One Pan Chicken Noodles
Tender chicken breast with creamy egg noodles is the perfect dish for a quick and satisfying meal. This One Pan Chicken Noodles recipe is designed for busy nights when you want comfort food without the fuss. Ready in under 30 minutes, it brings together simple ingredients into a deliciously creamy dish that everyone will love. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this meal stands out for its flavor and ease of preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pan means less hassle when it comes to washing dishes.
- Creamy Comfort: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, comforting sauce that elevates the dish.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily modify the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smoother, gather these essential tools before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: A must-have for cooking everything in one pan, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Cooking spoon: Essential for stirring ingredients smoothly, preventing sticking and burning.
- Measuring cups: Help ensure precise ingredient quantities, which is crucial for achieving the best flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
For the Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced.
- 2 cups chicken broth.
- 1 cup heavy cream.
For the Noodles
- 8 ounces egg noodles.
For Finishing Touches
- 3 tablespoons butter.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated.
- Fresh parsley for garnish.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Noodles
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a simmer.
Step 3: Add the Noodles
- Add egg noodles to the simmering mixture.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes until noodles are tender.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
- Stir in butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Return seared chicken to the pan to warm through.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious One Pan Chicken Noodles, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Noodles
One Pan Chicken Noodles is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate this comforting meal.
With Fresh Salad
- A crisp garden salad complements the creamy noodles perfectly. Toss mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side.
Add Garlic Bread
- Serve alongside toasted garlic bread for a delicious crunch. The buttery and garlicky flavors pair well with the chicken noodles.
Top with Extra Parmesan
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess that enhances the entire dish.
Include Steamed Vegetables
- Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrition. The bright colors and freshness balance the richness of the noodles.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Use fresh parsley or basil as a garnish. This not only adds color but also freshens up the dish with aromatic notes.
Create a Family Style Serving
- Serve in a large bowl in the center of the table. Let everyone help themselves, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere during dinner.
How to Perfect One Pan Chicken Noodles
To make your One Pan Chicken Noodles even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use high-quality chicken: Opt for fresh, boneless skinless chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the garlic: Cooking garlic until fragrant adds depth to the flavor profile of your dish.
- Adjust broth and cream ratio: For richer noodles, increase the heavy cream slightly, but maintain balance with chicken broth.
- Cook noodles al dente: Follow package instructions carefully to ensure they don’t become mushy when cooked in the sauce.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor complexity.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving helps meld all flavors beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for One Pan Chicken Noodles
When planning your meal, pairing One Pan Chicken Noodles with complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and rich, these potatoes provide a wonderful contrast to the noodles.
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a touch of elegance and pairs well with chicken.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing brings a classic touch that balances flavors.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, making it an ideal companion to creamy dishes.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds sweetness and texture; grill or boil it for maximum flavor.
- Quinoa Salad: A healthy option packed with protein, quinoa salad can include various veggies and dressings according to taste.
- Baked Zucchini Fries: These crispy fries offer a fun twist while keeping things light and crunchy next to creamy noodles.
- Steamed Rice: Simple yet effective, steamed rice soaks up any leftover sauce from your chicken noodles beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making One Pan Chicken Noodles can be a breeze, but there are some common mistakes that can affect your dish. Here are a few to watch out for:
-
Skipping the seasoning: Always season your chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances the flavor and ensures a delicious result.
-
Overcooking the chicken: Make sure not to cook the chicken for too long. It should be golden on the outside but still juicy inside, which takes about 5-6 minutes per side.
-
Ignoring noodle cooking time: Egg noodles can become mushy if overcooked. Keep an eye on them and follow the recommended cooking time for best texture.
-
Not using enough liquid: Ensure you have enough broth and cream in the pan. This not only cooks the noodles properly but also creates a creamy sauce.
-
Forgetting to garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness to your dish. Don’t skip this simple step for a better presentation!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing One Pan Chicken Noodles
- Allow it to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it lasts for up to 2 months.
Reheating One Pan Chicken Noodles
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or cream in a skillet and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making One Pan Chicken Noodles:
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes! You can substitute egg noodles with other pasta types like fettuccine or spaghetti, adjusting cooking times as needed.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Herbs like thyme or basil also work well.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta instead of egg noodles, ensuring the rest of your ingredients are gluten-free as well.
How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to adjust the creaminess by adding more heavy cream or broth based on your preference. You can also add your favorite spices!
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Chicken Noodles recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when comfort food is a must. With its creamy texture and tender chicken, you can customize it with various vegetables or spices according to your taste. Give it a try, and enjoy a delightful meal that everyone will love!
One Pan Chicken Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
One Pan Chicken Noodles is the ultimate comfort food that delivers hearty satisfaction in under 30 minutes. This creamy dish combines tender chicken breasts with egg noodles, all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic; cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it to a simmer.
- Add egg noodles to the simmering mixture, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until melted. Return seared chicken to the pan to warm through and garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
