One pan creamy garlic butter chicken with egg noodles is the kind of dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but actually comes together in about 30 minutes. Tender chicken, silky noodles, and a rich garlic butter cream sauce all cook in a single skillet. I reach for this recipe when my week gets hectic and I still want to put something genuinely satisfying on the table.
I first made this on a Wednesday night when the fridge was almost empty and I needed a real meal fast. That first batch disappeared so quickly I barely got a photo. What makes this one pan creamy garlic butter chicken with egg noodles so good is how the noodles absorb the buttery, garlicky sauce while staying perfectly tender. It is simple, comforting, and the cleanup is almost nothing. This is about to become your new favorite!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles
I always make sure these staples are on hand because this dish comes together so fast once you start. Every ingredient plays a role in building that deeply savory, creamy sauce.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil – I recommend a good quality olive oil for better flavor and a golden sear
- 4 cloves garlic (minced) – My preference is always fresh garlic over jarred for the best aroma
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream – In my experience, full-fat heavy cream creates the richest, most velvety sauce
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish) – I usually add a little extra on top right before serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend reading through every step before you heat the pan. In my experience, having everything prepped in advance makes this one pan creamy garlic butter chicken with egg noodles come together without any stress.
Step 1: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper on all sides before they hit the pan.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: In the same skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir constantly and watch closely so it does not burn.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Those bits carry a lot of flavor and will make your sauce taste incredible.
Step 5: Add the egg noodles and stir to combine with the liquid. Cover the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the broth.
Step 6: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and butter. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the noodles. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together until well coated and heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve right away.
Perfect Pairings for One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles
This rich, creamy dish pairs best with sides that are light, fresh, or slightly crisp to balance the flavors and textures on the plate.
Steamed Broccoli: The mild bitterness of broccoli cuts right through the richness of the cream sauce and adds a satisfying crunch. If you love garlic with broccoli, try this garlic butter chicken and broccoli as a variation on the same flavor combo.
Simple Garden Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette brings brightness and acidity that refreshes the palate between bites of the creamy noodles.
Roasted Asparagus: Asparagus adds a slight char and tender bite that contrasts beautifully with the buttery sauce. It rounds out the meal with color and a nutritional boost.
Crusty Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce. My kids go straight for the bread before anything else.
Creamy Parmesan Pasta Side: If you want to lean into the Parmesan flavor even more, creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta is a similarly cozy dish worth bookmarking for another night.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites: For another single-pan weeknight win with the same garlic butter flavor profile, garlic butter chicken bites with creamy Parmesan pasta is a reader favorite worth trying.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The egg noodles will continue to absorb the sauce as they sit, so the dish will be thicker the next day.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to bring the sauce back to its original consistency. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one. Pro tip: avoid high heat when reheating, as it can cause the cream sauce to separate and turn grainy.
This dish is not recommended for freezing. Cream-based sauces and cooked egg noodles both break down in texture after freezing and thawing. Enjoy it fresh or within a few days for the best results. If you enjoy creamy one-pan chicken dinners, creamy smothered chicken and rice is another make-ahead-friendly option worth exploring. For pasta fans, chicken mozzarella pasta and creamy chicken mac and cheese are two more cozy dishes that reheat beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta instead of egg noodles?
Yes. Wide pasta like fettuccine or pappardelle works well as a substitute. Cook times may vary, so check for doneness a couple of minutes early and adjust accordingly.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest check is an instant-read thermometer showing 165 degrees F at the thickest part. Visually, the chicken should be opaque all the way through with no pink in the center.
Can I add vegetables directly to the pan?
Absolutely. Spinach, peas, or sliced mushrooms all work well. Stir them in during Step 6 when you add the cream, and they will cook gently in the sauce without becoming mushy.
Conclusion
One pan creamy garlic butter chicken with egg noodles is one of those recipes that earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. It is fast, genuinely delicious, and comes together with almost no cleanup. Give it a try tonight and watch the whole family go back for seconds. You are going to love this one!
One Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Egg Noodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper on all sides before they hit the pan.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir constantly so it does not burn.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the egg noodles and stir to combine. Cover the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If too thick, add a splash of broth or cream.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together until well coated and heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
