When you want a satisfying, tasty meal that won’t keep you in the kitchen all day, one pan chicken and buttered noodles is the solution. This is an easy dish to make, you simply add the chicken and creamy buttered noodles in one pan and that’s it. In this article, we present to you a simple recipe, and tell you why so many people love this meal.
It’s a one-pan chicken and buttered noodles, and nothing else. (Or in my case, a lean-to, but work with me.) It’s a one-pan meal that stars chicken cooked with pasta in a buttery sauce. The noodles are hearty and comforting, and the chicken is succulent and seasoned. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
You only need one pan to make this dish. Not only is the meal incredibly tasty, it is also super convenient, reducing the time spent cooking and cleaning. It’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your repertoire.
What Makes One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles So Great?
There are a couple of key reasons for which this dish is so outstanding:
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll only need a few basic ingredients like chicken, butter, noodles, garlic, and a bit of seasoning.
- Fast And Easy: You can prepare the entire meal in less than 30 minutes.
- Delicious and Nutritious: It’s hearty and warming, so it’s great for a comforting dinner.
- Minimal Mess: When you cook everything in a single pan, you don’t have a mountain of dirty pots and pans to wash after dinner’s over.
One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe Ingredients
Before you even begin to cook, assemble your ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- 2 (boneless and skinless) chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz pasta (you can use spaghetti or fettuccine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley fresh (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Recipe for One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Now let’s get back into the recipe. In almost no time, with a minimum of steps, you’ll have a hearty meal.
Prepare the Chicken
To begin with, season your chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Add some olive oil to a large skillet and turn to a medium high heat. Add the chicken breasts into the hot oil and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked in the center.
When the chicken is finished cooking, transfer it from the skillet, and let it stand. You’ll add it back in later.
Cook the Noodles
Melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to mix. So bring this to a simmer.
Add the pasta to the skillet and cook as directed on the package, which is typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick.
Add the Chicken and Noodles
When the noodles are boiled and the sauce has thickened, put the chicken back in the pot. Allow to simmer for another 3-5 minutes for all flavors to warm together. This way the chicken can absorb the sauce flavor.
The dish can be garnished with fresh parsley for color and additional taste.
Tips for Making the Best One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
To make sure your dish is a success, here’s what you need to remember:
- Go fresh: Fresh is best when it comes to the chicken breasts for this recipe.
- Pick your noodles thoughtfully: Long pasta is ideal; the sauce clings to it beautifully.
- Do not overcook the chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked through, but not dry. Test for internal temperature of 165°F with a meat thermometer.
- Make it your own: If you would like even more richness, toss some Parmesan cheese into the sauce, or use half-and-half in place of heavy cream.
One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles: A Flexible Recipe
This is such a versatile dish. You can mix in a variety of vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms and bell peppers. You could sweat the leeks with the garlic before adding the cream and broth. This will not only give it that great taste, but it will make it a lot healthier.
You can also change up the protein. And if you prefer, swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian take.
Why It’s Perfect for Busy Weeknights
One pan chicken with buttered noodles is great for busy weeknights. The short cooking time, few ingredients and easy cleanup make it perfect for nights when you don’t want to spend hours in kitchen. You can throw together raw ingredients and have a hot dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.
And since it’s a one-pan meal, you won’t have to make a bunch of sides. The noodles and chicken together make for a hearty, comforting enough bowl.
Nutritional Value of One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
If you’re wondering about the nutritional value of this meal, it’s worth noting that it’s relatively balanced. The chicken provides lean protein, while the noodles give you carbs for energy. The butter and cream add richness and flavor but also contribute to the fat content.
To make the dish healthier, consider using whole wheat noodles or reducing the amount of butter and cream. You can also add more vegetables for extra vitamins and fiber.
What to Serve with One Pan Chicken and Buttered Noodles
Although this is so yummy on its own you could serve it with some sides for a more complete meal. Here are some options:
- Garlic bread: An obvious choice garlic bread pairs nicely with buttery pasta and chicken.
- Side salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can offset the richness of the dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots or asparagus would bring some crunch and vitamins.
Storage and Leftovers
“The thing about one pan chicken with buttered noodles is it makes awesome leftovers. Keep any remaining food in a container with an air-tight lid in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the sauce needs a little more creaminess, when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream.
If you’d like to freeze this dish, be sure it is completely cooled before transferring to a freezer-safe container. And you can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Why One Pan Meals Are Such a Game-Changer
One pan meals like this are a huge help for busy people and families. They’re easy to prepare, call for a minimum of ingredients and cut down on cleanup. And when you use just a single pan, clean-up is easier, making more time to enjoy what you cooked and less time to clean up!
You can never go wrong with one pan meals. They are here to help you savor meal preparation without devoting hours to the kitchen.
Conclusion
So in conclusion one pan chicken with buttered noodles is THE BEST quick tasty and simple dinner for everyone in the family. It’s full of flavor, comforting and can even be a great recipe that you might already have most, if not all the ingredients in your kitchen.
This dish is sure to please a crowd, whether you’re cooking for your family or just for yourself. And being as low-mess and versatile as it is, it’s bound to work its way into your dinner-roster rotation.
FAQs
How long does it take to make this?
The recipe comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time. So it’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you need something quick and tasty to eat!
Can I make these with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead. They also are juicier and more forgiving when slightly overcooked. But make certain the internal temperature is at least 165°F (74°C) to eat it safely.
What type of noodles should I use?
They are usually egg noodles, as the noodles cook fast and take on the sauce nicely. But you can use other pasta shapes instead, such as fettuccine or bowtie pasta. Adapt the cooking time to the indications on the package of the type of pasta you are using.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Although the dish is really best fresh, feel free to get ahead by reading some of the components early. Cook and slice the chicken and store it separately. When you are ready to eat, reheat the chicken, mix it with the noodles and the sauce.
How do I keep leftover noodles from sticking together?
Stir the noodles as they cook, making sure the pan has enough liquid in it. If you need, you can also add just a splash more broth or water to prevent noodles from sticking.
What should I put in to make it taste better?
You may also want to mix in vegetables such as spinach, peas or mushrooms for extra taste and nutrition. A dash of lemon juice will brighten the dish up, a little red pepper flakes will add a hint of heat.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days. When reheating, mix in a splash of cream or broth to return sauciness to normal. Reheat lightly on the stovetop over a low flame or in a microwave.