One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles

by

One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a quick and easy dinner recipe that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, look no further than One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles. This dish combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with a velvety, rich cream sauce and perfectly cooked egg noodles, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite, offering comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is easy to make and sure to impress.

Why Choose One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles?

This one-pan meal brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also convenient. The best part? You only need one pan for the entire process, making cleanup a breeze. No need for multiple pots or pans—just a single skillet that will handle it all, from searing the chicken to simmering the noodles in a luscious cream sauce. It’s an all-in-one, hassle-free meal that will save you time and effort, while still offering a gourmet experience.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles

This recipe uses basic, readily available ingredients that come together to create a heavenly dish. Here’s a closer look at the star components of the dish:

  • Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the preferred protein for this dish. They cook quickly, stay juicy, and absorb the flavor of the creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: The heavy cream adds richness and body to the sauce, making it smooth and luscious. It coats the noodles and chicken beautifully, bringing the entire dish together.
  • Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are the perfect choice because they are tender and soak up the creamy sauce well, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich flavor that enhances the cream sauce.
  • Olive Oil & Butter: Olive oil helps in searing the chicken, while butter adds richness to the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: The chicken broth adds depth of flavor and helps create a delicious base for the creamy sauce.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic is sautéed for a fragrant aroma that infuses the entire dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional, but fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Create Your Perfect One-Pan Meal

Follow these easy-to-understand steps to prepare this satisfying one-pan chicken with creamy buttered noodles.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once the oil is hot, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will ensure your chicken is flavorful and well-seasoned. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for optimal juiciness and safety.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. This step ensures your chicken remains tender and doesn’t overcook while the rest of the dish comes together.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute. You’ll want to cook the garlic until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can add a bitter taste to the dish.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The simmering process helps meld the flavors of the broth and cream, creating the base for the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Once the broth and cream mixture is simmering, add the egg noodles to the skillet. Stir to make sure the noodles are submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the noodles to cook for about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the pan.

As the noodles cook, the liquid will reduce and thicken, turning into a creamy sauce that will coat the noodles perfectly. Check the noodles for tenderness after about 8 minutes. If they need more time, cook them for a few extra minutes until they reach your preferred texture.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Once the noodles are cooked to perfection, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese, mixing until both ingredients melt into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.

Now, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Let them warm through in the sauce for a couple of minutes. This ensures that every bite of chicken is infused with the rich, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

To finish, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a touch of freshness. Serve the one-pan chicken with creamy buttered noodles hot, and make sure to spoon some of that luscious sauce over the chicken and noodles for added flavor.

Nutritional Information for One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, each packed with flavor and nutritional value. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Fat: 23g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 30g

This hearty dish provides a balanced combination of protein from the chicken, carbs from the noodles, and healthy fats from the butter and olive oil. It makes for a fulfilling meal that keeps you energized and satisfied.

Tips for Perfecting Your One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles

To ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and homemade chicken broth will elevate the flavor of your sauce. If possible, make your chicken broth from scratch for an extra depth of flavor.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken: When cooking the chicken, make sure there’s enough space in the pan to allow it to sear properly. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to achieve the best result.
  • Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream to loosen it. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce.
  • Add Vegetables: For a more complete meal, consider adding some vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.

Conclusion: A Deliciously Simple One-Pan Meal

One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles is the perfect recipe for busy nights when you want something comforting yet easy to prepare. With juicy chicken, tender egg noodles, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy the whole family. Plus, with the convenience of a single skillet, cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a casual dinner gathering, this dish will be the star of your weeknight dinner rotation.

So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that’s sure to impress. One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles is everything you need in a quick and delicious dinner!

Leave a Comment