Servings | Total Time | Difficulty | Calories

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Calories: Approximately 620 per serving

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the perfect weeknight comfort meal. Juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts are paired with tender egg noodles cooked directly in a rich garlic cream sauce, then finished with butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Everything comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup effortless while delivering restaurant-quality flavor in under 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan dinner with easy cleanup
Ready in about 35 minutes
Rich, creamy Parmesan sauce
Family-friendly comfort food
High in protein
Perfect for busy weeknights
Minimal ingredients
Great for meal prep

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces wide egg noodles
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Optional Add-Ins

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 cups baby spinach
Crushed red pepper flakes
Fresh lemon zest

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

If needed, pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large 10- to 12-inch deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

Step 3: Cook the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in:

Chicken broth
Heavy cream

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Add the dry egg noodles directly into the skillet.

Press them gently beneath the liquid.

Cover with a lid and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Remove the lid.

Stir in:

Butter
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Mix until the butter has melted and the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and glossy.

Step 7: Return the Chicken

Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet along with any accumulated juices.

Cook for 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley.

Serve immediately while hot.

Tips for Success

Use a deep skillet to comfortably hold the noodles and sauce.
Freshly grate Parmesan for the smoothest texture.
Stir the noodles once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking.
Don’t overcook the chicken—it will continue warming in the sauce.
Add a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Variations

Mushroom Parmesan

Add sautéed mushrooms for extra richness.

Spinach Chicken

Stir fresh spinach into the noodles during the final minute of cooking.

Garlic Herb Version

Season with Italian seasoning, thyme, and parsley.

Lemon Butter Chicken

Finish with fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, fresh flavor.

Bacon Parmesan

Top with crispy crumbled bacon before serving.

Kitchen Equipment

Large deep skillet with lid
Tongs
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Cheese grater
Instant-read thermometer (optional)

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Stovetop

Warm over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth until creamy again.

Microwave

Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until hot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy chicken alongside:

Roasted broccoli
Garlic green beans
Caesar salad
Steamed asparagus
Dinner rolls
Roasted Brussels sprouts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.

Can I substitute half-and-half?

Yes, although the sauce will be slightly lighter and less rich than using heavy cream.

Can I use another pasta?

Egg noodles work best because they cook quickly, but short pasta like rotini or penne can be substituted. You may need additional broth and cooking time.

Why is freshly grated Parmesan recommended?

Fresh Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce, while pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can create a grainy texture.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Store refrigerated and add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 620
Protein: 43g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 185mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 540mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is everything a comfort meal should be—simple, creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Tender golden chicken, buttery Parmesan noodles, and a silky garlic cream sauce come together in one skillet for a meal that’s both elegant and effortless. Whether you’re feeding the family or looking for an easy weeknight favorite, this recipe is guaranteed to earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation.