One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is an easy, comforting dinner made with tender seasoned chicken, buttery noodles, and a simple savory sauce. Everything comes together in one pan, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without a pile of dishes.

The chicken is golden and flavorful, while the noodles cook directly in the same pan and absorb all those delicious buttery, savory flavors. It's simple, family-friendly, and incredibly satisfying.

Why You'll Love This One-Pan Chicken Recipe

• Everything cooks in one pan
• Easy weeknight dinner
• Simple ingredients
• Tender, flavorful chicken
• Rich and buttery noodles
• Minimal cleanup
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Perfect for the whole family

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Buttered Noodles

• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Notes

Chicken

Chicken breasts work well for a leaner dinner, while boneless chicken thighs provide extra tenderness and flavor.

Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are ideal because they cook quickly and have a soft, comforting texture. You can substitute another short or medium pasta, but cooking time may vary.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth provides the cooking liquid for the noodles while adding savory flavor throughout the dish.

Butter

Butter gives the noodles their rich, silky flavor. For the best results, use real butter rather than a butter substitute.

Parmesan

Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps make the noodles slightly creamy.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Place the bite-size chicken pieces in a bowl.

Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.

Add the seasoned chicken and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same pan.

Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Noodles

Pour the chicken broth into the pan and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to release the flavorful browned bits.

Add the egg noodles and stir gently to distribute them throughout the liquid.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

Cover and cook for approximately 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally so the noodles cook evenly and don't stick.

Step 6: Add the Milk

When the noodles are nearly tender, stir in the milk.

Continue cooking uncovered for another 2–3 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 7: Add the Chicken Back

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Stir everything together and allow it to heat through for another 1–2 minutes.

Step 8: Finish with Parmesan

Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best One-Pan Chicken and Noodles

Cut the Chicken Evenly

Cut the chicken into similarly sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.

Don't Overcook the Chicken

Chicken breast can become dry if overcooked. Cook it just until it reaches a safe internal temperature, then remove it from the pan while the noodles cook.

Stir the Noodles

Stir the noodles occasionally while they cook to prevent sticking and encourage even cooking.

Adjust the Liquid

If the noodles absorb the liquid before they're completely tender, add a small splash of chicken broth or milk and continue cooking.

Let the Dish Rest

Allow the finished dish to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it stands.

How to Make Creamy Buttered Noodles

For an even creamier texture, increase the Parmesan to 1/2 cup and add 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese at the end.

Stir until the cream cheese melts completely into the sauce.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice and tend to remain juicy and tender.

Cut them into bite-size pieces and cook them using the same method.

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Variations

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Noodles

Add extra minced garlic and Parmesan cheese for a stronger garlic-Parmesan flavor.

Creamy Chicken Noodles

Replace part of the milk with heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.

Chicken and Vegetable Noodles

Add broccoli, peas, spinach, mushrooms, or sliced bell peppers for extra vegetables.

Spicy Chicken Noodles

Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Noodles

Add fresh lemon zest and a small squeeze of lemon juice immediately before serving.

Cheesy Chicken Noodles

Stir in shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese along with the Parmesan.

What to Serve With One-Pan Chicken and Noodles

This meal is filling on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side for a complete dinner.

• Green salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic bread
• Green beans
• Roasted carrots
• Simple cucumber salad

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool and transfer them to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

How to Reheat Chicken and Buttered Noodles

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce, then stir occasionally until heated through.

You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each interval.

Can You Freeze This Recipe?

You can freeze it, although the texture of the noodles may become softer after thawing.

For best results, store the cooled meal in an airtight freezer-safe container and use within approximately 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a little broth or milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes. Rotini, penne, bow-tie pasta, or another similar pasta can work. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid and cooking time.

Can I make this recipe without milk?

Yes. You can use additional chicken broth, although the finished noodles will be less creamy.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes. Skip the chicken cooking step and add the cooked chicken near the end, just long enough to heat it through.

Why are my noodles dry?

The noodles may have absorbed more liquid than expected. Add a splash of broth or milk and stir over low heat until the desired consistency is reached.

Why is my sauce too thin?

Allow the dish to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. The noodles will continue absorbing liquid and the sauce will naturally thicken.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Use your favorite gluten-free egg noodles or pasta and make sure the chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Recipe Card

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6 servings
Category: Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Additional salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Season the chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Add butter to the same pan and melt over medium heat.
5. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
6. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom.
7. Add egg noodles and bring to a gentle boil.
8. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Stir in milk and cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes.
10. Return chicken to the pan and heat through.
11. Turn off the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the kind of comforting dinner that makes busy evenings easier. Tender seasoned chicken, buttery garlic noodles, and Parmesan come together in one skillet for a meal that's simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.

With minimal cleanup and plenty of possibilities for customization, this recipe is sure to become a regular part of your weeknight dinner rotation.

Save this easy one-pan chicken recipe and enjoy a cozy homemade dinner tonight!