One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

This one-pan chicken with buttered noodles is everything I want in a cozy, weeknight dinner—comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to pull together. Juicy chicken breasts simmer alongside buttery egg noodles in a garlicky broth, finished with Parmesan and parsley for the perfect balance of richness and freshness. It’s a true one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it’s the definition of simple comfort food. The noodles soak up all that buttery, garlicky flavor, and the chicken comes out perfectly tender every time. It’s easy on the budget, kid-friendly, and made with pantry staples I usually have on hand. Plus, since everything cooks in one pan, I can go from prep to table in under an hour with hardly any dishes to wash.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder (for seasoning the chicken)
• Butter
• Egg noodles
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Chicken broth
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Season and sear the chicken:
   I season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet, I melt a tablespoon of butter and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. I remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Cook the noodles:
   In the same skillet, I add the remaining butter and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. I pour in chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. I stir in the egg noodles, cover, and cook until the noodles are tender (about 8–10 minutes).
3. Combine:
   I return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the noodles. I let everything simmer for a few minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
4. Finish and serve:
   I stir Parmesan into the noodles, then sprinkle parsley over the top before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
• Adding a handful of spinach or peas at the end gives it a veggie boost.
• A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavor beautifully.
• For a creamier version, I stir in a splash of heavy cream with the Parmesan.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I add a splash of chicken broth to loosen up the noodles and warm gently on the stovetop. The microwave works too, but I stir halfway to keep the noodles from drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this with another type of pasta?

Yes, but egg noodles work best since they cook quickly and absorb the buttery broth so well.

Do I need to cook the noodles separately?

No, the beauty of this recipe is that the noodles cook right in the broth, soaking up all the flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but I often make it a few hours early and reheat gently before serving.

What vegetables go well with this dish?

Broccoli, peas, spinach, or carrots all pair perfectly with the buttery noodles.

How do I know the chicken is done?

I use a meat thermometer—165°F internal temperature means it’s ready.

Conclusion

This one-pan chicken with buttered noodles is a comforting, easy meal that checks all the boxes: quick prep, minimal cleanup, and big flavor. With its golden chicken, buttery noodles, and touch of Parmesan, it’s a recipe I keep on repeat whenever I want a fuss-free dinner that makes everyone happy.

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