Description: This recipe brings together the comfort of creamy buttered noodles and perfectly cooked chicken breasts in a single pan. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal cleanup without sacrificing flavor. Simple seasonings and a touch of Parmesan cheese elevate this dish to a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces egg noodles (wide or medium)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a good sear and prevents them from steaming in the pan. Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Make sure the seasoning is evenly distributed for a consistent flavor throughout.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken: In a large, oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel with a heavy bottom), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a good sear. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, covering it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt completely. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will impart a bitter taste to the dish.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the skillet with the sautéed garlic and melted butter. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the noodles are submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The noodles should absorb most of the chicken broth and become tender.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce: Once the noodles are cooked and have absorbed most of the broth, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and coats the noodles evenly. The Parmesan cheese will melt into the sauce, adding a rich, savory flavor.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Noodles: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into even strips or bite-sized pieces. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy noodles. Allow the chicken to warm through for about 2 minutes, ensuring it is heated evenly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor. Serve the One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles immediately while it’s warm and creamy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a winner for several reasons:
- Ease and Convenience: It’s a one-pan meal, which means minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Quick Cooking Time: From start to finish, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of savory chicken, creamy buttered noodles, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a comforting and satisfying flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Add vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrients, or use different types of cheese for a unique flavor.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even with picky eaters. The simple ingredients and familiar flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this dish as a complete meal on its own. The combination of protein and carbohydrates makes it a satisfying and well-balanced dinner.
- Pair it with a side salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the creamy noodles. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing works well.
- Add a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus, for extra nutrients and fiber.
- Serve with a crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor and a touch of heat.
Tips:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor of the dish. Opt for fresh chicken breasts, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and good-quality chicken broth.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it will become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or heavy cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer the noodles uncovered for a few minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like peas, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the dish for extra nutrients and flavor. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking so they don’t become overcooked.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish for a touch of heat.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and noodles separately ahead of time and combine them just before serving. This is a great option for meal prepping.
- Use Different Types of Noodles: While egg noodles are classic, you can use other types of noodles, such as penne, fettuccine, or rotini, depending on your preference.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.
- Herbs: Besides parsley, consider adding other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 700mg (values may vary based on specific ingredients used)
Conclusion:
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s quick, easy to make, and customizable to your liking. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or simply someone who loves good food, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness of this simple yet satisfying dish!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of chicken, like chicken thighs, in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay moist during cooking. However, keep in mind that chicken thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through. Also, they may be a bit fattier, so consider trimming excess fat before cooking. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q2: I’m allergic to dairy. Can I still make this recipe?
A: Absolutely! To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Just ensure the coconut cream is unsweetened. For the Parmesan cheese, you can either omit it entirely or use a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative. There are several brands available that offer dairy-free Parmesan substitutes made from nuts or soy.
Q3: Can I freeze this dish for later?
A: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the noodles may change upon thawing. Noodles tend to become softer and sometimes a bit mushy after freezing. If you’re planning to freeze it, it’s best to slightly undercook the noodles during the initial cooking process. This can help prevent them from becoming too soft after thawing. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little chicken broth or water if needed to restore the creamy consistency.
Q4: What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
A: This recipe is very versatile, and you can add a variety of vegetables to it. Some great options include:
- Peas: Add frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking. It wilts quickly and adds a boost of nutrients.
- Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for a savory addition.
- Broccoli florets: Add small broccoli florets during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking, ensuring they are tender-crisp.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a concentrated burst of flavor.
- Bell peppers: Dice bell peppers and sauté them with the garlic for a sweet and colorful addition.
Q5: Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
A: Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a great way to speed up the cooking process even further. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or grilled chicken. Simply slice or shred the pre-cooked chicken and add it to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through. This will save you the time of having to sear and cook the chicken from scratch. Just make sure the chicken is heated thoroughly before serving.
