Creamy One-Pan Chicken and Noodles Recipe

The Easiest One-Pan Chicken and Noodles

What if you could make a complete, comforting dinner with tender chicken and creamy, buttery noodles using just a single pan? It sounds like a weeknight dream, doesn’t it? I used to juggle multiple pots and pans, boiling pasta here, searing chicken there, and creating a mountain of dishes in the process. That all changed when I perfected this one-pan chicken and noodles recipe. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s a revolutionary way to build layers of flavor, where the noodles cook right in the creamy, garlicky sauce, absorbing all that deliciousness. It’s the answer to your busy weeknight prayers.

This recipe will guide you through creating a luxuriously creamy and satisfying meal without the extra cleanup. Imagine juicy, golden-brown chicken nestled in a bed of rich, Parmesan-kissed egg noodles. This is comfort food at its smartest and most delicious.

Your Simple Ingredient Checklist

Here’s your curated list for creating this effortless, creamy chicken dinner. The magic lies in how these simple, high-quality ingredients come together in one pan.

Your Quick Path to a Delicious Dinner

This all-in-one meal is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it a true weeknight champion.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

For a complete chicken and pasta dinner, this recipe is remarkably fast. It’s ready in about 40% less time than many traditional baked chicken and pasta casserole dishes, getting a delicious meal on the table faster.

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t move the chicken around too much to ensure a beautiful sear. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.

Step 2: Build Your Flavorful Sauce Base

Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon—this is where so much flavor is hiding!

Step 3: Cook the Noodles Directly in the Sauce

Bring the broth to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and the uncooked egg noodles. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid. Let the mixture return to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente and have absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4: Create the Creamy, Buttery Finish

Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the butter and the grated Parmesan cheese until they have melted into a luscious, glossy sauce that coats the noodles. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Reunite and Serve

Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the creamy noodles. Let it warm through for a minute or two. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

this now & bake later ❤️

Nutritional Snapshot

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving, assuming the recipe serves four:

• Calories: ~750 kcal
• Protein: ~50g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Fat: ~40g
• Sodium: ~800mg (will vary based on broth and salt)

This dish provides a significant amount of protein. While it is an indulgent meal, making it at home gives you control over the ingredients.

Healthier Alternatives to Consider

Enjoy this comforting dish with a few simple tweaks to align with your health goals.

• Leaner Protein: Using chicken breasts is already a lean choice, but you can also trim any visible fat.
• Lighter Cream Sauce: Substitute the heavy cream with evaporated milk or half-and-half to reduce the fat content. The sauce will be less rich but still creamy.
• Whole-Grain Power: Use whole-wheat egg noodles or another whole-grain pasta to increase the fiber content of the dish.
• Veggie Boost: Add a cup of frozen peas, chopped spinach, or steamed broccoli to the skillet along with the noodles for an easy vegetable serving.

Sensational Serving Suggestions

This one-pan chicken and noodles is a complete meal, but it also plays well with others.

• With a Crisp Green Salad: A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette provides a fresh, acidic contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
• With a Side of Greens: Serve alongside steamed asparagus, green beans, or roasted broccoli.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover delicious sauce.
• A Touch of Spice: For those who like a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes over the finished dish adds a welcome kick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

For a flawless one-pan meal every time, be mindful of these potential pitfalls:

• Not Getting a Good Sear on the Chicken: Searing creates the fond, or the browned bits on the bottom of the pan, which is the foundation of a flavorful sauce. Ensure your pan is hot and don’t overcrowd it.
• Boiling the Cream: A hard boil can cause the cream sauce to separate or curdle. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
• Forgetting to Scrape the Pan: Those browned bits are flavor gold! Don’t forget to scrape them up when you add the chicken broth.
• Using Pre-Shredded Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly into the sauce. Grating your own is worth the extra minute of effort.

Storing and Reheating Your Comfort Meal

Leftovers of this dish are a fantastic treat for the next day’s lunch.

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken and noodles in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it will thicken upon cooling.
• Freezing: Due to the cream-based sauce, freezing is not recommended as the texture can become grainy upon thawing.

Your New Weeknight Dinner Hero

This one-pan chicken and noodles recipe is the perfect marriage of comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor. By cooking everything in a single skillet, you not only save on cleanup but also build a sauce that is richer and more delicious than its separately-cooked components. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that feels special enough for a Sunday dinner but is easy enough for any night of the week.

I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this simple recipe a try and revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine. Let me know how it goes in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more smart, simple, and delicious recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, absolutely! While egg noodles are classic, this recipe works wonderfully with fettuccine, linguine, rotini, or penne. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly, so check the pasta for doneness.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Certainly. Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. To make it a heartier vegetarian meal, you could add mushrooms, searing them after the garlic, or stir in a can of cannellini beans at the end.

My sauce seems too thin. What should I do?

If the sauce is too thin after the noodles are cooked, you can let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce. You can also make a small slurry of 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 2 teaspoons of cold water, stir it into the sauce, and let it simmer for a minute to thicken.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Simply substitute the egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check the cooking time on the package, as gluten-free pastas can vary.

What kind of pan is best for this recipe?

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet, a Dutch oven, or a braiser with high sides is ideal. These pans distribute heat evenly, which is important for searing the chicken and simmering the sauce without scorching.