One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe

Picture this: the sizzling sound of tender chicken hitting a hot pan, the intoxicating aroma of garlic and butter swirling through your kitchen, and rich, velvety cream winding around tender egg noodles in a single skillet. This dish is the ultimate comfort food hug—a quick, fuss-free meal that feels gourmet but comes together with such ease. Every bite bursts with buttery, garlicky goodness, and the creamy sauce clings lovingly to each noodle and chunk of chicken. It’s like your favorite cozy dinner and a little celebration rolled into one pan. Ready to fall in love with your new favorite dinner?

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe

• Ready in 35 minutes: Whip up a satisfying, hearty meal without spinning your wheels all evening.
• Uses simple ingredients: Pantry staples and fresh chicken combine to create something truly special without breaking the bank.
• Perfect for beginners: One pan, straightforward steps, and no fancy techniques needed to get gorgeous results every time.
• Impressive presentation: Creamy, golden noodles topped with parmesan and parsley look as good as they taste, perfect for casual family dinners or cozy get-togethers.
• Customizable: Easily swap in your favorite herbs, proteins, or veggies to make it uniquely yours.

Why This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe Works

This recipe shines because of its clever simplicity and layering of flavors. First, searing the chicken over medium-high heat locks in juices and creates that beautiful golden crust that adds texture and depth. Next, sautéing minced garlic in butter releases sweet, aromatic notes that form the dish’s soul. The magic continues when you combine chicken broth and heavy cream, which, alongside Italian seasoning, creates a silky, luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the egg noodles. Cooking everything in one pan ensures the noodles soak up all the flavor while the sauce thickens into a creamy dream. It’s a harmony of technique and ingredients that guarantees comfort with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but pack serious flavor, making this dish both accessible and irresistible.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Tender, juicy protein that browns beautifully.
• Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps cook the chicken evenly.
• Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps create that creamy garlic base.
• Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the dish with a fragrant, savory punch.
• Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base, keeping the noodles moist.
• Heavy cream: Creates the decadently creamy sauce that ties everything together.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and complexity.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the flavors.
• Wide egg noodles: The perfect sturdy pasta to soak up the sauce.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and a touch of tangy richness.
• Fresh parsley (optional): A bright, fresh finish that lifts the entire dish.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Use turkey breast or firm tofu if you want a twist or a vegetarian option.
• Heavy cream: Substitute with half-and-half plus a tablespoon of flour for a lighter sauce, or coconut cream for a dairy-free variation.
• Wide egg noodles: Swap for fettuccine, pappardelle, or even gluten-free pasta to suit your preference.
• Italian seasoning: Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil also work wonderfully when in season.

How to Make One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces in a single layer, sprinkling them with salt and pepper. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 3 minutes to form a golden crust, then stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t rush the browning—this step builds flavor and locks in juiciness.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. This gentle cooking releases the garlic’s sweetness and infuses the butter with aromatic richness.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent it from browning too much as it can become bitter.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Add the Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet to unlock even more depth of flavor. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil.

💡 Pro Tip: Stirring here ensures your sauce starts silky smooth, not lumpy.

Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles in the Sauce

Add the wide egg noodles directly into the skillet, pressing them gently so they’re submerged. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened to luscious perfection.

💡 Pro Tip: Resist the urge to lift the lid too often—steam is your friend here to cook noodles evenly.

Step 5: Reincorporate Chicken and Finish with Cheese

Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and gently stir. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat every noodle and morsel of chicken with cheesy, creamy goodness.

💡 Pro Tip: Parmesan melts beautifully in the creamy sauce, adding a salty tang that elevates the dish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Warm

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve this soul-satisfying meal straight from the skillet to your plate for cozy, fuss-free dining.

💡 Pro Tip: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the finished dish beautifully if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Skipping the sear: Without properly browning the chicken, the dish loses its rich, caramelized flavor foundation.
• Using cold ingredients: Adding cold broth or cream can shock the chicken and cause uneven cooking or separation.
• Overcrowding the pan: This leads to steaming rather than searing, making chicken rubbery instead of crisp.
• Not pressing noodles into liquid: Noodles that aren’t submerged will cook unevenly and remain tough.
• Overcooking garlic: Burnt garlic tastes bitter and overpowering—sauté just until fragrant.
• Not stirring noodles: Left unstirred, noodles can clump and stick together.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version:

Mushroom Medley

Add sliced cremini or button mushrooms with the garlic in Step 2 for an earthy, savory depth that pairs beautifully with creamy sauce and chicken.

Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Stir in fresh spinach leaves and chopped sun-dried tomatoes at the end for vibrant color and a tangy burst that brightens each bite.

Lemon Herb Twist

Finish the dish with a generous squeeze of lemon juice and fresh herbs like thyme and basil for a zesty, Mediterranean flair.

Spicy Kick

Sprinkle in red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning to add warmth and just the right amount of heat to excite your palate.

Cheesy Extra

Mix in shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese alongside Parmesan for an ultra-rich, gooey finish.

Protein Swap

Try salmon fillets or pork medallions instead of chicken for an exciting twist that still cooks beautifully in one pan.

How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley, a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil add the perfect finishing touches.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style dinner, serve straight from the skillet at the table with rustic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a more refined touch, plate on warm dishes with extra Parmesan and a parsley sprig for color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will absorb more sauce, making leftovers even more flavorful.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, making them a fantastic choice. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces as directed and brown well.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half mixed with a bit of flour to thicken, or try coconut cream for a dairy-free twist, though the flavor will be a bit different.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and coconut cream, and substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.

Is it okay to use regular pasta instead of egg noodles?

Sure! Just adjust cooking times for the pasta you choose, and make sure it cooks fully in the sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas make excellent additions and add color and nutrients.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when you add the Italian seasoning to infuse a gentle heat.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! It freezes very well. Just reheat slowly to maintain creaminess and texture.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce base ahead, then finish cooking noodles and assemble just before serving for fresh results.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into something special without hours in the kitchen. It’s rich, comforting, and deeply flavorful yet deceptively simple—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want to impress your loved ones with a restaurant-worthy dish at home. The balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and lush noodles is like a warm embrace on a plate, guaranteed to satisfy every craving.

Have you tried this One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 😊

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