If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious, and fuss-free meal that brings joy to your dinner table in no time, this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection pair beautifully with silky egg noodles bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce. The magic of this dish is in its simplicity: it all comes together in a single pan, making clean-up a breeze while delivering rich flavors and satisfying textures. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend supper, this recipe hits all the right notes and will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, essential ingredients is all you need to create a dish bursting with flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing taste, texture, and color, ensuring a harmonious experience with every bite.
- 2 chicken breasts: Perfectly lean and tender, they provide the hearty protein base for the dish.
- 8 oz egg noodles: Their delicate texture is ideal for soaking up the buttery sauce.
- 4 tablespoons butter: This enriches the noodles and infuses the dish with irresistible creaminess.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant punch of flavor that wakes up every palate.
- 1 teaspoon salt: A fundamental seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a hint of herbal depth and warmth to the chicken.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Creates the moist cooking environment for the noodles and a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of green color and subtle brightness to finish the plate.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Melt Butter and Prepare the Skillet
Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This gentle melting step creates a rich base that will infuse every bite with buttery goodness and prevent the chicken from sticking while cooking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the butter is melting, generously season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This simple mix ensures the chicken gains plenty of flavor with just a few ingredients, setting it up for a beautifully golden crust.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until they are cooked through and golden brown. The key here is patience—avoid flipping too often so you get a nice sear that locks in juices. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.
Step 4: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Into the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom gently to lift up all the browned bits from the chicken. Bring this to a simmer, which will become the flavorful cooking liquid for your noodles.
Step 5: Cook the Egg Noodles
Add the egg noodles directly into the simmering chicken broth. Cook according to the package instructions until tender. As the noodles absorb the broth, they pick up all the delicious flavor notes left behind by the chicken.
Step 6: Add Garlic and Remaining Butter
During the last minute of cooking your noodles, stir in the minced garlic and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. This final step amps up the richness and aroma, giving the noodles a glossy coat of garlicky butter that’s nothing short of irresistible.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the luscious buttered noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley for a delightful contrast in color and a hint of brightness. Dinner is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley works wonders to visually elevate this dish and adds a burst of herbal freshness to each bite. You might also sprinkle a little freshly grated Parmesan or a dash of cracked black pepper for extra depth and texture.
Side Dishes
Since the One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is richly satisfying on its own, fresh green vegetables like steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad make excellent companions. They bring balance by adding crunch and vibrant flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or family, consider serving the chicken sliced on a large wooden board alongside the buttery noodles in a rustic bowl. Alternatively, layer the sliced chicken over the noodles in wide-rimmed plates and drizzle with a touch of extra butter or olive oil for a glossy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and buttered noodles into an airtight container and refrigerate. These will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining a good portion of their tenderness and flavor.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze the chicken separately from the noodles to avoid sogginess. Wrap them tightly and use within 1 month for optimal freshness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture to the noodles. Stir occasionally to warm everything evenly and avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles in this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles work beautifully here due to their tenderness and shape, you can swap in fettuccine, linguine, or even small pasta shapes like rotini depending on your preference.
Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great option if you want a richer, juicier bite. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through and tender.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute regular egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free to keep this dish safe for sensitive diets.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Cook the noodles directly in the chicken broth as the recipe suggests, and stir occasionally during cooking to keep them separated. Adding butter at the end also helps keep the noodles luscious and separate.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Adding quick-cooking vegetables like spinach, peas, or sliced mushrooms during the last few minutes of noodle cooking is an excellent way to boost nutrition and flavor without complicating the process.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is truly a shining example of how uncomplicated ingredients and a simple cooking method come together to create comfort food that feels both special and effortless. It’s a dish that welcomes you home with warmth and flavor, perfect for sharing with loved ones on any occasion. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight go-to!
Print
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and comforting one-pan chicken recipe served over buttery egg noodles, flavored with garlic and Italian seasoning, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Parsley for garnish
Noodles and Sauce
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Simmer Broth: Pour chicken broth into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits, and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the simmering broth and cook according to the package instructions until tender, allowing them to absorb the flavorful broth.
- Add Garlic and Butter: During the last minute of noodle cooking, stir in the minced garlic and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, mixing well to create a rich buttery sauce.
- Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and serve them over the buttered noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if preferred.
- For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the noodles before serving.
- Egg noodles can be replaced with any pasta of your choice, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
