One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles

The Ultimate Comfort Food — Rich, Creamy, and Ready in One Pan!

There’s something truly magical about a one-pan meal — fewer dishes, less cleanup, and all the delicious flavors simmering together in perfect harmony. This One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.

Tender, juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then nestled in a silky, buttery sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The result? A comforting, creamy dish that feels indulgent but comes together in under an hour.

Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or cozy dinners with family, this dish delivers everything you love — rich buttery noodles, flavorful chicken, and a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.

Let’s dive right in — you’ll be amazed by how simple and satisfying it is to make!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Buttered Noodles:

2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth (or more as needed)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
8 oz egg noodles (or any pasta you like)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Extra salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels — this ensures you get a nice golden crust. Season generously on both sides with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted and slightly foamy, add the chicken breasts.

Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate — you’ll return them later.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — sear in batches if needed so each piece gets a perfect crust.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same pan (don’t wipe it out — those golden bits add flavor!), reduce heat to medium. Add 2 more tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic.

Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic — you just want it lightly golden.

Step 3: Add the Broth, Cream, and Noodles

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a light simmer.

Add the egg noodles, stirring to make sure they’re fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pan with a lid and let the noodles cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

If the sauce gets too thick or the noodles need more liquid to cook, add a splash of extra broth.

Pro Tip: Stir often during this step — the noodles will absorb the sauce as they cook, creating that luscious creamy texture you’re looking for.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Return the Chicken

Once the noodles are tender, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. The sauce should now be thick, rich, and buttery.

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, spooning some of the creamy sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Serve warm — either straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation or plated individually with extra sauce drizzled on top.

Serving Tip: Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper right before serving for restaurant-quality flavor.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories (approx): 520 per serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only one pan to wash — no juggling multiple pots and pans.
Comforting, rich flavors with minimal effort.
Creamy sauce that clings to every noodle.
Ready in under 40 minutes — ideal for weeknights.
Family-friendly and easy to customize.

Serving Ideas

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can make it part of a complete meal with simple sides like:

Garlic bread or cheesy toast
Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus
Crisp green salad with ranch or Caesar dressing
Sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch

And don’t forget — a sprinkle of chili flakes adds the perfect little kick for spice lovers

Tips for Perfect One-Pan Creamy Chicken & Noodles

Use good-quality broth: The broth forms the base of your sauce, so choose a flavorful one.
Don’t overcook the noodles: They’ll continue to soften slightly as the sauce cools.
Adjust creaminess: For extra-thick sauce, simmer uncovered at the end; for thinner, add a splash of broth or milk.
Grate cheese fresh: It melts smoother and tastes richer than pre-shredded varieties.
Deglaze the pan: Those browned bits after searing the chicken are flavor gold — don’t skip them!

Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible — here are a few ways to switch it up:

Mushroom Lover’s Version: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
Lemon Garlic Twist: Stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or zest at the end for brightness.
Spinach & Tomato Style: Mix in a handful of baby spinach and sun-dried tomatoes before adding the noodles.
Cheesy Upgrade: Add a handful of mozzarella or cream cheese for ultra-rich creaminess.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or buffalo sauce for heat.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reh
eat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.Avoid microwaving too long — it can dry out the chicken or separate the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Fettuccine, linguine, or penne all work beautifully. Just adjust the liquid as needed since cooking times vary.

Q: Can I make it with rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes — skip the searing step and stir in shredded cooked chicken right before serving. It’s a great shortcut for busy nights!

Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a lighter option. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Definitely! Frozen peas, carrots, or spinach work well — add them toward the end of cooking.

Why This Dish is a Keeper

There’s a reason this One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles has become a favorite in so many kitchens. It’s simple, comforting, and feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Every bite is buttery, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned — with tender chicken soaking up all that creamy goodness. And the best part? It’s all made in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze.

Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something rich and satisfying, this recipe checks all the boxes: easy, delicious, and downright irresistible.

So grab your skillet, melt that butter, and get ready for the kind of meal that everyone will ask you to make again and again.