When I think about comfort food that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles instantly comes to mind. I remember the first time I cooked it on a busy weekday evening, looking for something simple yet satisfying. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, paired with tender chicken and noodles soaking up savory broth, made the entire house feel warm and welcoming. What I loved most was how effortless it felt—everything came together in one pan, and the cleanup afterward was just as easy as the cooking.
This recipe isn’t only about convenience; it’s about flavor. The chicken is seasoned with paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder, giving it a deep, savory taste that pairs perfectly with buttery noodles. The noodles themselves are rich and garlicky, with just enough Parmesan to add creaminess without overwhelming the dish. Every bite feels like a hug, making it one of those go-to dinners you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are many reasons this dish wins hearts, but here are the highlights:
-
Versatile: You can swap the noodles for pasta you already have, or add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli. The chicken can also be replaced with turkey breast or even shrimp for a fresh twist.
-
Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are simple, common, and affordable. Chicken, noodles, and pantry spices create a full meal without stretching the grocery budget.
-
Family-Friendly: Both adults and kids love the mild yet flavorful taste. It’s creamy, filling, and not too heavy.
-
Time-Saving: With only 30 minutes from start to finish and minimal dishes to wash, it’s perfect for nights when time is short but you still want a home-cooked meal.
Ingredients for One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
-
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
4 cups chicken broth
-
8 ounces egg noodles
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
-
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Cooking this dish is straightforward, and the beauty lies in its simplicity. With one pan doing most of the work, you’ll have dinner ready without creating a pile of dirty dishes. Every step is designed to bring out maximum flavor while keeping the process easy enough for even the busiest evenings.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making
Step 1: Season the chicken
Start by laying the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Sprinkle both sides evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoning creates a flavorful crust when cooked, while keeping the inside juicy. Take a moment to press the spices into the meat, so they stick well.Step 2: Cook the chicken
Place a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, gently add the chicken breasts. Let them sear without moving for about 5–6 minutes. This will develop a golden crust. Flip and cook the other side for another 5–6 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if you like precision; it should read 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.Step 3: Prepare the noodles
Without washing the skillet, pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, as they add incredible flavor to the broth. Add the egg noodles, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the noodles cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring once or twice so they don’t stick. The noodles should be al dente, and most of the broth will be absorbed by this stage.Step 4: Make the butter-garlic mixture
While the noodles simmer, place a small pan on another burner. Melt the butter over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until the garlic turns fragrant but not brown. This butter-garlic blend is the heart of the dish, bringing richness and aroma.Step 5: Combine everything
Once the noodles are ready, pour the butter-garlic mixture into the skillet. Stir well so the noodles are coated evenly. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, if you’re using it, and toss again until the cheese melts slightly into the noodles.Step 6: Add the chicken back
Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Arrange it over the noodles in the skillet. For a final touch, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. This not only brightens the flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing.Quick and Easy
The entire cooking process takes just 30 minutes. Since everything is done in one pan, except for the quick butter step, cleanup is almost effortless. The noodles cook directly in the broth, saving both time and effort.
Customizable
This recipe is a great base for creativity. You can swap in whole wheat pasta, add a handful of baby spinach at the end, or mix in roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. For extra protein, toss in some chickpeas or beans along with the noodles. Even the spices can be adjusted—smoked paprika gives a deeper flavor, while a pinch of chili flakes adds gentle heat.
Crowd-Pleasing
There’s something about chicken and noodles that everyone enjoys. The balance of tender chicken, buttery noodles, and garlic makes it a dish that feels both comforting and special. It’s ideal for family dinners, but it also works when you need to impress guests with minimal effort. Pair it with a simple side salad, and you’ll have a meal that tastes like it took much longer than it really did.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?
Yes, you can replace egg noodles with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to match the pasta type.What can I use if I don’t have chicken broth?
If chicken broth isn’t available, you can use vegetable broth or even water with an added bouillon cube. The flavor will still be rich and savory.How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear.Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This recipe tastes best when served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and noodles in advance. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the noodles from drying out.Is there a way to make it lighter?
Yes, you can use less butter or swap it with olive oil. Skipping the Parmesan or using a reduced-fat version also lowers calories while keeping good flavor.
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
A comforting one-pan meal made with tender chicken breasts, buttery garlic noodles, and a touch of Parmesan. Perfect for weeknights, this recipe is quick, flavorful, and easy to clean up.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale-
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
4 cups chicken broth
-
8 ounces egg noodles
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
-
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Season chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
-
In the same skillet, pour in chicken broth. Scrape the bottom to release browned bits. Add egg noodles and ensure they are submerged. Cover and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
-
In a separate small pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Add the butter-garlic mixture to the noodles. Stir in Parmesan cheese, if using, and toss well.
-
Slice cooked chicken into strips and place over the noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
-
Substitute egg noodles with any pasta of choice, adjusting cooking time as needed.
-
Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
-
Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth to keep noodles moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes