Description
This One-Pan Chicken & Creamy Buttered Noodles recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner solution. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup, as everything cooks in a single pan. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and then simmered in a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce with perfectly cooked egg noodles. This dish is comforting, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, 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)
Preparation
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet (preferably oven-safe, but not required) over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate the chicken and noodles later.
Step 2: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to add flavor.
Step 6: Stir in the egg noodles. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. If the sauce becomes too thick before the noodles are cooked, add a splash more chicken broth.
Step 7: Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 8: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy noodles. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the chicken to keep it moist. Warm the chicken through for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 9: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (if using) before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is always a plus!
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: A comforting dish that everyone will enjoy.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to your favorite flavors and ingredients.
- Delicious: The combination of seared chicken and creamy, cheesy noodles is irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve immediately while the noodles are tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Pair with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- For extra flavor, sprinkle the chicken with paprika, Italian seasoning, or garlic powder before searing.
- Use a good quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the noodles, as they will become mushy.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
- For a richer flavor, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
- You can substitute other types of pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- To make this dish even easier, use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Just add it to the skillet at the end to warm through.
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Nutrition Information
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 550-650 per serving
- Protein: 45-55 grams
- Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion
One-Pan Chicken & Creamy Buttered Noodles is a delicious and convenient meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting and satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use different types of pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute other types of pasta, such as fettuccine, penne, or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different types of pasta cook at different rates. Keep an eye on the pasta and cook until it’s tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente).
Q2: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can use milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. However, the sauce will not be as thick and rich. If you use milk, you may want to add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce to help thicken it.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! You can add vegetables such as broccoli, peas, spinach, or mushrooms. Add them to the skillet along with the noodles and cook until they are tender-crisp.
Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: It’s best to serve this dish immediately, as the noodles can become mushy if they sit in the sauce for too long. If you want to prep ahead, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce separately. Then, when you’re ready to serve, cook the noodles and combine everything in the skillet.
Q5: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs will take a little longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Make sure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C).
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know if you have any other questions.
