If you’re looking for a comforting yet simple dish to whip up any night of the week, this One Pan Chicken Noodles Recipe is an absolute game changer. It combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with creamy, cheesy noodles cooked all in one skillet, meaning fewer dishes to clean and more time to enjoy your meal. The magic of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures—from the savory garlic and Parmesan to the rich cream and buttery finish. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple that delights every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Pan Chicken Noodles Recipe is how straightforward and essential the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in creating those complex flavors and textures that make the dish so satisfying.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide juicy, tender protein that pairs perfectly with the creamy noodles.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for browning the chicken to add depth of flavor and a beautiful golden crust.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic, savory notes that complement the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds rich, savory moisture to cook the noodles and infuse the dish with flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the noodles that luscious, velvety texture every creamy pasta lover craves.
- 8 ounces egg noodles: The perfect pasta shape for soaking up the creamy sauce and marrying with the chicken.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps meld the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, salty finish that brightens up the cream sauce.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Provides a pop of fresh, herby color and flavor to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts well with salt and pepper to build flavor right from the start. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. This step is crucial because it locks in juices while adding a lovely texture and savory note. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside—it’ll come back to the party soon.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Next, add your minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté it gently for about a minute. The leftover chicken fond in the pan gives garlic a rich base to bloom into, imparting a fragrant aroma that’s irresistible. Be careful not to overcook the garlic; you want it soft and aromatic, not burnt, which would add bitterness.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring them together as you bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This liquid blend forms the luxurious sauce that will cook the noodles and envelop the chicken later. The combination of broth and cream ensures the dish stays rich without becoming too heavy.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles directly into the skillet, making sure they’re submerged in the sauce. Cover the pan and allow the noodles to cook undisturbed for 8 to 10 minutes until tender. This step not only cooks the pasta perfectly but allows it to absorb all those delicious flavors from the sauce and chicken broth, making every bite comforting and flavorful.
Step 5: Finish with Butter, Cheese, and Chicken
After the noodles are tender, stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese, which melt into the sauce to give it that creamy, luscious texture and sharp, salty kick. Finally, place the browned chicken breasts back into the pan, letting them warm through in the sauce. This melds all the flavors together while ensuring the chicken remains juicy and flavorful before serving.
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley over the top adds brightness and a pop of color that makes the dish feel fresh and inviting. Parsley also brings a subtle herbal note that balances out the richness of the sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try serving it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. The freshness and crunch from the sides provide lovely contrast against the creamy noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve the chicken sliced on top of the noodles or shredded and mixed throughout the creamy sauce. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes for heat. A lemon wedge on the side adds an unexpected zesty note that brightens the whole plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because everything is cooked in one pan, reheating is a breeze and the flavors continue to develop overnight.
Freezing
While this recipe freezes okay, keep in mind that the cream sauce might separate slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, do so in a freezer-safe container for up to one month and stir well when reheating to bring the sauce back together.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess. This method prevents the chicken from drying out and brings the noodles back to their comforting, luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this One Pan Chicken Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles work beautifully here, you can swap in other pasta types like penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta is perfectly tender.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use a plant-based butter and cheese substitute. The flavor will be a little different but still delightful.
Is it possible to use bone-in chicken breasts?
It is, but bone-in breasts will take longer to cook through, so adjust your cooking time accordingly and ensure they’re cooked to a safe internal temperature before moving on to the sauce and noodles.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Toss in some spinach, peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the noodles for a boost of nutrients and color. Just be mindful of the extra moisture veggies bring, and adjust liquid quantities if needed.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish. Even a little bit of cayenne powder stirred into the sauce can add warming heat without overpowering flavors.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Chicken Noodles Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a little comfort food magic. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new go-to dinner that brings smiles around your table every time.
Print
One Pan Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and comforting one-pan chicken noodles recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic-infused sauce with egg noodles, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Cooking Liquids and Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare the sauce base: Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the noodles: Add the egg noodles to the simmering liquid, cover the skillet, and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed some of the sauce.
- Finish the dish: Stir in the butter and grated Parmesan cheese until they melt smoothly into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan to warm through in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- For extra flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles to avoid them becoming mushy.
- Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor—use freshly grated for the best taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
