If you are searching for a comforting yet elegant meal that comes together effortlessly, the One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines tender, golden chicken breasts with silky egg noodles enveloped in a luscious garlic butter and Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without requiring a mountain of dishes or complicated steps. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential to create the rich flavors and textures in this dish. Each component works in harmony, from the juicy chicken breasts to the creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the egg noodles.
- Chicken breasts (4 boneless, skinless): Choose evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking and juicy meat.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a beautifully mild fruitiness and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Egg noodles (8 oz): Their tender, slightly chewy texture is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the dish with a fragrant warmth that’s both aromatic and savory.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Melts into the sauce to add a silky richness and subtle sweetness.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Provides a savory foundation and depth to the sauce without overpowering it.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Delivers the decadent creaminess that makes this dish irresistible.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated): Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that perfectly balances the richness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note at the end.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then place the chicken in the pan. Cook each side for 5–6 minutes until you see a beautiful golden-brown crust and the chicken is cooked through. The sear locks in juices, making each bite deliciously moist. Once done, set the chicken aside—it will rejoin the party later in the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
Right in the same skillet—no need for extra cleanup—add minced garlic. Cook it for about 30 seconds until it releases its wonderful aroma but hasn’t browned. This step is crucial because it lets the garlic infuse the oil, creating a fragrant base for our sauce.
Step 3: Cook Noodles
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Immediately stir in your egg noodles, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid. Cook them for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick to the pan, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed some of that creamy liquid.
Step 4: Finish Sauce
Now, the sauce comes to life as you stir in butter and grated Parmesan cheese. The butter enriches the sauce, while the Parmesan melts in, adding a cheesy, savory depth that turns this from simple cream sauce into a mouthwatering dream. Stir until everything is smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Add Chicken
Either slice your cooked chicken or return the whole breasts to the skillet so they can soak up some of that sumptuous sauce. Simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to mingle and the chicken to warm up perfectly.
Step 6: Serve
This is where it all comes together and you get to enjoy your masterpiece. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of brightness and color, then serve warm and watch as everyone falls in love with this delightful, creamy comfort food.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives to brighten the creamy sauce and add a fresh herbaceous hit. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurt either if you want to go all-in on that cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables makes a lovely contrast to the creamy richness. Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans also provide great texture balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating the chicken slices neatly atop a bed of noodles with the sauce drizzled artfully. Use a bright herb garnish and a lemon wedge on the side to offer a fresh zing if desired. This simple addition can elevate the rustic dish to something special and visually appealing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb more sauce over time, so you might want to loosen it with a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month, but keep in mind that cream-based sauces sometimes change texture after freezing. To freeze, cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Warm your leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Adding a little broth, milk, or cream helps revive the sauce’s creamy texture and prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and bring a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Do I have to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream is key for the rich, silky sauce, but you could substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk with a bit of cream if you want to lighten it. Just expect a thinner sauce and slightly less decadence.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles. The creamy sauce and chicken remain just as tasty.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese to achieve that umami flavor without dairy.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a gathering?
This recipe can be made a few hours ahead and kept warm on very low heat or reheated gently just before serving. For best freshness, cook the noodles shortly before serving as they tend to soak up the sauce if left too long.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe a try soon because it’s a perfect blend of ease and indulgence. From its golden seared chicken to the silky, garlicky sauce coating tender noodles, every bite feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of meal that brings comfort without fuss, making it a favorite to whip up time and time again. Enjoy the process and most importantly, the delicious results!
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One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles is a comforting and easy-to-make dinner that combines tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, creamy garlic sauce, and soft egg noodles all in one skillet. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that requires minimal cleanup while delivering rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but not browned, infusing the base flavor for the sauce.
- Cook Noodles: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the egg noodles, stirring gently to combine. Cook the noodles for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and absorb some of the creamy sauce.
- Finish Sauce: Stir the butter and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet until both ingredients have melted completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Chicken: Either slice the cooked chicken breasts or return them whole to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts with garlic powder and Italian herbs before cooking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the dish’s saltiness.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
