Introduction:
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a comforting and delicious dish that comes together with minimal effort. The chicken is perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy, while the noodles are coated in a rich, buttery sauce. This meal is ideal for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying.
The beauty of this dish is that everything cooks in one pan, making both prep and cleanup a breeze.
It’s a savory, easy-to-make recipe that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
8 oz egg noodles (or your preferred type of pasta)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, diced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Noodles: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and cook the diced onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the dried thyme and season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the pan, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid. Cover the pan and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add Butter: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the butter until melted and well combined.
Combine Chicken and Noodles: Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips and return it to the pan with the noodles. Toss to combine everything.
Serve: Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Description:
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the ultimate comfort food. The chicken turns out perfectly tender and juicy, while the noodles soak up all the delicious, creamy flavors. The buttery sauce enhances the richness of the dish, making it a simple yet indulgent meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—it requires just a few basic ingredients, but the result is a dish that’s full of flavor. Perfect for busy evenings or when you’re craving something hearty.
Tips:
For Extra Flavor: You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking with your favorite herbs or a bit of lemon juice to add extra flavor.
Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work fine, fresh thyme or rosemary can really enhance the aroma and taste of the dish.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers during the cooking process for added nutrition and flavor.
Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
Pasta Variations: While egg noodles are ideal, you can use any pasta shape, such as penne or fusilli, depending on your preference.
Variations:
Chicken Alfredo Version: Replace the chicken broth with additional heavy cream for a richer, Alfredo-style dish.
Mushroom Chicken with Noodles: Add sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic for a creamy mushroom sauce.
Cheesy Chicken and Noodles: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese when the noodles are done cooking for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Corrections:
Too Dry: If the noodles are too dry or you want a creamier texture, simply add a little more chicken broth or cream to the pan while the noodles are cooking.
Not Enough Flavor: If the sauce lacks flavor, you can adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or even a bit of garlic powder or onion powder.
Overcooked Chicken: If the chicken is overcooked and dry, ensure that you don’t cook it for too long and consider using a meat thermometer (165°F internal temperature) to avoid this.
Enjoy:
Enjoy your One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles! This dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings with its creamy, buttery goodness and juicy chicken. Perfect for any occasion, this meal is a simple yet impressive way to feed your family or guests.