One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is Easy Tasty Savvy 7

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a quick, weeknight-friendly skillet dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection and tossed with garlicky, buttery noodles—all in one pan. This recipe grew from my life as a professional chef who loves turning everyday ingredients into comforting, fast meals. On Cookeroni, I design dishes that respect a busy schedule but feel like a treat. This one-pan wonder fits busy moms and professionals who want a tasty, satisfying dinner without the cleanup marathon. It’s about balance: flavorful, nourishing, and simple enough to make after a long day. Let’s dive into how to make it your weeknight staple.

Table of Contents

What makes this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles special

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is my go-to weeknight fix when I want big flavor fast. I’ve learned that after a long day, a kitchen full of gadgets isn’t the answer— a single pan can do wonders. I started making this dish when I needed comfort without piling on dishes. The skillet keeps everything close, from searing the chicken to glossy noodles that drink up butter and garlic. It’s cozy, adjustable, and surprisingly forgiving. If you’re juggling work, kids, or errands, this recipe feels like a friendly wink from my stove to yours. Let’s dive into what makes it special.

OnThe heart of the dish

This dish blends a crusty, seared chicken breast with garlicky, buttery noodles, all cooked in one pan. The skillet approach minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor. The combination of savory chicken, a rich butter sauce, and al dente noodles delivers a comforting, weeknight-friendly experience that feels like a small victory after a busy day.

Convenience meets flavor

The magic is in one-pan efficiency: you season, sear, simmer, and finish in the same skillet. The result is juicy chicken with a glossy, butter-juiced noodle coating that clings to every strand. It’s a dish that tastes like you spent more time, but it took only minutes to assemble.

Why you’ll love this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Quick to the table

I know meal planning can feel like a sprint, but this dish keeps pace with my busy days. You’ll plate dinner in about 30 minutes, and the chicken stays tender while the noodles soak up that garlic-butter kiss.

Family-friendly comfort

I’ve found its gentle flavors and silky texture please both kids and grown-ups. Mild herbs, parmesan, and a creamy sauce turn weeknight dinners into cozy comfort.

Adaptable for dietary needs

I also love that tweaks, not obstacles, are welcomed here. Dairy-free butter or olive oil, gluten-free pasta, or a different protein swap keeps the heart of the dish intact.

Ingredients

Ingredient spotlight

Exact quantities are at the bottom of the article and printable. Here’s a quick guide to what you’ll be using and why.

• 2 tbsp olive oil — helps sear the chicken and start the sauce.
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts — the main protein for juicy, weeknight-friendly bites.
• 1 tsp garlic powder — adds warm, savory depth without extra chopping.
• ½ tsp paprika — brings color and a touch of smoky sweetness.
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning — a bright herb boost to the base flavor.
• Salt and pepper, to taste — essential seasoning to wake up everything else.
• 3 tbsp butter — the heart of the glossy, garlicky sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced — provides the fragrant garlic kiss throughout the dish.
• 2 cups chicken broth — creates the saucy base and cooks the noodles.
• 1 cup water — helps the noodles reach the perfect tenderness.
• 8 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice — the vehicle for that silky butter coating.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese — brings creamy richness and a salty tang.
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley — a fresh finish and color pop.

Optional and substitutions:

• Cream or milk splash for extra creaminess — if you crave a silkier sauce, add at the end.
• Dairy-free butter or olive oil swap — keep it dairy-free without losing the sauce’s sheen.
• Gluten-free pasta or any pasta shape (longer shapes like fettuccine also work) — adapt to dietary needs or preference.
• Fresh lemon zest for brightness — a quick zing right before serving.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Season the chicken

I season the One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This builds a flavorful crust from the first bite.

Step 2: Sear the chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and rest briefly.

Step 3: Garlic butter base

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. The kitchen should smell warm and inviting.

Step 4: Add broth and noodles

Pour in chicken broth and water, then add the noodles. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until the noodles are tender. The One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles method shines here as the noodles simmer.

Step 5: Finish with Parmesan

Stir in Parmesan cheese and toss until the sauce is creamy and the noodles are well coated. If the sauce thickens too quickly, loosen with a splash of broth.

