One-Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken

This one-pan creamy garlic butter chicken with egg noodles is the ultimate comfort food dinner that delivers restaurant quality taste with minimal cleanup. My family begs for this dish weekly and I love how easily it comes together on busy weeknights.

I developed this recipe during a particularly chaotic week when I needed something that would impress my in laws but wouldn't keep me in the kitchen all evening. Now it's become our go to meal whenever we need something comforting yet special without the fuss.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts Choose even sized pieces for consistent cooking
• Wide egg noodles The perfect vehicle for soaking up the creamy sauce
• Olive oil Helps achieve the perfect golden sear on the chicken
• Butter Creates the rich base for the garlic sauce
• Minced garlic cloves Fresh is best for the most aromatic flavor
• Chicken broth Adds depth while cooking the pasta directly in the sauce
• Heavy cream Creates that silky restaurant quality texture
• Parmesan cheese Adds nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce
• Italian seasoning A convenient blend that adds herbal complexity
• Salt and black pepper Enhances all the flavors
• Fresh parsley Adds bright color and fresh flavor to finish the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, pressing the seasonings into the meat. This creates a flavorful crust when seared.

Sear the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large deep skillet until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Place the chicken breasts carefully into the hot oil and resist the urge to move them for at least 6 minutes. This patience allows a golden crust to form. Flip only once and cook for another 6 to 7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and rest on a plate.

Create the Garlic Butter Base

Reduce the heat to prevent burning the garlic. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. This aromatic base flavors the entire dish.

Develop the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Those browned bits from the chicken are pure flavor. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The sauce should have tiny bubbles around the edge but not boil vigorously.

Cook the Noodles

Add the dry egg noodles directly to the simmering liquid. Make sure they are fully submerged, pressing down gently if needed. Cover the pan and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Stir every 2 to 3 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The noodles will absorb the flavorful liquid as they cook.

Finish the Sauce

Once the noodles are tender after about 8 to 10 minutes, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until completely melted and incorporated. The sauce will thicken slightly as the cheese melts. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of broth.

Combine Everything

Slice the rested chicken against the grain into half inch thick pieces. Return the sliced chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces into the noodles. Gently fold to coat everything in the sauce without breaking the noodles. Allow to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to rewarm the chicken.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top just before serving. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the dish. Serve directly from the pan for a rustic presentation or transfer to a serving dish.

Pin it

My favorite part of this recipe is the moment when the Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, creating that magical silky texture. My daughter always asks to be my official taste tester for this step, and I love watching her eyes light up when I hand her the spoon. These small cooking moments have become our special bonding time.

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce as it tends to thicken when chilled. I often make a double batch on Sunday and portion it out for lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually develop overnight making day two even more delicious than day one.

Easy Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving. Chicken thighs can replace breasts for more flavor and moisture. Turkey cutlets or pork tenderloin medallions also work beautifully. For the pasta, any medium size pasta works well though cooking times may vary. Fettuccine, penne, or rotini are excellent alternatives to egg noodles. Dairy free? Replace the heavy cream with full fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar creamy result.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish is a complete meal on its own, I love serving it with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted broccoli or asparagus also make excellent vegetable accompaniments. For a special touch, serve with garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce. When entertaining, I transfer everything to a large shallow serving dish and place it in the center of the table family style, allowing everyone to help themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other pasta varieties such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta type.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can make it ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy texture.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you don't have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a little cornstarch to thicken the sauce. It won't be as rich but will still work well.

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and let it rest briefly before slicing.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the egg noodles with a gluten-free pasta option and ensure your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are gluten-free.

→ What vegetables can I add to this dish?

You can add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli. Simply sauté them in the pan before adding the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.