CREAMY BUTTERED NOODLES & CHICKEN

I can almost smell the comforting aroma right now – it takes me straight back to my grandma’s kitchen. She always had a way of making simple meals feel like a feast, and her buttered noodles were legendary. One particular weeknight, she surprised us all by baking chicken right alongside those creamy noodles, creating a complete meal in a single pan. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles you’ll ever make!

Why You’ll Absolutely ADORE This One-Pan Wonder

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a delicious, home-cooked meal that doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes? That’s the beauty of this One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles. It’s the ultimate comfort food – tender, juicy chicken nestled amongst perfectly cooked noodles, all bathed in a rich, buttery, and slightly cheesy sauce. It’s unbelievably easy to make and satisfying in every single bite.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying dinner, but it’s also elegant enough to serve to company. Imagine presenting a beautiful pan of golden-brown chicken and creamy noodles to your friends and family – they’ll be so impressed! And the best part? You’ll barely have any cleanup afterward. Seriously, it’s a win-win!

What Makes This Recipe So Special?

• Simplicity: This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
• Flavor: The combination of savory chicken, buttery noodles, and a hint of cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Convenience: One pan means less cleanup! Enough said.
• Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this magical One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles:

• Chicken: 1.5 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer)
• Noodles: 1 pound egg noodles (or your favorite pasta shape – penne, rotini, or farfalle work great too!)
• Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
• Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional Vegetables: 1 cup chopped broccoli, peas, or spinach (add during the last 10 minutes of cooking)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Path to Deliciousness

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles in no time.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. This helps them cook evenly and quickly.
3. Melt the Butter: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! The aroma should be heavenly.
5. Add the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until lightly browned on all sides. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this point.
6. Add the Noodles and Broth: Add the egg noodles and chicken broth to the skillet. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the broth. If not, add a little more broth.
7. Bring to a Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat.
8. Bake in the Oven: Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through and the chicken is cooked through. Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken – it should register 165°F (74°C).
9. Stir in the Cream and Parmesan: Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully remove the lid or foil. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. The sauce should thicken up slightly as it cools.
10. Add Optional Vegetables: If using, add your favorite chopped vegetables (like broccoli, peas, or spinach) during the last 10 minutes of baking.
11. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Success Tips for Perfect One-Pan Chicken and Noodles

Want to guarantee a flawless One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles every time? Follow these golden tips, and you’ll be a one-pan pro in no time!

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet is too small, the noodles won’t cook evenly. Use a large skillet or Dutch oven to ensure everything cooks properly.
• Adjust the Broth: The amount of broth needed may vary depending on the type of noodles you use. If the noodles are absorbing too much liquid and the mixture seems dry, add a little more broth.
• Check for Doneness: Always check the chicken for doneness using a meat thermometer. This ensures that it’s cooked through and safe to eat.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Overcooked noodles will be mushy and unappetizing. Check the noodles for doneness after 20 minutes of baking and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your dish. Garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes are all great additions.
• Cream Cheese Addition: Stir in 4oz of cream cheese for a richer, creamier flavor.

Variations to Spice Things Up

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Chicken and Noodles: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken for a spicy kick.
• Lemon Herb Chicken and Noodles: Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken for a bright, flavorful twist.
• Mushroom Chicken and Noodles: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy, savory flavor.
• Cheesy Chicken and Noodles: Add a combination of your favorite cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone, to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

• Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing contrast.
• Pair with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy treat.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Want to get ahead of the game? Here’s how to make this dish ahead of time and store any leftovers:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and noodles up to the point of baking. Store the skillet covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water if the noodles seem dry.

Other Delicious Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a chicken lover like me, you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes. Here are a few more of my all-time favorite chicken dishes that I think you’ll absolutely adore:

• For the ultimate Southern comfort food, you absolutely HAVE to try my SMOTHERED CHICKEN. It’s incredibly flavorful and always a crowd-pleaser.
• If you’re in the mood for something creamy and indulgent, my CHICKEN TORTELLINI HEAVEN is a must-try. The combination of cheesy tortellini and tender chicken is simply divine.
• For a classic comfort food dish, you can’t go wrong with CREAMY CHICKEN AND RICE. It’s easy to make and always satisfying.
• Looking for something with a little kick? My HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN MAC HEAVEN is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy.
• And for a quick and easy weeknight meal, you’ll love my GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN ROTINI. It’s bursting with flavor and ready in just minutes!
• Don’t forget to try Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta for a quick and easy one-pan option.

Let’s Get Cooking!

So, there you have it! My secret recipe for the most amazing One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles you’ll ever make. I truly believe that this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or even special occasions. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Gather your ingredients, follow my step-by-step instructions, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to share your creations with me – I love seeing your culinary masterpieces!

Creamy Buttered Noodles & Chicken

Amelia

This One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, juicy chicken is nestled amongst perfectly cooked noodles, all bathed in a rich, buttery, and slightly cheesy sauce, made in a single pan for easy cleanup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Meat thermometer
• Lid or aluminum foil

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 pound egg noodles or penne, rotini, or farfalle
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• 1 cup chopped broccoli, peas, or spinach optional
• 4 oz cream cheese optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces.
• In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
• Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until lightly browned on all sides.
• Add the egg noodles and chicken broth to the skillet. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the broth. If not, add a little more broth.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat.
• Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through and the chicken is cooked through. Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken – it should register 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully remove the lid or foil.
• Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. The sauce should thicken up slightly as it cools.
• If using vegetables, add them during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, stir in 4oz of cream cheese after baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the noodles seem dry. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking. Adjust broth amount as needed based on noodle type. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.