My neighbor’s teenage son, Kyle, recently started helping his mom with dinner once a week. Last Tuesday, he knocked on my door in a mild panic, holding his phone and asking, “Do you know any chicken recipe that doesn’t need, like… a million steps?”

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His mom had a late shift, and he wanted to surprise her. We flipped through a few ideas, but I could see he was more into the kind of dish where everything cooks in one pan—and quickly. That moment reminded me of a weeknight I had a while back when my youngest came home from soccer practice hangry, my husband was stuck in traffic, and I had only one pan clean. Out of that chaos, this One-Pan Chicken Noodles dish was born.

It’s warm, creamy, full of flavor, and gets dinner on the table fast without sacrificing comfort. I showed Kyle how to make it that evening. He did every step himself (with me watching like a proud aunt), and his mom called me the next day just to say thank you.

That’s the kind of recipe this is—practical, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to earn a few hugs at the table. It’s the kind you can throw together even when the day has been long, and the kitchen feels like the last place you want to be.

Short Description

Creamy, savory One-Pan Chicken Noodles is a comforting, all-in-one dinner made with juicy chicken, egg noodles, and a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce—ready in under 30 minutes.

Key Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz egg noodles
3 tbsp butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Tools Needed

Large deep skillet or sauté pan
Tongs or spatula
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Lid for skillet

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Stir for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant—don’t let it brown.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. This is your rich, creamy base for the noodles.

Step 4: Add the Egg Noodles
Add the egg noodles directly into the simmering liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The noodles should be tender and the sauce thickening.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the butter melts completely and the sauce turns creamy and coats the noodles beautifully.

Step 6: Return the Chicken
Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet. Stir to coat them with sauce and let everything heat together for 2–3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top if using. Serve hot straight from the skillet, family-style.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– All cooked in one pan—less cleanup

– Family-approved flavor with real ingredients

– Quick, comforting meal for busy nights

– Rich, creamy sauce that clings to every bite

– Flexible enough for picky eaters or flavor boosts

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Overcooking the Chicken
Dry chicken ruins a creamy dish.
Solution: Sear until golden and cooked through, then remove and set aside before adding back in at the end.

Mistake 2: Noodles sticking to the pan
This usually means not enough liquid or not stirring.
Solution: Stir noodles every few minutes and make sure they’re covered with the broth-cream mix.

Mistake 3: Curdled sauce
Too high heat can split the cream.
Solution: Keep the simmer gentle and avoid boiling after adding cream.

Mistake 4: Sauce too thick or too thin
Depending on stove heat, liquids can reduce too fast or slow.
Solution: Add a splash more broth if it gets too thick, or simmer uncovered a few extra minutes if too runny.

Mistake 5: Skipping the rest time
Jumping into serving right away can mean less flavorful bites.
Solution: Let the dish sit for 2 minutes off the heat before serving so the sauce fully sets.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad for balance

Great with a slice of crusty bread to mop up the sauce

Works well for family-style serving, straight from the skillet to the table

Add a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon for the adults

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Freeze: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce—it may separate

Reheat on Stove: Add a splash of broth or cream and reheat gently over medium-low

Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between, and add a little water to revive the sauce

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Yes! Just shred 2–3 cups of rotisserie chicken and stir it in during the final step to heat through.

2. What kind of noodles can I substitute for egg noodles?
Wide egg noodles work best, but you can try rotini, penne, or even fettuccine. Just adjust cook time slightly.

3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Whole milk is better than low-fat for a creamier result.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can swap egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth and cheese are gluten-free certified.

5. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely—frozen peas, baby spinach, or sautéed mushrooms are great additions. Add them in during the noodle step.

Tips & Tricks

Pound thicker chicken breasts to even thickness for faster, even cooking

Don’t skip the Parmesan—it gives the sauce depth and salty richness

For an extra flavor boost, stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard with the cream

Want it cheesier? Sprinkle a little mozzarella on top right before serving

Save time by using pre-minced garlic or garlic paste

Recipe Variations

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Noodles
Swap 1/2 cup of the broth for mushroom broth and stir in 1 cup sautéed mushrooms during Step 4. Adds earthiness and depth.

Lemon Herb Chicken Noodles
Add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest with the broth. Use fresh thyme or basil instead of parsley.

Spicy Cajun Chicken Noodles
Rub chicken with Cajun seasoning before cooking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and swap Parmesan for sharp cheddar.

Garlic Spinach Chicken Noodles
Stir in 2 packed cups of baby spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking. It wilts down quickly and adds color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I’ve lost count of how many times this dish has saved me on hectic weeknights. From spontaneous dinners with Kyle to those long days when I barely have time to breathe, it’s always a winner. What I love most is that it makes people feel cared for—even when life’s messy. You don’t need fancy ingredients or extra dishes. Just one pan, a handful of pantry staples, and a little time on the stove.

It’s the kind of meal you pass along to friends, knowing they’ll appreciate the simplicity just as much as the flavor. Whenever I hear a neighbor say, “I need something quick tonight,” this is what I send them. Give it a try—and then pass it on.

One-Pan Chicken Noodles