Name: Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 8 oz egg noodles; 3 tbsp butter, divided; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional); Fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe

There are nights when you just want dinner to cook itself, or at least feel like it did. That’s where this chicken with buttered noodles recipe comes in. It’s cozy, simple, and packed with flavor, and you only need one pan to bring it to life. I remember the first time I made it, I was late getting home, had a hungry husband waiting, and no desire to clean up a mess afterward. But 30 minutes later, there we were, twirling buttery noodles and fighting over the last piece of tender chicken. That’s the kind of meal this is; easy, real, and always gone too fast.

Whether you call it one-pan chicken with buttered noodles or a quick chicken noodles recipe, this dish proves that simple ingredients can still deliver a lot of love.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken and noodles dish checks all the boxes: fast, filling, and totally fuss-free. You don’t need fancy ingredients or chef-level skills; just a skillet, a handful of pantry staples, and a bit of butter (okay, maybe a lot of butter). It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table feel like they got a warm hug.

The juicy chicken thighs or breasts soak up the buttery, garlicky noodles like they were made to go together. Plus, since it’s all cooked in one pan, the flavors get a chance to mingle. Less mess, more flavor.

If you’re a fan of easy weeknight comfort food, you’ll probably love Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes too, another cozy winner with just a few steps.

Ingredients for Chicken with Buttered Noodles

You’ll be amazed at how few ingredients you need to create this crave-worthy classic.

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
8 oz egg noodles
3 tablespoons butter (divided)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

If you’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken, feel free to use that instead. It cuts down the cook time and still tastes amazing.

Want something creamier? Try this Chicken Broccoli Pasta, it’s loaded with comfort.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

This chicken noodles recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, start to finish.

Here’s how to make it:

Sear the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic:
In the same pan, melt another tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook the Noodles:
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the noodles, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes until tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
Finish It Off:
Stir in the last tablespoon of butter and optional Parmesan. Slice the chicken and return it to the pan. Toss everything together and sprinkle with parsley.

Dinner’s done. You didn’t even need to boil water in a separate pot. That’s the beauty of this one-skillet method; everything works together, and every bite tastes like it took a lot more effort than it did.

For more one-pan ideas, the Philly Cheesesteak Casserole is an easy favorite too.

Tips and Variations

Make it your own with these easy swaps:

Noodles: Egg noodles work best, but you can also use rotini or spaghetti. Just adjust cook time and add more broth if needed.
Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, peas, or mushrooms while the noodles cook.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a little heat.
Cheesy Twist: Stir in shredded mozzarella or a touch of cream cheese at the end for a creamier texture.

Don’t overcook the noodles, they should be al dente and buttery, not mushy. And always taste before serving; a final pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon can make the whole dish sing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly. Just add it during the last 2–3 minutes of simmering to warm through without drying out.

2. What can I serve with chicken and buttered noodles?
A crisp green salad or steamed veggies pair well, but it’s hearty enough to stand alone. Garlic bread also makes a great side.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead?
It’s best fresh, but leftovers reheat well. Store in an airtight container and warm with a splash of broth or water to loosen up the noodles.

4. What’s the best noodle type for this recipe?
Egg noodles are classic for this dish, but fettuccine or linguine can also work. Just make sure the broth fully covers them while cooking.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to comfort food that doesn’t stress you out, this chicken with buttered noodles is a total win. It’s a weeknight lifesaver, a husband-approved favorite, and one of those meals that tastes like home. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, there’s no reason not to add this one to your rotation.

From simple ingredients to big flavor, the one-pan chicken noodles recipe proves you don’t need to be fancy to eat well. So the next time you’re tired, hungry, and wondering what’s for dinner, you know what to make.

For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!

Share with your loved ones:

Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe