A quick, one-pan meal for busy nights.
INTRODUCTION
This recipe is simple. It makes a warm and filling dinner with little work. You cook chicken and noodles in one pan. You use common ingredients and a short time. This dish is good for weeknights. It cleans up fast and tastes like home.
If you like one-pan meals with sweet and savory notes, try the one-pan honey butter garlic chicken and rice for another easy dinner idea.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is quick and forgiving. It uses few ingredients and one pan. The noodles cook right in the broth so they soak up flavor. The butter makes the noodles rich and smooth. The chicken gives protein and makes it a full meal. You can change herbs and add vegetables. This recipe fits many tastes and skill levels. It is also easy to double or halve.
The flavors are mild and familiar. Kids and adults often like buttered noodles and simple seasoned chicken. The whole meal feels like comfort food. You can make it on the stove with no oven or special tools.
HOW TO MAKE Easy One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
This dish cooks in one skillet from start to finish. You will brown the chicken, soften the onion and garlic, add broth and noodles, and finish by tossing with butter. Keep the heat medium to avoid overcooking. Use a covered pan when the noodles cook to help them soften evenly. Check the noodles a little early to avoid becoming mushy.
If you want a creamier version, simmer a small splash of milk or cream in during the last few minutes. If you like more herbs, add fresh parsley at the end. For a bit of kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while the onion cooks.
For a thicker sauce, let the broth reduce a few minutes before returning the chicken. If the broth reduces too much, stir in a little extra broth or water to loosen the noodles.
Tip: Poke the thickest part of the chicken to check doneness. It should read 165°F (74°C) or have no pink inside.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet with lid
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Grater for Parmesan (optional)
- Plate to rest the cooked chicken
If you like slow-cooked dishes for busy days, you might enjoy a crockpot option like this creamy Cajun chicken pasta for another hands-off meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
These ingredients are easy to find and store in a small pantry. You can swap egg noodles with other short pasta like shells or rotini if you prefer. Just watch the cooking time on the pasta package.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-10 minutes.
- Once the noodles are cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Add the remaining butter and gently toss everything to combine.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
HOW TO SERVE Easy One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Serve this dish right from the pan for a warm, cozy meal. Cut the chicken into slices and place it on top of the noodles or toss it through the noodles for even flavor. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for color. A small amount of grated Parmesan on top adds salt and a lightly nutty taste.
For a balanced meal, serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. Simple steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or a mix of sautéed green beans go well with the buttered noodles.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Cool the food to room temperature before sealing the container. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the noodles. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each burst.
Freezing is possible but texture may change. Place cooled food in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If the noodles feel dry after thawing, add a little chicken broth while warming to make them soft again.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Steamed or roasted broccoli for crunch and color.
- Sautéed green beans with a bit of butter and lemon.
- Garlic bread or warm rolls for dipping into the broth.
- A side of steamed peas mixed into the noodles for color and sweetness.
If you want a spicy or different flavor profile on another night, try a quick noodle recipe like the easy saucy ramen noodles for a change.
VARIATIONS
- Add vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, sliced mushrooms, or chopped bell pepper while the noodles cook.
- Use shredded chicken: Cook whole breasts, shred, and return to the pan for a different texture.
- Make it creamy: Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cream or milk in the last few minutes.
- Lemon and herb: Add a splash of lemon juice and extra fresh parsley for brightness.
- Cheese twist: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or mozzarella before serving for a gooey finish.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while the onion cooks.
For a hearty soup-like change, serve the dish with extra broth and a scoop of white beans or a small cup of a creamy chili like the white chicken chili with cream cheese on the side during colder days.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Chicken thighs work well and add more flavor. Adjust cook time; thighs may take a little longer. Make sure they reach a safe internal temperature.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes. Short pasta like rotini, shells, or penne will work. Watch the package time and check for doneness a minute or two early.
Q: Do I need to cover the pan when the noodles cook?
A: Covering the pan helps the noodles cook evenly and keeps the liquid from evaporating too fast. Keep an eye on the liquid level.
Q: How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
A: Stir the noodles a few times while they cook. Use enough broth so the noodles have space to move. Adding the butter at the end helps separate the noodles too.
Q: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. If you use cooked chicken, add it near the end to heat through. Skip the initial browning step and save time.
Q: Is this recipe low sodium?
A: It depends on the broth and cheese you use. Use low-sodium chicken broth and skip added salt to lower sodium.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
- Prep ingredients: Chop the onion and mince garlic the night before and keep in the fridge. Measure the butter and seasonings ahead.
- Par-cook chicken: Brown chicken breasts lightly and store in the fridge. Finish the dish the next day by simmering noodles in broth and adding the pre-cooked chicken at the end.
- Make the broth mix: Mix spices with the broth in a jar to save time. Keep it in the fridge and pour into the pan when ready.
- Freeze raw: If you want to prep for later, place raw seasoned chicken and measured dry noodles in a freezer bag. Freeze up to one month. Thaw in the fridge and follow the steps, adding a little extra broth if needed.
- Assemble and reheat: Cook fully, then cool and store in the fridge. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of broth. This keeps the texture best.
Conclusion
This Easy One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a fast, warm, and simple meal you can make any night. The steps are clear and forgiving, and the dish holds well for leftovers. For another simple one-pot chicken and noodles idea with similar comfort flavors, see One Pot Chicken and Noodles Skillet | Butter Your Biscuit. If you want a quick creamy take on chicken with buttered noodles, try this version: Creamy Chicken with Buttered Noodles in Just 30 Minutes.
Easy One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-10 minutes.
- Once the noodles are cooked, return the chicken to the skillet. Add the remaining butter and gently toss everything to combine.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.