Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with rich, buttery egg noodles, all cooked together in a single skillet for a seamless cooking experience. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and Parmesan, envelops each noodle, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe requires minimal preparation and cleanup, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a delicious homemade dinner without the fuss. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the depth of flavor achieved, promising a meal that will satisfy both young and old alike.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
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Cook the Chicken:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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Place chicken in the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
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Prepare the Noodles:
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In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
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Add egg noodles, ensuring they’re submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
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Combine and Serve:
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Stir in butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
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Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the noodles.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 600 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
When it comes to weeknight dinners, nothing beats a dish that is quick to make, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor. One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is one such recipe that has stood the test of time. Loved by families for its simplicity and rich, comforting taste, this dish combines juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts with creamy, buttery noodles in a garlic-infused sauce.
In this article, we’ll dive into the history and background of this dish, explore its benefits, discuss why it’s the best choice for home cooks, and offer some variations and serving suggestions to make it even more enjoyable.
The History of Buttered Noodles and Chicken Dishes
Buttered noodles have long been a staple comfort food, particularly in European and American households. The simplicity of butter, pasta, and seasonings makes it an easy side dish or base for more complex meals. The concept of pairing noodles with a protein, such as chicken, can be traced back to traditional European cuisines, where buttered egg noodles were commonly served alongside meats in German, Hungarian, and French cooking.
Chicken, on the other hand, has been a go-to protein source for centuries due to its affordability, versatility, and mild flavor, which allows it to absorb the flavors of various seasonings and sauces. Combining chicken with buttered noodles creates a hearty, satisfying meal that is both comforting and packed with protein.
Why This Recipe is the Best
There are countless chicken and noodle recipes, but this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles stands out for several reasons:
- Easy Preparation: This dish requires only one pan, making it incredibly convenient for home cooks. No need to juggle multiple pots and pans—everything cooks together in a single skillet.
- Minimal Cleanup: Since everything is prepared in one pan, there are fewer dishes to wash, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats each noodle beautifully. The chicken broth and cream add extra depth, making this dish irresistibly delicious.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Pan-searing the chicken locks in the juices, ensuring that each bite is tender and flavorful. Cooking it in the same pan as the noodles allows the flavors to meld together, creating a cohesive and satisfying meal.
- Customizable: This recipe serves as a great base that can be modified to suit different tastes. You can add vegetables, swap out the noodles for a different pasta type, or use alternative seasonings for a unique twist.
Health Benefits of One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
While this dish is indulgent, it also provides some nutritional benefits:
- High in Protein: The chicken breasts offer a great source of lean protein, which helps support muscle growth and repair.
- Balanced Carbohydrates: The egg noodles provide energy-boosting carbohydrates, making this a great meal to keep you full and satisfied.
- Calcium & Healthy Fats: Parmesan cheese and butter contribute calcium and healthy fats that are important for bone health.
- Garlic Benefits: The garlic in this dish has been linked to various health benefits, including improved heart health and immune support.
To make this dish even healthier, you can opt for whole-wheat noodles, use less butter, or add in nutrient-dense vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
Variations & Additions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous variations to suit different dietary preferences:
- Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peas, or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use Different Pasta: Swap out egg noodles for fettuccine, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Creamy Alfredo Version: Increase the heavy cream and add more Parmesan cheese to create a rich, Alfredo-style sauce.
- Herb-Infused Flavor: Garnish with fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil to enhance the dish with fresh, aromatic flavors.
Serving Suggestions
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles pairs well with a variety of side dishes:
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the dish.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make excellent, healthy side options.
- White or Red Wine: A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir complements the buttery, creamy flavors of this dish beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and store it separately from the noodles. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and noodles in a pan, adding a little broth or cream to loosen the sauce, and then add the chicken.
2. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to maintain the creamy texture.
3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, shred it and mix it into the sauce and noodles for an even quicker meal.
4. What’s the best way to make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free egg noodles or substitute with zucchini noodles for a low-carb and gluten-free alternative.
Final Thoughts
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the ultimate comfort food that checks all the boxes—it’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and requires minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy, home-cooked meal, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.
The beauty of this dish is its adaptability—you can keep it simple with just the basics or elevate it with fresh herbs, spices, and extra ingredients. No matter how you prepare it, this meal is a timeless favorite that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
If you try this recipe, let us know in the comments below how it turned out! Happy cooking!
Conclusion:
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a timeless, comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of pan-seared chicken, creamy buttered noodles, and a velvety garlic-infused sauce—all in one pan for ultimate convenience. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or simply craving a satisfying homemade meal, this recipe delivers on taste, ease, and minimal cleanup.
Its versatility allows you to customize it with vegetables, different seasonings, or even a spicier kick, making it a go-to option for home cooks of all skill levels. With a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, it’s a well-rounded dish that provides both nourishment and indulgence.
Try it today and experience why this one-pan meal has become a household favorite. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides and share your own twist on this classic recipe. Happy cooking!