A weak simmer works best. Cooking the noodles too intensely can cause the liquid to evaporate before they are tender.
Adjust the fluid as needed
Different brands and shapes of noodles can absorb different amounts of liquid. If the skillet becomes dry before the noodles are cooked, add a little more broth or water.
Simple variations
Creamy chicken and noodles
For a richer version, stir in 1/2 cup of whipping cream toward the end of cooking.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Increase the amount of garlic and parmesan for a stronger and more piquant flavor.
Add vegetables
Make this a more complete one-pan meal by adding vegetables such as:
- Frozen peas
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Broccoli
- Chopped carrots
Add each vegetable depending on how long it needs to boil so that everything is ready at the right time.
Lemon herb chicken
Finish the dish with a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice and extra parsley. The strong acid helps to balance the fullness of the butter.
Chicken and mushroom noodles
Brown the chicken with sliced mushrooms in the skillet, then continue with the remaining steps.
What to Serve for This Dinner
Since the chicken and noodles are already filling, you won’t need much on the side. A fresh or lightly cooked vegetable will be a nice contrast to the rich, buttery noodles.
- Steamed green beans
- Rostad broccoli
- Simple green salad
- Glazed carrots
- Roasted asparagus
- Crusty bread
Can you do this in advance?
This dish is best served fresh because the noodles continue to absorb liquid while standing.
If you have leftovers, store them in a covered container in the refrigerator. When reheating them, add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating them. This will help dissolve the noodles and restore some of their original texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well and tend to remain juicy during cooking.
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Yes. However, the amount of liquid and the cooking time may need to be adjusted. Egg noodles are especially convenient because they cook relatively quickly.
Can I use grilled chicken?
Yes. Since grilled chicken is already cooked, you can skip the first browning step and add shredded or chopped grilled chicken later in the cooking process.
Why are my noodles too dry?
The noodles may have absorbed more liquid than expected. Add some hot chicken broth and stir gently until you reach your desired consistency.
Why are my noodles watery?
Let the noodles simmer uncovered for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing some of the excess liquid to evaporate. Be careful not to overcook the noodles.
A simple dinner with comfort food
Chicken in a pan with buttered noodles proves that a satisfying home-cooked dinner doesn’t need a long list of ingredients or a pile of dirty dishes.
The chicken is browned until flavorful, then cooked alongside tender egg noodles in a buttery garlic broth. Parmesan and fresh parsley add the final touch, creating a cozy meal that’s simple enough for a busy weeknight and comforting enough to cook over and over again.
When you want something warm, filling, and easy, this one-pan chicken dinner is an easy recipe to keep in your back pocket.
