One Pan Chicken Noodles

One Pan Chicken Noodles is a simple skillet meal that cooks chicken and noodles together in one pan. It uses common ingredients and a short cook time for reliable, creamy results. This recipe works well on weeknights and for busy cooks who want a complete meal fast. Try it when you need a mild, family-friendly dinner. For a different take, compare it to Honey BBQ Chicken Rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish balances tender chicken with soft, saucy noodles for a comforting texture and mild flavor. The sauce clings to the noodles and gives a silky finish. The one-pan method reduces cleanup and keeps flavors concentrated for consistent results every time.

The method uses searing, a short simmer, and low heat to cook evenly. That combination locks flavor into the chicken and lets the noodles absorb the sauce. It delivers steady timing and repeatable texture across batches.

For more skillet ideas, try the related one-pan chicken with buttered noodles recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients make a creamy, one-pan noodle dinner. Use the recipe card for exact measurements.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless pieces that cook quickly and stay tender. Slice or pound thin for faster cooking.
• Egg noodles: Quick-cooking noodles that thicken the sauce as they cook. Choose fresh or dried.
• Olive oil: Use for searing the chicken and preventing sticking. Heat until shimmering.
• Garlic: Minced for quick sautéing and a mild aromatic base. Add after the chicken browns.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory flavor and cooks the noodles. Use low-sodium for better control.
• Heavy cream: Creates a rich, smooth sauce that coats the noodles. Stir in near the end.
• Butter: Adds gloss and richness to finish the sauce. Stir until melted.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated to melt into the sauce for savory depth. Add at the end.
• Salt: To season the dish during and after cooking. Adjust to taste.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground for balanced spice. Add while cooking.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped for a bright garnish. Sprinkle before serving.

Measurements are in the recipe card.

How to Make This One Pan Chicken Noodles

This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Follow each step for even cooking and a creamy sauce.

1. Sear the chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown chicken until golden on both sides.
2. Sauté the garlic: Remove the pan from high heat briefly and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant for about 30 seconds, stirring to avoid burning.
3. Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream and bring the mix to a gentle simmer. Scrape up browned bits for extra flavor.
4. Cook the noodles: Stir in egg noodles and spread them evenly. Cover and simmer until the noodles are tender, checking after eight minutes.
5. Finish the sauce: Stir in butter and grated Parmesan until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Return the chicken: Slice or shred the cooked chicken and return it to the pan to warm through. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.

Tips for Success

Follow these tips for consistent results every time.

1. Dry the chicken: Pat it dry before seasoning to get a good sear. This improves flavor and color.
2. Don’t rush the sear: Brown the chicken fully for better texture. Avoid moving it too soon.
3. Use low heat for simmering: Simmer gently to cook noodles through without splitting the sauce. Maintain a steady bubble.
4. Check noodle doneness: Taste noodles a minute before the minimum time. Different brands cook at different rates.
5. Add cheese last: Stir Parmesan in off the heat to prevent graininess. This keeps the sauce smooth.
6. Adjust liquid if needed: Add a splash of broth if the pan dries before the noodles finish cooking. Keep the sauce creamy.

Consistent technique produces reliable texture and flavor each time.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet with lid
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Grater

Variations

• Vegetable add-in: Stir in spinach or peas near the end for color and nutrition.
• Cream substitute: Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Expect a thinner texture.
• Pasta swap: Use fettuccine broken into pieces if noodles are unavailable. Watch cooking time.
• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for heat. Start small and taste.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free sauce alternative.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed green beans: A crisp, mild side that complements the creamy dish.
• Simple salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette balances richness.
• Garlic bread: Toasted bread soaks up extra sauce for a hearty meal.
• Roasted broccoli: Adds texture and a roasted flavor contrast.
• Pickled vegetables: Provide acidity to cut the creaminess.

FAQs About This Recipe

This section answers common questions about storage, reheating, and swaps.

How long will leftovers keep?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The noodles will absorb some sauce over time, so expect a slightly thicker texture after chilling. Reheat gently to restore creaminess.

How do I reheat without drying out the dish?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water. Stir frequently to loosen the sauce and heat evenly. Microwave reheating works with short bursts and added liquid to prevent drying.

Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
You can brown the chicken and chop ingredients a day ahead. Store components separately. Cook the noodles and finish the sauce just before serving for best texture and flavor.

What are good substitutions for heavy cream?
Use half-and-half for a lighter result or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Expect a thinner sauce with these swaps and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Is this recipe easy for beginner cooks?
Yes. The steps are basic: sear, simmer, and finish. Timing is forgiving if you check noodle doneness. Follow the steps and keep heat moderate for steady results.

Conclusion

For another creamy skillet option, see Creamy Chicken Noodle Skillet.

One Pan Chicken Noodles

This simple skillet meal combines chicken and noodles in one pan, delivering creamy, reliable results perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the chicken

• 2 pieces Boneless chicken breasts Slice or pound thin for faster cooking.
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil Use for searing the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground for balanced spice.

For the sauce and noodles

• 3 cups Chicken broth Use low-sodium for better control.
• 1 cup Heavy cream Stir in near the end.
• 8 ounces Egg noodles Quick-cooking noodles.
• 2 tablespoons Butter For finishing the sauce.
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Add at the end for savory depth.
• 2 cloves Garlic Minced for quick sautéing.

For garnishing

• 1/4 cup Fresh parsley Chopped for a bright garnish.

Method

 

Cooking the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Brown chicken until golden on both sides.

Sautéing and Simmering

1. Remove the pan from heat briefly and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
2. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Scrape up browned bits for extra flavor.

Cooking the Noodles

1. Stir in egg noodles, cover and simmer until tender, checking after eight minutes.

Finishing the Dish

1. Stir in butter and Parmesan until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Slice or shred the cooked chicken and return it to the pan.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley, and serve.

Notes

For best results, pat the chicken dry before seasoning and avoid rushing the sear for better flavor.