small Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Dry White Wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) – optional, but recommended
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 8 oz Wide Egg Noodles, uncooked
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, delicious dinner.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken breast generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the same skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white wine (if using) to deglaze the pan, using your spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the wine has reduced by about half. This step adds a ton of flavor!
- Combine and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and give everything a good stir. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the uncooked egg noodles and the partially cooked chicken (along with any juices) back into the skillet. Submerge the noodles as much as possible in the liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. The residual heat will melt the cheese beautifully into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep an eye on the noodles during the last few minutes of cooking. You want them to be al dente—tender but still with a slight bite. They will continue to absorb sauce as the dish rests.
- Sauce Too Thin? If your sauce is a little runnier than you’d like, let the dish sit off the heat for 5 minutes—it will naturally thicken as it cools. For a quicker fix, you can create a quick slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stirring it into the simmering sauce for a minute.
- Quality of Parmesan Matters: For the best flavor, use real Parmigiano-Reggiano that you grate yourself. The pre-grated stuff in tubs often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce a little grainy.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken breasts with an equal amount of boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even more juicy and flavorful result.
- Add Veggies: Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Frozen peas or steamed broccoli florets are also fantastic additions.
- Cheese Lover’s Twist: Swap the Parmesan for an equal amount of shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese for a super stretchy, gooey finish.
- Make it Herb-Forward: Feel free to add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or dried thyme along with the garlic for an extra layer of herby goodness.
Conclusion
There you have it! A restaurant-quality, comforting meal of Creamy Chicken and Buttered Noodles that you can whip up on any busy weeknight with just one pan and 30 minutes. It’s rich, satisfying, and proof that a fantastic dinner doesn’t have to be complicated.
I promise, this easy weeknight meal will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Try this recipe tonight and let me know how it goes in the comments below! What variations did you try? I love hearing from you.
Printable Recipe: One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Buttered Noodles
Description: Tender chicken and egg noodles simmered in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, all made in one skillet in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 large Chicken Breasts, cubed
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 small Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Dry White Wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) – optional
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 8 oz Wide Egg Noodles, uncooked
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown (4-5 mins). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft (3-4 mins). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Add broth and cream, stir, and bring to a simmer.
- Add uncooked noodles and the chicken back to the skillet. Submerge noodles, cover, and simmer for 10-12 mins, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
- Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan and parsley. Season to taste and serve immediately.
