Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines the best of both worlds: a rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, all served with perfectly cooked egg noodles. The garlic butter sauce is full of flavor, with the creaminess balancing the savory garlic and butter for a luxurious texture. The dish is simple but satisfying, and the one-pan aspect means less time spent on cleanup. It’s a total winner for those who love creamy pasta dishes but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
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Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
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Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Finish the Sauce: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix everything together, letting it cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the heat level of the sauce.
- Creamy and Cheesy: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra creamy, cheesy twist.
- Herbaceous: Add a tablespoon of fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for more depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if it looks dry. You can also microwave it in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a more flavorful, juicy option. Just make sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. Can I make this recipe with a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While egg noodles work perfectly here, you can substitute with fettuccine, penne, or any pasta you prefer. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta.
3. Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
You can make the dish dairy-free by substituting the butter with olive oil and using a plant-based cream alternative, such as coconut cream or almond milk.
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove with a little added liquid if necessary.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! You can add vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, peas, or bell peppers to the skillet. Just sauté them with the chicken or stir them in with the noodles.
6. What should I serve with this dish?
This creamy chicken and noodles dish pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
7. How do I make this dish spicier?
To make it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add some chili paste or hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.
8. Can I make this recipe without chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water, although using broth will provide a richer flavor.
9. How can I make this recipe lighter?
To lighten up this recipe, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of butter or use a light butter substitute.
10. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and use a larger pan. Just ensure you have enough space for the noodles to cook properly and adjust the cook time as needed.
Conclusion
One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. The creamy, flavorful sauce and juicy chicken make for a satisfying dish that’s sure to please the entire family. Plus, with minimal cleanup and simple ingredients, it’s a weeknight dinner winner.
One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles
This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles is a quick and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken is cooked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, combined with egg noodles for a creamy, flavorful meal—all made in one pan for easy cleanup!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 oz egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken strips, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add butter and let it melt.
- Stir in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
3. Cook the Noodles:
- Add egg noodles to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Finish the Sauce:
- Stir in heavy cream and return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a cheesier version, add grated Parmesan cheese.
- Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms for a nutritional boost.
- Adjust spiciness by adding extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce.