In the fast-paced world of cooking today, one-pan meals have become a lifesaver for many home cooks. These recipes offer the perfect combination of convenience and flavor, ensuring that you can prepare a delicious and hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Not only are they simple, but they also minimize cleanup, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to serve something quickly.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make cooking both easy and enjoyable, one-pan recipes are the answer. One of the most popular among these is One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles. This dish combines the rich, creamy texture of buttered noodles with tender, juicy chicken, all cooked together in a single skillet. It’s the perfect solution when you want something that’s both delicious and easy to clean up.
For more quick and easy one-pan recipes, check out EatingWell’s Skillet Meals for some great ideas that can make your weeknight dinners a breeze. You can explore other variations, from classic chicken to beef and vegetarian options. These skillet meals provide the ultimate convenience and simplicity.
Introducing One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles
There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of chicken and creamy noodles, and when you add the ease of cooking everything in one pan, it becomes the ultimate weeknight dinner. One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles brings together juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible. This meal is hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy families, beginners, and even experienced home cooks who love simplicity.
This dish is perfect for almost any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or a simple treat for yourself, it fits the bill. The versatility of the ingredients allows for customization to suit personal preferences, while the one-pan method ensures easy cleanup. The result is a comforting, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and texture.
For more ideas on making chicken breasts a central part of your meals, explore Simply Recipes’ Chicken Breast Collection. Whether you’re looking for grilled, baked, or skillet-fried chicken, there’s something for everyone.
Ingredients and Preparation
Before we dive into the cooking instructions, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for this one-pan chicken recipe. The ingredients are simple, easy to find, and work perfectly together to create the desired result.
Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: These are the most common options used in this recipe because they cook quickly and remain tender when pan-seared.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
Noodles
- Egg noodles (or your pasta of choice): Egg noodles work well because they soak up the creamy sauce, but feel free to swap with any pasta you prefer.
- Salt: For seasoning the water while cooking the noodles.
Sauce Ingredients
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Provides a savory depth to the dish.
- Heavy cream: The base of the creamy sauce that makes the noodles luscious and smooth.
- Parmesan cheese: The cheese thickens the sauce while adding an extra layer of flavor.
The beauty of this recipe is that you don’t need any complicated or expensive ingredients—just the essentials to create a rich, satisfying dish.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for more chicken breast recipes, check out Simply Recipes’ Chicken Breast Collection. It has a great variety of ways to cook chicken breast for all tastes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking. Follow these easy steps to create your delicious One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles.
Cooking the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. The seasoning will enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Pan-Sear the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. You should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Set Aside: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. You’ll add it back later.
Preparing the Noodles
- Cook the Noodles: In the same skillet, add the egg noodles along with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, and cook the noodles according to the package instructions (usually about 7-8 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain and Set Aside: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them but keep a little bit of pasta water to add to the sauce later for creaminess.
Making the Creamy Sauce
- Add Butter and Garlic: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Let the mixture come to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, and let the sauce thicken to your desired consistency. Add some reserved pasta water to adjust the creaminess if needed.
- Return Chicken to the Skillet: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, and return it to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the creamy sauce to coat.
Combine the Noodles and Sauce
- Add Noodles to the Sauce: Once the sauce is creamy and thickened, add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together so that the noodles are well-coated with the creamy sauce and chicken.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil for a burst of freshness and flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This dish is delicious on its own, but there are many ways to customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
- Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition and flavor, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the skillet.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Change the Protein: You can swap out chicken for other proteins like shrimp, pork, or turkey.
You can also experiment with different kinds of pasta if you prefer. Whole wheat, gluten-free, or even zucchini noodles are great alternatives.
Nutritional Information
This dish is a well-balanced meal, offering protein, carbohydrates, and fats in every serving. Here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown:
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 calories per serving
- Protein: Around 30 grams of protein from the chicken
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams of carbs from the noodles
- Fat: 25 grams of fat from the butter and cream
While the dish is rich and creamy, it provides the right amount of energy to keep you satisfied.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooking the chicken will make it dry, so make sure to check the internal temperature and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as well and lacks the rich flavor that freshly grated Parmesan brings to the table.
- Adjust Creaminess: If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, add some reserved pasta water to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta that you prefer. While egg noodles work beautifully in this recipe, other types like fettuccine or penne will work just as well.
How can I make the dish spicier?
For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. This will bring a spicy depth to the dish.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat it on the stove, adding a little extra cream if necessary.
What side dishes pair well with this meal?
A light green salad or roasted vegetables complement the rich and creamy pasta. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a more indulgent meal.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of cream to maintain the saucy consistency.
Conclusion
One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles is the perfect dish for anyone looking to combine ease, flavor, and comfort in a single meal. The rich, creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and noodles, making it a family-friendly favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to satisfy.
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One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken, rich buttered noodles, and a creamy Parmesan sauce—all made in a single pan for easy cleanup!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and add garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add egg noodles and stir to coat. Cover and let cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan, tossing to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: one-pan meal, chicken pasta, creamy buttered noodles, easy dinner