One-pan chicken with buttered noodles is a comforting and simple dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Juicy, seared chicken is paired with tender, buttery noodles cooked in the same pan for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. This recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a hearty, home-cooked meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with just one pan.
- Minimal Cleanup: No extra pots or pans needed for this one-dish wonder.
- Family-Friendly: A comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone.
- Customizable: Add vegetables, spices, or herbs to suit your taste.
- Affordable Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and simple proteins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic, minced
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
For the Buttered Noodles:
- Egg noodles (or any short pasta)
- Chicken broth (or water)
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic, minced
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions

For the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken:
- Sprinkle chicken with onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
For the Buttered Noodles:
- Cook the Noodles in the Same Pan:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the egg noodles, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Add Butter and Cheese:
- Stir in butter until melted and the noodles are coated. Add Parmesan cheese, if using, for extra flavor.
Combine and Serve:
- Return the Chicken:
- Place the cooked chicken back in the skillet with the noodles. Warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for a veggie boost.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the noodles for some heat.
- Herbaceous Twist: Stir in fresh thyme, basil, or oregano for an herby flavor.
- Cheese Lovers: Top with shredded mozzarella or a mix of cheeses before serving.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute the noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the noodles.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as noodles can become mushy upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli works well in this recipe.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken juicy?
Avoid overcooking the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes after searing to retain its juices.
Can I use precooked chicken?
Yes, precooked shredded or rotisserie chicken can be added during the last few minutes of cooking the noodles.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter and omit the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking to the pan?
Stir the noodles occasionally while they cook to prevent sticking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken ahead and reheat it with the noodles when ready to serve.
What can I serve with this dish?
Pair it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but ensure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth is gluten-free as well.
Can I add a sauce to the noodles?
A light cream sauce or tomato-based sauce can be stirred in for added flavor.
Conclusion
One-pan chicken with buttered noodles is a simple, satisfying meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite. With its versatility and ease, it’s a go-to recipe that you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.
PrintOne-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a simple, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken is cooked to perfection and served with buttery, garlicky noodles all in one pan for minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Buttered Noodles:
- 8 oz (225 g) egg noodles or your favorite pasta
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts or thighs with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Noodles:
- In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil.
- Add the egg noodles and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the Butter and Garlic:
- Lower the heat and stir in the butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the noodles. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add sautéed spinach, peas, or broccoli for a more balanced meal.
- Cheese Options: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a slightly sharper flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness.