This One Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe is the answer to your busiest days, delivering a stunningly simple and delicious meal that qualifies as an easy weeknight win. Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken pieces and perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, savory garlic butter sauce. The best part? It all comes together in a single pan. This method is revolutionary, not just for the minimal cleanup, but because the noodles cook directly in the broth and butter, absorbing every drop of flavor. It is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that tastes like a gourmet indulgence but is secretly one of the easiest meals you will ever make.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles
Perfect for a 30-Minute Meal
From start to finish, this entire meal is on the table in 30 minutes or less. Because everything cooks in one pan, there is no waiting for a separate pot of water to boil. The prep is minimal, and the cooking process is straightforward and hands-off for the most part. This makes it an absolute lifesaver for those evenings when you are short on time and energy but still want to serve a real, wholesome meal. It is faster than ordering takeout and infinitely more satisfying.
Kid-Friendly Flavor Highlights
The flavor profile of this dish is a universal favorite, especially with picky eaters. The combination of buttered noodles and tender chicken is simple, savory, and irresistibly good. It is not spicy or overly complex, relying instead on the familiar, comforting tastes of garlic, butter, and rich chicken broth, with a salty kick from Parmesan cheese. This approachable flavor profile makes it a guaranteed hit with children and adults alike, ensuring clean plates and zero dinner-time battles. It is the very definition of a family-friendly meal.
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One Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles: Easy Weeknight Win
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
The ultimate easy weeknight win! This One Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe features tender chicken and pasta cooked together in a luscious garlic butter sauce. A 30-minute meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, divided
4 cloves Garlic, minced
4 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
12 oz Egg Noodles (or Fettuccine)
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven with a lid, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
5. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the broth to a rolling boil.
7. Add the dry pasta to the skillet. Stir well to separate the noodles and submerge them in the broth. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
8. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
9. Turn off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the cooked chicken (along with any juices from the plate). Toss continuously until the cheese is melted and the butter and remaining liquid have formed a creamy sauce.
10. Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use a large, wide skillet so the pasta can cook in a relatively even layer.
If the pasta absorbs all the liquid before it’s al dente, add another 1/4 cup of broth or water and continue to simmer.
The sauce will thicken as it rests for a few minutes off the heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions for Buttered Noodles
Essential Ingredients
This recipe’s beauty lies in its simplicity. You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. The sauce is built from butter (the star of the show), garlic, and chicken broth. The noodles cook directly in this liquid, so a sturdy pasta like egg noodles, fettuccine, or rotini is a great choice. A generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese is stirred in at the end, which thickens the sauce and adds a delicious nutty, salty flavor. Fresh parsley adds a final touch of color and freshness.
Smart Substitutions
This dish is a fantastic base for customization. You can easily make it heartier by adding vegetables. Stir in a cup of frozen peas or a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. For a richer, creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream along with the Parmesan cheese. If you do not have chicken, this recipe is just as delicious with sliced smoked sausage or even just as a simple “garlic buttered noodles” side dish. You can also swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth if needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Chicken Buttered Noodles
Prep Phase
Before you turn on the heat, get all your ingredients ready. Cut your chicken into uniform one-inch cubes and season them well with salt and pepper. Mince your garlic; using fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor. Measure out your chicken broth and have your butter and pasta ready. Grate your Parmesan cheese and chop your fresh parsley. With everything prepped, the cooking process will be a fast and seamless flow.
Cooking Phase
In a large, deep skillet or pot, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, melt another two tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Add the dry pasta to the skillet, stirring to submerge it in the liquid. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the remaining butter, the grated Parmesan cheese, and the cooked chicken. Toss everything together until the butter and cheese melt into a creamy, luscious sauce that coats the noodles and chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect One Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles
Technique Secrets
The secret to this dish is the starch from the pasta. As the noodles cook in the broth, they release starches that naturally thicken the liquid, helping the butter and Parmesan cling to create a sauce rather than a watery broth. To enhance this, avoid rinsing your pasta. Another tip is to use a combination of butter and broth; the broth cooks the pasta, while the butter adds that signature rich flavor. Adding some butter at the end of cooking, off the heat, makes the sauce extra glossy and velvety.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is having the heat too high while the pasta simmers. This can cause the liquid to evaporate too quickly, leaving you with undercooked pasta and a scorched pan. Keep it at a steady, gentle simmer and keep the pan covered. Another error is not stirring. You must stir the pasta every few minutes to ensure it cooks evenly and does not clump together at the bottom of the skillet. Finally, do not add the Parmesan cheese while the sauce is boiling, as this can cause it to become stringy and clump.
Serving Ideas & Pairings for Your Weeknight Win
Presentation & Plating
This one pan chicken buttered noodles dish is a beautiful, rustic meal that looks best served in wide, shallow bowls. Pile the saucy noodles and chicken high, allowing the glossy butter sauce to pool at the bottom. A generous sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese on top is a must. For a vibrant finishing touch, add a liberal scattering of fresh, finely chopped parsley. This touch of green not only adds color but also provides a fresh, clean flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese.
Pairing Suggestions
This is a very hearty and complete meal on its own, but a simple side can round it out perfectly. A side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli adds a wonderful green component and a nice textural contrast. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette would also be lovely, as the acidity would brighten up the rich flavors of the pasta. For another incredibly easy and comforting pasta dish, you should also try this Viral Creamy Ricotta Chicken Pasta.
Timing Breakdown Table
| Step | Time | Notes |
| Prep | 10 min | Cube chicken, mince garlic, measure ingredients. |
| Cook | 20 min | Sauté chicken, simmer pasta, create sauce. |
| Total | 30 min | Serves 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Shorter pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bow ties work very well. If you use a shape that requires more or less cooking time, adjust the simmering time accordingly. You may also need to add an extra splash of broth if the pasta absorbs all the liquid before it is tender.
My sauce seems thin. How can I thicken it?
The sauce should naturally thicken from the pasta starches and the Parmesan cheese. If it is still too thin, let the dish rest off the heat for 2-3 minutes; it will thicken significantly as it cools slightly. You can also stir in an extra tablespoon or two of Parmesan.
What is the best pan to use for this recipe?
A large, deep skillet (at least 12 inches) with a tight-fitting lid is perfect. A Dutch oven or a wide pot also works well. You need enough surface area for the chicken to brown properly and enough depth to hold the broth and pasta.
Conclusion
This One Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe is the epitome of an easy weeknight win. It delivers on every promise: it is incredibly fast, requires minimal cleanup, and boasts a comforting, savory flavor that the entire family will adore. This dish proves that you do not need a complicated ingredient list or a sink full of dishes to create a meal that feels special and nourishing. It is the perfect, stress-free solution for getting a delicious homemade dinner on the table, giving you back precious time in your evening.