One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles

Introduction

There are some dinners that feel like a warm hug at the end of a long day, and this One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles is exactly that kind of meal. Rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying, it brings together tender bites of chicken, silky egg noodles, and a luscious garlic butter cream sauce—all made in a single pan. It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet practical, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and hearty without creating a sink full of dishes.

This dish draws inspiration from classic American comfort food, where simple pantry ingredients are transformed into something crave-worthy through thoughtful technique rather than complexity. Garlic and butter form the flavor base, chicken broth and cream create a velvety sauce, and Parmesan adds depth and richness. Egg noodles cook directly in the sauce, absorbing every bit of flavor while thickening the dish naturally.

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its balance. It’s rich but not overwhelming, creamy without being heavy, and filling without feeling excessive. Everything comes together in about 35 minutes, making it ideal for family dinners, meal planning, or nights when you want something cozy but efficient.

If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels comforting and indulgent while still being approachable, this one-pan creamy garlic butter chicken deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• True one-pan meal: Chicken, sauce, and noodles cook in a single skillet for minimal cleanup
• Comfort food classic: Creamy, garlicky, buttery flavors that appeal to all ages
• Weeknight-friendly: Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
• High-protein dinner: A satisfying meal that keeps you full and energized
• Family-approved: Mild, savory flavors make it perfect for picky eaters
• Meal-prep friendly: Reheats well for lunches or next-day dinners

Ingredients Breakdown

Below is the exact ingredient list, presented clearly and grouped for easy reference. Measurements and ingredients are kept 100% accurate.

Main Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz wide egg noodles

Fats & Cooking Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Sauce Ingredients

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish (Optional)

• Chopped fresh parsley, to taste

Serving Size: 4 people
Calories: 520 kcal per serving

Tools & Equipment Needed

This recipe relies on basic kitchen tools that most home cooks already have.

• Large deep skillet (with lid)
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cup
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Stove

Optional but helpful:

• Cheese grater (if grating Parmesan fresh)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfect results every time.

1. Heat the Oil

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to warm fully so the chicken browns properly.

2. Cook the Chicken

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season them with salt and black pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden on the outside and cooked through.
Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.

4. Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, mixing until fully combined.

5. Cook the Egg Noodles

Add the wide egg noodles to the skillet, gently pressing them into the liquid so they are mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.

Simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the noodles are tender and the sauce begins to thicken.

6. Finish the Dish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir gently. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, until the sauce coats the chicken and noodles evenly.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm straight from the skillet.

Tips & Variations

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Cut chicken into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking
• Stir noodles occasionally to prevent clumping
• Keep heat low while simmering to avoid scorching the cream

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-free: This recipe is not gluten-free due to egg noodles
• Dairy-free: Not dairy-free as written
• High-protein: Naturally high in protein thanks to chicken and Parmesan

Flavor Adjustments

• Add extra garlic if you prefer a stronger garlic-forward flavor
• Increase Parmesan slightly for a thicker, richer sauce

Flavor Profile & Texture

This dish delivers classic comfort flavors. The garlic butter base provides warmth and depth, while heavy cream creates a smooth, luxurious sauce. Italian seasoning adds subtle herbal notes without overpowering the dish. The chicken remains tender and juicy, and the egg noodles soak up the sauce, becoming silky and flavorful.

The finished texture is creamy and cohesive, with sauce clinging to every noodle and piece of chicken rather than pooling at the bottom of the pan.

Nutritional Overview

This is a well-balanced comfort meal that offers both indulgence and nourishment.

• Calories: 520 kcal per serving
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fat: 28 g

Dietary considerations:

• High-protein
• Comfort-focused
• Filling and satisfying

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep ahead: Cut chicken and mince garlic up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator
• Leftovers: Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring halfway through

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes. The recipe works with either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs without changing the steps.

Why is my sauce too thick?

Sauce thickens as it cools. Gently reheat and stir to loosen.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Do the noodles really cook in the sauce?

Yes. Egg noodles absorb the liquid and cook directly in the sauce, enhancing flavor.

Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?

Parmesan helps thicken and flavor the sauce. Skipping it will result in a thinner sauce.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish directly from the skillet for a cozy, family-style presentation. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. This meal stands well on its own, making it perfect for simple weeknight dinners.

Recipe Variations (Using the Same Ingredients)

1. Extra Creamy Version: Allow sauce to simmer an extra 2 minutes before adding chicken back
2. Garlic-Forward Style: Add garlic slightly earlier for deeper infusion
3. Thicker Sauce Finish: Simmer uncovered briefly at the end

Ingredient Spotlight

Garlic

Garlic forms the backbone of this recipe. Freshly minced cloves release aromatic oils that flavor the entire sauce. Always sauté briefly to avoid bitterness.

Egg Noodles

Wide egg noodles are ideal for creamy sauces because they hold onto liquid well and cook evenly when simmered directly in broth and cream.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use a deep skillet to prevent overflow when noodles expand
• Stir gently to keep chicken pieces intact
• Add Parmesan off heat for smoother melting

Storage & Freezing Guide

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Freezing

• Cream-based sauces may separate slightly when frozen
• If freezing, cool completely and store for up to 1 month
• Reheat slowly, stirring often

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbohydrates	35 g
Fat	28 g
Saturated Fat	14 g
Cholesterol	155 mg
Sodium	530 mg
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	2 g

Dietary notes: High-protein, comfort-focused, family-friendly.

Expanded Conclusion

This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients, one skillet, and thoughtful technique, you get a rich, satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and practical. It’s the kind of recipe that fits seamlessly into real life—quick enough for busy evenings, comforting enough to crave again and again.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, planning meals for the week, or just craving something creamy and cozy, this dish delivers every single time. Once you try it, it’s bound to become one of those trusted recipes you reach for whenever you need an easy, comforting dinner that truly satisfies.

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