There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of creamy, savory chicken and noodles. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, evoking memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. But who has hours to spend in the kitchen? That’s where this Almost One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Noodles recipe comes in. Designed for real life, this dish delivers maximum flavor and comfort with minimal fuss and cleanup. Using mostly pantry staples and requiring just one main pan (plus a pot for the noodles!), it’s a quick and easy comfort food solution that will become a regular in your weekly rotation. Tender chunks of chicken, wide egg noodles, and a luxuriously creamy, herb-infused sauce come together in under 45 minutes. Let’s create a dinner that everyone will ask for again and again.
Everything You’ll Need: Your Simple Ingredient List
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely have many of these ingredients on hand already. Using a combination of fresh and pantry items builds a from-scratch flavor that far surpasses any boxed mix.
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (about 680g) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Breasts offer leaner meat, while thighs provide more flavor and tenderness. Cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.
- 12 oz (about 340g) Wide Egg Noodles: The classic choice for this dish.
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, divided.
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced.
- 8 oz (about 230g) Baby Bella or White Button Mushrooms, sliced.
- 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour: This is our key thickening agent for the sauce.
- 2 cups Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium if possible to control the salt level.
- 1 cup Whole Milk or Half-and-Half: For the richest, creamiest sauce, half-and-half is excellent. Milk works perfectly too.
- 1 cup Frozen Peas (no need to thaw).
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving.
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (sweet or smoked)
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions: Your Roadmap to Dinner
Follow these simple, numbered steps for a foolproof creamy chicken and noodles dinner. The process flows seamlessly from stovetop to table.
Part 1: Prep and Sear
1. Prep Your Ingredients: This is the key to smooth cooking. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the mushrooms, and cut the chicken into uniform pieces. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and the paprika.
2. Start the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Drizzle with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking.
3. Sear the Chicken: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding). Sear without moving for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove to a clean plate.
Part 2: Build the Flavor Base
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the onions are soft and the mushrooms have released their water and started to brown.
5. Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme. Cook for just 60 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mushroom and onion mixture. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This cooks the raw flour taste and forms the base of our creamy sauce.
Part 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
7. Deglaze and Simmer: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Scrape up all the delicious browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for 2-3 minutes.
8. Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly whisk in the milk or half-and-half. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 3-4 minutes until it has thickened to a gravy-like consistency that will coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Part 4: Combine and Serve
9. Bring It All Together: Add the seared chicken (and any accumulated juices) back to the pan. Stir in the frozen peas and grated Parmesan cheese. Let everything warm through for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked completely (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
10. Add the Noodles: Gently fold in the cooked and drained egg noodles until every strand is beautifully coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of extra broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
11. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Serve immediately in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken and Noodles
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken adds immense flavor (the Maillard reaction) and creates fond in the pan, which becomes the foundation of your sauce. Don’t rush this step.
- Al Dente Noodles: Cook your noodles just to al dente. They will continue to soften slightly when you mix them into the hot sauce, preventing them from becoming mushy.
- Customize Your Veggies: Not a fan of peas? Try diced carrots (add them with the onions) or broccoli florets (steam and stir in at the end). Spinach is another great addition—just wilt it in at the final step.
- Creaminess Control: For an ultra-rich sauce, use half-and-half or even heavy cream. For a lighter version, 2% milk works, though the sauce will be slightly less thick. The Parmesan also adds to the creamy texture.
- Make it a True One-Pan: You can cook the noodles directly in the sauce! After adding the broth and milk in Step 7, add an extra 1.5 cups of liquid (water or broth) and bring to a boil. Stir in the uncooked noodles and chicken, then simmer covered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender. You may need to add more liquid.
The Perfect Comfort Food Awaits
This Almost One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Noodles recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a guaranteed way to bring smiles to the dinner table. It proves that you don’t need complex techniques or a mountain of dishes to create something truly delicious and satisfying. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty noodles are a timeless combination that appeals to both kids and adults alike. It’s your new secret weapon for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you need a reliable dose of comfort.
So, gather your ingredients, grab your favorite large skillet, and give this recipe a try tonight. Don’t forget to share your creation—and any personal twists you add—with friends and family. Happy cooking