Step 6: Return chicken and finish

Return the chicken to the pan and spoon some of the buttery noodles over the top. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately. Serve immediately for the full One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles experience.

Tips for Success

Practical tips

These quick tweaks I use keep flavor high and cleanup light for busy weeknights.

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for a crisp crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want a good sear.
• Use a light hand with salt since the Parmesan adds saltiness.
• Keep an eye on the noodle liquid and adjust with more broth if needed.
• Finish with a small pat of butter for extra gloss and flavor.

Equipment Needed

Having the right tools keeps the One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles simple and fast. If you don’t own a 12-inch skillet, use a larger sauté pan. A sturdy spatula and tongs make turning and tossing easier. A splatter screen helps, especially when simmering noodles.

Essential tools

• 12-inch (or larger) skillet or sauté pan
• Tongs for turning the chicken
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Spatula or ladle for broth additions
• Optional: splatter screen

Variations

Lemon-parsley lift

I love bright notes in One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. Add lemon zest to the butter just before finishing, and sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh finish. It wakes the dish without overhauling the base flavors.

Creamy version

I sometimes crave extra silk in One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. Stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end and whisk so the sauce clings to every noodle. It feels like a cozy blanket for the chicken.

Pasta swap options

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles loves a little variety with pasta shapes. Short shapes or gluten-free options work well; just adjust the liquid slightly. The result still coats beautifully with that garlicky butter.

Protein swaps

Protein swaps keep One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles interesting. Try shrimp or turkey cutlets for a weekly spin, while the garlic butter base stays familiar. It’s a friendly way to mix up weeknights without reinventing the wheel.

Serving Suggestions

Sides and plating

I love plating this one-pan wonder with a splash of color. A bright green side keeps the buttery richness in check and makes every bite feel lively.

• Serve with steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a simple side salad.
• A crusty bread or garlic bread pairs nicely to mop up the sauce.
• Garnish with extra parsley or a light grating of Parmesan for a polished finish.

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles: Extra Value for Your Table

Make-ahead and meal-prep

I love how One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles shines in meal-prep. The recipe stores well in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the sauce silky.

Turn leftovers into lunch by shredding chicken over warm noodles with fresh parsley. It transforms into a quick, satisfying option when mornings are chaotic. I often portion into single servings for grab-and-go dinners.

For planning, set out ingredients in bowls, so assembly is faster. This saves time and reduces weekday stress. The one-pan method means fewer dishes to scrub after the week slips by.

Budget-friendly tips

If you’re prepping for the week, you can double the batch and refrigerate in separate containers for easy lunches.

To reheat, cover and warm gently, stirring often, until the sauce is silky.

This approach makes weeknights calmer and helps you reclaim a bit of kitchen joy.

Plus, it reduces last-minute panic meals greatly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes. One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles works well with chicken thighs, too.

They stay juicier and deepen the flavor.

Adjust the cooking time to reach 165°F.

Boneless thighs cook faster but still brown nicely.

I sometimes use thighs when I want extra savor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. You can make this dairy-free.

Use dairy-free butter or olive oil for cooking.

Skip Parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

The sauce emulsifies with a splash of warm broth.

I’ve done it for guests and it still shines.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes. A different pasta shape is fine.

Short shapes or sturdier options work well.

If you choose fettuccine, break it or adjust the liquid.

The garlicky butter coats everything beautifully.

I often rotate with gluten-free pasta when needed.

Is this suitable as a weeknight dinner for a halal diet?

Yes. It can fit halal guidelines with halal chicken and compliant ingredients.

Check additions like butter if your rules require it.

If you avoid dairy, use dairy-free butter alternatives.

Overall, the dish remains balanced and family-friendly.

Final Thoughts

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles has become my go-to pantry hug after a long day. I love how the skillet does the heavy lifting, searing chicken to a golden crust and finishing with glossy, garlic-laden noodles. The aroma alone lifts the mood and invites everyone to the table. This dish thrives on simplicity, yet never feels plain; Parmesan melted into the butter coats each strand like a silky ribbon. It scales up for guests or shrinks for a cozy family dinner. With minimal cleanup, it leaves room for laughter, conversation, and seconds—proof that good flavor can be easy. For everyone.

Print