If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that comes together quickly and with minimal fuss, this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is an absolute gem. Tender, perfectly seasoned chicken mingles with buttery, cheesy egg noodles in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze and flavor the star of the show. It’s everything you want in a weeknight meal—simple ingredients, a speedy process, and that warm, satisfying feeling of home-cooked goodness. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a go-to whenever you crave something hearty without the hassle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how straightforward yet essential each ingredient is. Every item plays a vital role—whether adding richness, flavor, or that irresistible creamy texture that ties everything together.
- Olive oil: The perfect medium for sautéing chicken to get that golden-brown sear and build layers of flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose tender pieces that cook evenly and stay juicy in the pan.
- Garlic powder: Adds a fragrant, savory note without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that balance and highlight every other ingredient.
- Unsalted butter: Provides that luscious, creamy richness that makes the noodles truly indulgent.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The base liquid that helps cook the noodles while infusing a mild, savory essence.
- Egg noodles (or other short pasta): Tender, chewy, and perfect for holding onto the buttery sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, salty sparkle that elevates each bite.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, herbal touch that brightens the dish just before serving.
- Extra butter and cheese for serving (optional): Because it’s never a bad idea to add a little extra indulgence.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken develops a gorgeous brown crust and is cooked through but still juicy. This step locks in flavor and sets the stage for the creamy noodles.
Step 2: Add Butter and Bring the Broth to a Boil
Next, toss in the unsalted butter and stir it around the pan until it melts into a luscious golden pool. Immediately pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and crank the heat up to bring the mixture to a robust boil. This broth will create a flavorful cooking liquid for your noodles and help marry the chicken’s seared goodness with the pasta’s tender bite.
Step 3: Cook the Egg Noodles
Pour the egg noodles into the bubbling broth, giving everything a gentle stir to make sure the noodles are evenly distributed and submerged. Turn the heat down to medium-low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the noodles simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally—that way, nothing sticks to the bottom and you ensure the noodles cook evenly until soft and tender.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and Finish the Sauce
Once the noodles have absorbed most of the broth and are perfectly cooked, uncover the pan and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir everything together to create a creamy, cheesy coating that clings to each noodle and chicken piece. Simmer uncovered for another 1 to 2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and all the flavors meld beautifully. Taste the sauce and add any extra salt or pepper if needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
The final touch is a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve your One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe warm straight from the skillet, adding extra grated Parmesan or a pat of butter on top if you’re feeling indulgent. This dish tastes even better when it’s simple, hearty, and served with lots of love!
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or even some thinly sliced green onions to add a burst of fresh, vibrant green. A little extra Parmesan cheese right before serving brings an irresistible salty richness. For crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts make a surprising but delightful contrast to the creamy noodles.
Side Dishes
This one-pan wonder pairs beautifully with crisp, green vegetables like steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple mixed green salad. Light and fresh sides help balance the buttery richness, making your meal feel complete without overwhelming the flavors at the heart of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or something special, plate the chicken and noodles in shallow bowls, drizzle a little extra browned butter on top, and garnish each serving with edible flowers or microgreens for a show-stopping appearance. Or turn it into a casserole bake by topping with breadcrumbs and broiling until golden and crispy. Each presentation keeps the soul of the One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe but adds your own signature touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and noodles in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so leftovers can be just as delicious. Make sure the noodles are covered with sauce or a bit of broth to keep them moist.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by portioning into freezer-safe containers, but be aware that the noodles might soften a bit upon thawing. For the best texture, freeze only the chicken and sauce separately from the noodles, and combine after reheating. Frozen portions will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and heat evenly. Microwaving works too—cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain that creamy, luscious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly in this dish. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
What if I don’t have egg noodles?
Don’t worry! Any short pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle will do just fine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, since some pastas cook faster or slower than egg noodles, and adjust the simmering accordingly.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Frozen peas, fresh spinach, or sautéed mushrooms can be stirred in toward the end of cooking for a nutritious pop of color and flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so the veggies stay vibrant and crisp-tender.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the creamy, cheesy noodles with tender chicken make this a big hit with kids. Plus, you can sneak in some veggies without them even noticing. It’s a comforting meal that suits even the pickiest eaters.
How can I make it extra creamy?
For an ultra-rich version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half right after adding the Parmesan cheese. It adds silkiness and depth, turning this simple dish into a decadent treat.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is a true weeknight hero—easy, delicious, and comforting all at once. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to keep in your cooking rotation, especially when time and clean-up are at a premium but you still crave something utterly satisfying. Grab your skillet, take a few simple ingredients, and bring this cozy dish to your table—your future self will thank you.
Print
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a quick and comforting American main course that combines tender, seasoned chicken pieces with creamy buttered egg noodles in a single skillet. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it’s rich with Parmesan cheese and a buttery finish, sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Butter and Broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Pasta and Finishing Touches
- 8 ounces egg noodles (or other short pasta)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
- Extra butter and cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat and Season Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and mostly cooked through.
- Add Butter and Broth: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and stir until melted and combined with the chicken. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Cook Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the pan and stir to distribute the pasta evenly through the broth. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the noodles simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish with Parmesan: Remove the lid and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt fully and create a creamy coating over the noodles and chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for freshness and color. Serve the dish warm, with extra Parmesan cheese or a pat of butter on top if desired for added richness.
Notes
- Substitute egg noodles with any quick-cooking pasta such as rotini or penne if preferred.
- For a vegetable boost, add frozen peas, fresh spinach, or sautéed mushrooms during the noodle cooking phase.
- To make the dish extra rich and creamy, stir in a splash of heavy cream after adding the Parmesan cheese.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels and adjust seasoning at the end to taste.
