This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe is the ultimate comfort food combination. It features tender, golden-seared chicken breasts nestled over a bed of buttery egg noodles, all coated in a rich, creamy sauce that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen. The simplicity of this dish is where its magic lies — every bite delivers a savory, garlicky flavor with the creamy notes balancing beautifully against the golden-browned chicken.

Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this one-pan wonder keeps cleanup to a minimum while maximizing flavor. The silky buttered noodles absorb every bit of the creamy sauce, while the chicken adds a hearty, satisfying bite. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas or a quick but elegant meal to impress guests, this dish delivers every time.

Ingredients for One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for searing)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for noodles)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz egg noodles
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Begin by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan — this builds flavor. Then stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Add the egg noodles directly into the simmering sauce. Stir to coat and allow them to cook for about 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. The noodles will soak up the creamy broth, making them rich and flavorful.

Step 4: Stir in Butter and Parmesan

Reduce the heat to low, then add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything melts into a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the noodles beautifully.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Finish

Nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet, placing it on top of the noodles. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken, cover the pan, and let it sit on low heat for a couple of minutes to warm everything through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top just before serving. Plate the chicken over the buttered noodles and spoon extra sauce on top if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, savory comfort in every bite.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 4 servings total):

Calories: ~620 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 155mg
Sodium: 580mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g

Note: Values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well. Just be careful not to overcook them so they remain juicy.

2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.

3. Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely. Egg noodles are classic here, but fettuccine, rotini, or penne also work well.

4. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free noodles and ensure your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

5. How do I make it less rich?

Use light cream or replace some cream with milk or broth to reduce the richness.

6. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely. Spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms make great additions without overpowering the flavors.

7. How do I avoid overcooking the noodles?

Stir regularly and monitor closely — remove from heat once they’re al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

8. Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and prep the sauce ahead. Reheat everything gently and cook the noodles fresh for best texture.