One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles: The Ultimate Comfort Dinner You Can Make in Under 30 Minutes

ByEmma Riley

Are you tired of juggling multiple pots and pans when making dinner? What if you could create a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup? Enter the One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles, a deliciously simple recipe that’s becoming a kitchen favorite for busy families and home cooks alike. Despite being straightforward, many people shy away from one-pan meals, thinking they are either bland or complicated. The truth is that mastering a one-pan dish like this not only saves you time but also brings out concentrated flavors, especially when pairing juicy chicken with perfectly buttered noodles. In this recipe, you’ll learn exactly how to bring these elements together seamlessly, ensuring a satisfying meal every time.

Ingredients List

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (substitute with thighs for more juiciness)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for a mild flavor, or coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Buttered Noodles:

  • 8 ounces egg noodles or your choice of pasta (gluten-free or whole wheat pasta works well)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (use ghee or olive oil for dairy-free alternatives)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (skip or use nutritional yeast for vegan version)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions & Dietary Swaps:

  • Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
  • Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb variation.
  • Dairy-free? Use vegan butter and omit or replace Parmesan cheese.

Timing

  • Preparation time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes

This recipe is a game-changer if you often find yourself short on time but craving a home-cooked meal. The one-pan method allows the chicken to sear and release flavorful juices while the noodles cook in the same pan, absorbing that richness. It’s faster than many traditional chicken-and-pasta dishes which often take 45 minutes or more. Comparable to popular one-skillet recipes, this dish offers maximum taste with minimum fuss.

One-pan chicken with buttered noodles garnished with fresh parsley served in a skillet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly on all sides of the chicken. This dry rub gives the chicken a flavorful crust when seared.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside temporarily. Pro tip: don’t overcrowd the pan—this ensures a crispy exterior.

Step 3: Cook the Garlic Butter Noodles

Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add egg noodles and stir to submerge them fully. Let noodles cook uncovered for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re al dente and most of the broth is absorbed.

Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pan atop the noodles. Cover with a lid and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). This steams the chicken perfectly and allows flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Garnish

Turn off heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the noodles. Toss gently to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for that vibrant, fresh finish.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
  • Protein: 38 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 40 grams
  • Fat: 15 grams (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and butter)
  • Fiber: 2 grams
  • Sodium: Variable depending on broth and seasoning choices
  • Sugar: 2 grams

This balanced meal provides a satisfying amount of protein and carbohydrates, making it ideal for dinner or even meal prep.

Healthier Alternatives

  • Use whole wheat or high-protein pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
  • Substitute butter with olive oil to reduce saturated fat content.
  • Swap chicken breasts with skinless chicken thighs to retain moisture but trim any visible fat.
  • Reduce salt by using low-sodium chicken broth and enhancing flavor with fresh herbs and spices.
  • Add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to increase your veggie intake.

Serving Suggestions

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles pairs beautifully with crisp, tangy sides. Try serving it with:

  • A simple mixed green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
  • Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans for seasonal flair.
  • For a cozy twist, sprinkle extra Parmesan and top with a little freshly cracked black pepper and chili flakes.

Vegetarian-friendly? Forgo the chicken and increase garlic and herb quantities in the “noodles” for maximum taste. This dish also lends itself well to batch cooking—serve leftovers with a sprinkle of fresh herbs to revive flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect juiciness and avoid dryness.
  • Not stirring noodles enough: Noodles can stick to the pan if neglected; stir occasionally to prevent burning.
  • Skipping the sear: Searing creates flavorful caramelization, so don’t skip this step even though it’s one pan.
  • Using too much liquid: Start with the recommended amount of broth. Too much liquid will make the noodles mushy.
  • Crowding the pan: Give each chicken breast enough room to brown properly.

Storing Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken and noodles separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

The One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the perfect balance of simplicity, flavor, and convenience. Whether you’re a busy professional, meal-prep enthusiast, or novice cook, this recipe delivers a wholesome, satisfying meal without the kitchen chaos. Ready to give it a try? Share your experience, tweaks, or photos in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy, delicious recipes delivered right to your inbox.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles absorb flavors exceptionally well, penne, fusilli, or even rice noodles can be great alternatives depending on your preference.

Q2: How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles to create a gluten-free version.

Q3: Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes. Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

Q4: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, both chicken and noodles freeze well when stored separately. Freeze in airtight containers for best results.

Q5: How can I add more vegetables to this meal?
Try stirring in baby spinach or peas during the last few minutes of noodle cooking, or sauté veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms after searing the chicken.

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