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

One-Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles: Imagine a weeknight dinner that’s both incredibly flavorful and unbelievably easy to clean up. That’s the magic of this dish! Forget juggling multiple pots and pans; this recipe brings everything together in a single pan for a complete and satisfying meal.

While the exact origins of chicken and buttered noodles are hard to pinpoint, the concept of combining simple, comforting ingredients into a nourishing dish is a culinary tradition found across many cultures. From classic German spaetzle to creamy Italian pasta dishes, the appeal of tender noodles coated in a rich, buttery sauce is universal. This One-Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe takes that comforting essence and elevates it with juicy chicken and savory seasonings.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, the taste is simply irresistible – the buttery noodles perfectly complement the savory chicken, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Second, the texture is delightful, with tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles. But perhaps the biggest draw is the convenience. Who doesn’t love a delicious meal that requires minimal effort and cleanup? This One-Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe is a true weeknight winner, offering a comforting and flavorful dinner without the fuss.

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
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 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! The seasoning will flavor the whole dish.
2. Next, prepare your vegetables. Chop the onion into small pieces. Mince the garlic – you want it nice and fine so it releases its flavor easily. Slice the mushrooms. I like to use cremini mushrooms for their earthy flavor, but you can use white button mushrooms if you prefer.
3. Now, chop the fresh parsley. You’ll use some of it in the dish and some for garnish. Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor that really elevates the dish.

Sautéing the Ingredients:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to hold all the ingredients later.
2. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
6. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and browned, about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally. The mushrooms will release their moisture, so let it evaporate as they cook.

Bringing it All Together:

1. Now, add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Add the egg noodles to the skillet. Make sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid. If not, add a little more chicken broth.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
5. Stir everything together to ensure the noodles are evenly distributed.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the Parmesan cheese is already salty, so start with a small amount of salt and adjust as needed.

Baking the One-Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Dot the top of the noodle mixture with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. This will add richness and flavor.
3. Cover the skillet with a lid or tightly with aluminum foil.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Check the noodles for doneness after 20 minutes. If they are still too firm, continue baking for a few more minutes.
5. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
2. Serve hot and enjoy! This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread.

Tips and Variations:

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay moist during baking. If using chicken thighs, increase the cooking time slightly.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as peas, carrots, or spinach. Add them along with the mushrooms.
• Cheese: You can use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Gruyere, in place of Parmesan.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices to customize the flavor of this dish. Garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning would all be great additions.
• Cream Cheese: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese after baking.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Broccoli: Add chopped broccoli florets during the last 10 minutes of baking for a boost of nutrients and flavor.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor.
• Wine: Add a splash of white wine to the skillet after sautéing the onions and garlic for a more complex flavor. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the chicken broth.
• Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish and adds a touch of acidity.

Storage Instructions:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake in a preheated oven until heated through. You may need to add a little chicken broth or water to prevent the noodles from drying out.

Freezing Instructions:

This dish can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven until heated through.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Calories: 600-700

Protein: 40-50g

Fat: 30-40g

Carbohydrates: 50-60g

Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Conclusion:

This One-Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – minimal cleanup, maximum taste. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich, buttery sauce that coats every single bite. It’s comfort food elevated, and it all comes together in, you guessed it, just one pan!

But why is this a must-try? Beyond the easy cleanup, it’s the sheer versatility. You can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences. Not a fan of chicken thighs? Chicken breasts work just as well, just be mindful of the cooking time to avoid drying them out. Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Throw 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, I love serving this One-Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles with a simple side salad. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the noodles. Alternatively, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus would also be fantastic additions.

Looking for variations? Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a dollop of ricotta cheese on top for extra creaminess. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You could also experiment with different herbs – fresh parsley, thyme, or even a touch of rosemary would all complement the flavors beautifully.

Another fun variation is to use different types of noodles. While egg noodles are classic, you could also try fettuccine, linguine, or even rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment!

The best part about cooking is making it your own. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create a dish that you truly love. Maybe you want to add some mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or perhaps a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness. The sky’s the limit!

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your household. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, grab your trusty pan, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious this One-Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe is.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments below – I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!

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