One-Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles: Easy Recipe for a Quick Dinner

One-Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles: Imagine a dish that delivers comfort, flavor, and minimal cleanup all in one go. A culinary dream, right? Well, stop imagining and start cooking! This recipe for One-Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles is about to become your new weeknight staple. It’s so simple, even the busiest home cook can whip it up in under an hour.

While the exact origins of chicken and noodles are debated, the concept of combining poultry with pasta has been a comforting staple in many cultures for centuries. From hearty chicken noodle soups passed down through generations to creamy chicken Alfredo dishes, the pairing is a timeless classic. This One-Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe takes that classic combination and streamlines it for modern life.

What’s not to love? The tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and rich, buttery sauce create a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly satisfying, easy to customize with your favorite vegetables, and, most importantly, requires only one pan! Less time washing dishes means more time enjoying this delectable One-Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles with your loved ones. Get ready to experience a weeknight dinner revolution!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb egg noodles
• 4 tbsp butter, divided
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables:

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely in the pan. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! Good seasoning is key to a flavorful dish.
2. Now, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is perfect, but any large skillet that can go in the oven will work) over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is nice and hot before adding the chicken.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. You might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of browning it. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry if there are some browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan – that’s flavor! We’ll deglaze the pan later.
5. Next, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
6. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are softened and have released their moisture. Stir frequently. The mushrooms should be nicely browned.
7. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, we’re building layers of flavor here!

Cooking the Noodles and Sauce:

1. Now it’s time to deglaze the pan. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce.
2. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the chicken broth mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the egg noodles to the skillet. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
4. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Keep an eye on the liquid level; if it’s drying out too quickly, add a little more chicken broth.
5. Once the noodles are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The sauce should thicken slightly as the cheese melts.
6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the noodles and sauce.

Finishing and Serving:

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler.
2. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top of the noodle mixture.
3. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly browned. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!
4. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy! This dish is best served hot. You can add a side salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal.

Tips and Variations:

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist during cooking.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Add them along with the mushrooms.
• Cheese: You can use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Gruyere.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you don’t like spice, omit them altogether.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, basil, or sage.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Assemble the dish up to the point of broiling, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the foil and broil as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the broiling time if the dish is cold.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side salad. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great complement to the richness of the dish.
• Serve with crusty bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Serve with roasted vegetables. Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are all good choices.

Why This Recipe Works:

This one-pan chicken buttered noodles recipe is a winner for several reasons:

• Ease of Preparation: Everything is cooked in one pan, which means less cleanup!
• Flavor: The combination of chicken, mushrooms, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and savory flavor profile.
• Comfort Food: This dish is the ultimate comfort food – warm, satisfying, and delicious.
• Versatility: You can easily customize the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or herbs.
• Family-Friendly: This is a dish that the whole family will enjoy.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect weeknight meal.

Conclusion:

This One-Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion disguised as comfort food, and it’s incredibly easy to make! Seriously, if you’re looking for a dish that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort and cleanup, then you absolutely have to try this. The juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken, the creamy, buttery noodles, and the subtle hint of garlic all come together in a symphony of deliciousness that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. I know I always do!

But what truly makes this recipe a must-try is its versatility. It’s a fantastic base that you can easily customize to suit your own tastes and preferences. Feeling adventurous? Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Toss in some broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or even some spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. The possibilities are truly endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* For a complete meal: Serve this One-Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles with a simple side salad or some steamed green beans. The freshness of the vegetables will perfectly complement the richness of the dish.
* Elevate the flavor: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens up the flavors and adds a delightful zing.
* Cheese, please!: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano adds a salty, savory note that takes this dish to the next level.
* Spice it up: As mentioned before, red pepper flakes are a great way to add some heat. You could also try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
* Make it creamy: For an even richer and creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the very end. Just be sure to remove the pan from the heat first to prevent curdling.
* Herb it up: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme add a burst of freshness and flavor. Sprinkle them on top right before serving.
* Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would pair beautifully with this dish.

I’m confident that this One-Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe will become a new family favorite. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable – what’s not to love?

So, go ahead and give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And when you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think and what variations you came up with. Did you add any special ingredients? Did you serve it with a particular side dish? Your feedback is invaluable and helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this recipe. I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures! Happy cooking!

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