Chicken and noodles unite in a luxurious garlic butter sauce enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan, creating a one-pan comfort meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in every forkful. This dish combines the ease of cooking pasta directly in the sauce with perfectly seasoned chicken pieces, resulting in tender noodles coated in a velvety sauce that clings to every element.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• True One-Pan Simplicity – Everything cooks in a single large skillet, including the pasta which absorbs flavor directly from the sauce while eliminating the need for a separate pot
• Restaurant Cream Sauce at Home – The combination of chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan creates a professionally textured sauce without flour-based thickening or complicated techniques
• Meal Prep Champion – Makes generous portions that reheat beautifully, perfect for preparing Sunday and enjoying throughout the busy week ahead
• Kid-Friendly Comfort – The mild garlic-butter flavor profile and familiar noodle format appeal to even the pickiest eaters while satisfying adults
• Customizable Base Recipe – Serves as an excellent foundation for adding vegetables, adjusting seasonings, or incorporating different proteins based on preferences
• Budget-Conscious Elegance – Uses affordable chicken breast and pantry staples to create a dish that tastes far more expensive than its actual cost

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces – Provides lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the garlic-butter seasoning throughout (Note: Original recipe called for 5 pounds, which would serve 15-20; adjusted to more standard 4-6 servings)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds sweet, aromatic depth without the texture of fresh onions
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Contributes herbaceous complexity with oregano, basil, and thyme notes
• Salt to taste – Enhances natural chicken flavor and seasons the entire dish
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste – Provides subtle heat and aromatic spice

For the Cooking Fats

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided – Creates rich flavor foundation and helps garlic bloom without burning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Raises the smoke point when combined with butter, preventing burning during high-heat searing

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced finely – Delivers the signature aromatic punch that defines this dish’s character
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Provides savory liquid base for cooking pasta while contributing depth without excessive saltiness
• 1 cup heavy cream (also called heavy whipping cream) – Creates the luxurious, velvety texture and rich mouthfeel
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, preferably freshly grated – Adds nutty, salty complexity while helping thicken the sauce naturally

For the Pasta

• 8 ounces dried egg noodles or preferred pasta – Absorbs the creamy sauce while cooking, becoming flavorful throughout rather than just coated

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Seasoned Chicken

Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and begins to foam. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, then add to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on multiple sides and cooked through—transfer to a plate and set aside.

Build the Aromatic Garlic Base

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt while scraping up any flavorful brown bits from the chicken. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden—watch carefully to prevent burning.

Create the Creamy Sauce Foundation

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, which should take 2-3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and uniform in color.

Cook the Noodles Directly in Sauce

Add the uncooked egg noodles directly to the creamy sauce, stirring thoroughly to ensure every strand is submerged and coated. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed much of the liquid.

Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet along with any accumulated juices from the plate. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to coat the chicken in the sauce and distribute it evenly among the noodles. Cook uncovered for an additional 2 minutes over low heat, allowing the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.

Serve Immediately

Transfer to serving bowls or a large platter while hot, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes if desired. The dish is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is creamy and the noodles are at their most tender.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Skillet Size Matters – Use a 12-inch or larger deep skillet with a lid to ensure adequate space for the noodles to cook evenly without overcrowding
• Chicken Size Consistency – Cut all chicken pieces to uniform 1-inch size to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from being overdone while others remain undercooked
• Pasta Substitution Options – Any short pasta works well—try penne, rigatoni, or bow ties if egg noodles aren’t available, though cooking time may vary by 2-3 minutes
• Sauce Thickness Adjustment – If sauce becomes too thick, add chicken broth or cream 1/4 cup at a time; if too thin, simmer uncovered for additional minutes
• Garlic Intensity Control – Adjust garlic from 3 cloves (mild) to 6 cloves (bold) based on personal preference and garlic freshness
• Fresh Parmesan Essential – Pre-grated Parmesan contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting; always grate from a block for best results

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes (adjusted from original 60 minutes for standard portion size)
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 generous portions (depending on appetite and whether serving as standalone meal or with sides)
• Calories: Approximately 600 calories per serving (based on 4 servings)

