There's something truly comforting about a dish that comes together in just one pan. The aroma of garlic butter and seared chicken fills the kitchen, promising a meal that's both satisfying and effortless. Every bite delivers tender chicken, silky noodles, and a luscious buttery sauce that clings to each strand perfectly.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick but indulgent. It quickly became a staple in my household, loved for its rich flavors and the minimal cleanup it requires. If you're looking for a dish that's easy, family-friendly, and downright delicious, this one is for you.

Why You'll Love This One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles

Get ready to add this recipe to your weekly rotation. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

First, this dish is incredibly easy to make. With just one pan, you save time on both cooking and cleanup. No extra pots, no unnecessary steps—just straightforward cooking that delivers big on taste.

The combination of chicken, butter, and pasta creates an irresistible meal. The chicken is juicy and tender, the noodles are rich and creamy, and the buttery sauce ties everything together beautifully.

Budget-friendly ingredients make this a meal you can enjoy any night of the week. Simple pantry staples transform into something truly special, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to be expensive.

Best of all, this dish is completely customizable. Add vegetables, switch up the protein, or play around with different seasonings to suit your family’s preferences. It’s a versatile recipe that you’ll never get bored of.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Chicken is the star of this dish, and I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best results. They stay tender and juicy throughout cooking, whereas chicken breasts can dry out more easily. If you prefer white meat, be sure to slice it thinly to keep it tender.

Egg noodles are ideal for this recipe because of their soft, silky texture. They cook quickly and absorb the buttery sauce beautifully, creating the ultimate comfort food experience. If you don’t have egg noodles, fettuccine or linguine can work as substitutes, but the texture will be slightly different.

Butter is what makes this dish so incredibly rich and flavorful. Use high-quality unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning. A little extra butter at the end adds a silky finish to the sauce.

Garlic and chicken broth build the base of the sauce, infusing the dish with depth and savory goodness. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch. Chicken broth not only adds moisture but also enhances the overall flavor of the noodles.

A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end gives the dish an added layer of richness. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, creating a creamy, slightly nutty finish that ties everything together.

How To Make This One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles

This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s walk through the steps to ensure you get the best results every time.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a generous pat of butter and let it melt until it starts to sizzle. Season your chicken with salt and pepper, then place it in the pan. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a golden-brown crust, then flip and cook the other side until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add a little more butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. The aroma at this stage is absolutely mouthwatering.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling, add the egg noodles directly into the skillet, stirring occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. The noodles will absorb the flavorful broth as they cook, creating a natural sauce.

Once the noodles are tender, reduce the heat to low and stir in additional butter and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats every strand perfectly.

Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan, tossing everything together so the flavors meld beautifully. Let it sit for a minute or two before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

This entire process takes around 25 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick yet indulgent dinner.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, they store beautifully for another meal. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or a small pat of butter to a skillet over low heat, then stir in the noodles and chicken until warmed through. This helps bring back the creamy texture without drying out the dish.

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can also freeze it. Store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. There are countless ways to tweak it to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

For a veggie-packed version, add spinach, peas, or mushrooms. Simply toss them in with the garlic for a quick sauté before adding the broth and noodles.

If you want a lighter option, swap out the butter for olive oil and use whole-wheat pasta instead of egg noodles. The dish will still be flavorful but with a slightly different texture and richness.

For a protein twist, try using shrimp instead of chicken. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs wonderfully with the garlic butter sauce, making for a delicious seafood variation.

Want a little spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a bit of heat. The subtle kick enhances the buttery, creamy flavors beautifully.

This dish is endlessly versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. However you customize it, one thing’s for sure—it will always be a comforting, delicious meal the whole family will love.