This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces nestled in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, perfectly coating soft egg noodles that soak up every bit of flavor. It’s comfort food elevated to an effortless weeknight dinner, where everything comes together in a single pan, saving you time and cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe promises a satisfying, creamy, and delicious meal that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this dish. Each component plays a crucial role, from the buttery richness to the savory garlic notes and the tender, fluffy noodles that bring everything together perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps cook the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Balances butter’s richness and prevents it from burning during cooking.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces): Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning that enhances every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic, savory depth.
- 2 cups chicken broth: The savory base that adds moisture and rich flavor to the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups milk or half-and-half: Creates the creamy texture that defines this dish.
- 8 oz egg noodles (uncooked): Soft, tender noodles that absorb all the garlicky goodness perfectly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that makes the dish irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that layers in fresh, savory notes.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Provides a touch of color and fresh flavor for garnish.
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them well with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step locks in the juices and builds a fond—the tasty browned bits—that will boost the sauce’s flavor later. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside temporarily.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned. This quick step releases all those aromatic oils that make garlic so wonderfully warm and inviting.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Now pour in the chicken broth and milk, taking a moment to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan bottom—this is where flavor lives. Stir in the uncooked egg noodles along with the Italian seasoning. Bring everything to a gentle boil before lowering the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally. The noodles will soak up the liquid while becoming tender and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Cheese
Once the noodles are tender and the liquid mostly absorbed, stir the cooked chicken back into the pan along with the Parmesan cheese. Simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes more to let all those flavors marry into a luscious, creamy sauce. The cheese not only enriches the sauce but helps it cling deliciously to the chicken and noodles.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top instantly elevates the dish, giving it a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a subtle herbal note that balances the rich creaminess beautifully. You can also add a little extra Parmesan if you love that salty tang.
Side Dishes
This dish is fantastic on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple green salads, steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans, or even some roasted carrots. The sides add texture and a fresh contrast to the creamy richness of the chicken and noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this creamy garlic butter chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or baby peas to sneak in some greens. You could also dish it out in shallow bowls with a swirl of extra sauce on top, making it cozy and inviting—perfect for passing around at a family dinner. For gatherings, serve it with warm crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, though the noodles may thicken as they absorb more sauce.
Freezing
This dish freezes well too. For best results, freeze in portioned containers and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture of the noodles might change slightly but the flavor remains fantastic.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the chicken and noodles in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Stir frequently to heat evenly and avoid drying out the chicken. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can dry out the dish if not carefully attended.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe. They’re juicier and a bit more forgiving, which means you get tender, flavorful bites every time.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, to make it dairy-free, swap butter for a plant-based alternative, and choose a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for that cheesy flavor. The creamy texture will still be delicious.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like baby spinach, peas, or mushrooms raises the nutrient factor and adds extra layers of flavor. Toss them into the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking so they stay fresh and vibrant.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, you can easily make your own blend using dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Even a pinch of any herbs you love will enhance the dish nicely.
How can I make this recipe quicker?
Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Simply cook the noodles and sauce as directed, then stir in shredded rotisserie chicken at the end to warm through. This cuts down cooking time and still delivers amazing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe is such a joyful, fuss-free meal to have in your rotation. It’s loaded with flavor, comforting textures, and easy cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it brings family and friends together around the table. Happy cooking!
Print
One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles is a hearty and comforting American main course that combines tender chicken pieces with flavorful garlic, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked egg noodles all made in a single skillet. It’s a quick and easy stovetop dinner ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Cooking Fat
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic and Liquids
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk or half-and-half
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles, uncooked
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids and Noodles: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor. Stir in the uncooked egg noodles and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer Noodles: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the noodles simmer for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Chicken and Cheese: Stir the cooked chicken back into the pan along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring continuously until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Add baby spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking to incorporate extra vegetables.
- Use rotisserie chicken as a time-saving shortcut, adding it in step 5 without extra cooking.