Perfect Pairings

• Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette – Serve alongside warm, buttery bread perfect for soaking up every drop of the creamy sauce
• Simple Caesar Salad – Balance the richness with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing
• Roasted Broccoli or Green Beans – Add color, nutrition, and textural contrast with simply prepared green vegetables
• Crisp White Wine – Pour a chilled Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or unoaked Chardonnay that cuts through the cream’s richness

Ideal Occasions

• Busy Weeknight Dinners – Ready in 35 minutes with minimal active cooking time, making this perfect for hectic evenings when everyone needs feeding quickly
• Comfort Food Cravings – Delivers the cozy satisfaction that only creamy pasta and tender chicken can provide, especially on cold or stressful days
• Casual Family Gatherings – Easily doubled or tripled for larger groups while still requiring only basic cooking skills and equipment
• Meal Prep Success – Portions beautifully into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches that taste even better the next day

Storage & Serving Tips

• Refrigerator Storage – Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping in mind the sauce will thicken as it cools and pasta absorbs more liquid
• Reheating Method – Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth or cream to restore creamy consistency, or microwave in 1-minute intervals stirring between
• Freezing Considerations – Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, but this dish freezes acceptably for up to 2 months if you’re willing to stir vigorously when reheating
• Serving Size Adjustment – The generous portions can serve 4 as a hearty main course or 6 as part of a multi-course meal with appetizers and sides

Creative Variations to Try

• Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato – Fold in 2 cups fresh spinach and 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes during the final 2 minutes for Mediterranean flair
• Mushroom Lovers’ Version – Sauté 8 ounces sliced mushrooms with the garlic for earthy depth and additional texture
• Cajun Spice Twist – Replace Italian seasoning with 1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning for a Louisiana-inspired kick with subtle heat
• Broccoli Addition – Add 2 cups small broccoli florets during the last 5 minutes of pasta cooking for built-in vegetable servings

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Sauce Too Thin After Cooking – Remove lid and simmer for 3-5 additional minutes to evaporate excess liquid, or stir in 2 tablespoons additional Parmesan
• Noodles Sticking Together – Ensure adequate liquid in the pan and stir every 3-4 minutes during cooking; add more broth if noodles aren’t submerged
• Dry, Tight Chicken – Avoid overcooking by removing chicken when it just reaches 165°F internal temperature; carryover cooking will finish the process
• Broken or Grainy Sauce – This occurs when cheese is added to boiling liquid; always reduce to a simmer before incorporating Parmesan to prevent separation

Why This Recipe Works

The success of this one-pan wonder relies on cooking pasta directly in the sauce—a technique that accomplishes multiple goals simultaneously. As the noodles cook, they release starches that naturally thicken the sauce while absorbing the garlic-butter flavors throughout their structure rather than just on their surface. The combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates a sauce that’s rich yet not cloying, with enough liquid to cook the pasta while concentrating into a clingy coating. Searing the chicken first develops the Maillard reaction’s complex flavors and creates fond (brown bits) on the pan bottom that dissolves into the sauce, adding depth impossible to achieve otherwise. Using both butter and olive oil for the initial sear provides butter’s incomparable flavor while olive oil’s higher smoke point prevents burning. Parmesan cheese contributes not just flavor but also helps emulsify and thicken the sauce through its protein and fat content. The Italian seasoning blend adds herbaceous complexity without requiring multiple fresh herbs, while onion powder provides sweet aromatics that enhance without overwhelming the garlic. At approximately 600 calories per serving, this delivers satisfying richness appropriate for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Noodles exemplifies the beauty of one-pan cooking—minimal dishes, maximum flavor, and techniques that actually improve the final result rather than just offering convenience. The method of cooking pasta directly in the sauce isn’t just easier; it produces better-tasting noodles that are seasoned throughout and a sauce with superior body and cling. This recipe proves you don’t need multiple pots, complicated techniques, or hours in the kitchen to create restaurant-quality comfort food that satisfies on every level. The straightforward preparation makes this accessible even for beginning cooks, while the delicious results please even discerning palates. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and reduce Parmesan to 1/3 cup, though the original recipe’s luxurious creaminess is precisely what makes it the ultimate comfort meal worth savoring exactly as written.