This one-pan chicken with creamy buttered noodles is a golden, buttery skillet dinner where tender chicken and egg noodles cook together in a rich Parmesan cream sauce — all in one pan and ready in just 30 minutes, serving 6. I’ve made this on more weeknights than I can count and my family asks for it at least once a week.
I first threw this together on a Wednesday night when I got home late and had nothing planned. I seared the chicken, tossed in the noodles and broth, and let the skillet do the work. Twenty minutes later my kids were sitting at the table with clean plates, and my youngest looked up and said, “This is my favorite dinner ever.” That was the night it earned a permanent spot in my rotation.
What I love most is how the egg noodles soak up all that buttery, garlicky cream sauce while they cook right in the same pan with the chicken. I’ve made creamy chicken pasta a hundred different ways, but this one-pan version is the only one I keep coming back to because the flavor is better and there’s only one skillet to wash.
Why you’ll love this one-pan chicken with creamy buttered noodles
- Everything cooks in one skillet — Chicken, noodles, and sauce all happen in the same pan, which means dinner and cleanup are both fast.
- Rich, buttery cream sauce — Heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan melt together into a velvety sauce that coats every noodle.
- Golden, tender chicken — Searing the chicken first gives it a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside juicy.
- Ready in 30 minutes — From heating the oil to sitting down at the table, this dinner comes together quickly on busy nights.
- My tested tip — I’ve found that stirring the noodles every couple of minutes while they simmer keeps them from clumping together at the bottom of the pan. The first time I walked away and didn’t stir, I had a sticky noodle mess — now I set a timer.
Ingredients overview
The base of this dish is chicken breasts seared in olive oil, then egg noodles simmered directly in a mix of chicken broth and heavy cream so they absorb all that savory flavor as they cook. Butter and freshly grated Parmesan get stirred in at the end to make the sauce thick, glossy, and rich. I tried using half-and-half instead of heavy cream once to lighten it up, and it was still creamy and good — just a slightly thinner sauce, which my husband actually preferred.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the egg noodles, cover the skillet, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the butter and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and let it warm through for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories per serving: 450 kcal
Variations
- Add vegetables: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrients.
- Spicy twist: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Different protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or tofu.
- Lighter option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Extra cheesy: Mix in mozzarella or cheddar for a richer taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta, but adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance to save time.
What can I serve with this dish?
A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables pair well.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Stir the noodles occasionally while cooking to ensure they don’t clump.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs take a bit longer.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter can work as a substitute.
Can I add more garlic?
Of course! Adjust the garlic to your taste preference.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Let the dish simmer a bit longer or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just add it back to the pan in the last few minutes to warm through.
Conclusion
One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles is a simple yet indulgent meal that brings together tender chicken and creamy, buttery pasta in one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it fresh with a sprinkle of parsley and a side of your favorite veggies!
You might also love these creamy chicken dinner favorites
If you love a one-pan dinner with creamy sauce and tender chicken, there’s plenty more on the blog. For another rich, buttery pasta night, the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta is hearty and so satisfying. The Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine adds a bright citrus twist. For something with a little kick, try the Cajun Steak Alfredo — bold, creamy, and done in 35 minutes. The Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet is another cozy one-pan favorite, and the Crispy Chicken with Creamy Pasta brings a golden crunch to every bite.
Print
One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles
- Total Time: PT35M
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Deliciously creamy and savory one-pan chicken with buttery egg noodles, made in a single skillet for an easy and comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the egg noodles, cover the skillet, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the butter and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and let it warm through for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for a veggie boost.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT25M
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American