When you’re busy and don’t have much time, this one-pan chicken with buttered noodles is definitely the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner. This dish is super easy to make and tastes so amazing even if you’re not a master in the kitchen. It’s a simple recipe that combines juicy chicken, yummy noodles, and flavorful veggies all cooked in one pan, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without a ton of dishes to clean up later.

What You’ll Need

To get started, here is what you need to gather up before you start cookin:

• Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (whichever you prefer)
• Noodles: 8 ounces of your favorite pasta like fettuccine or egg noodles (or any pasta you have on hand)
• Veggies: 1 medium onion (thinly sliced), 3 garlic cloves (minced) and 1 red bell pepper (sliced into strips)
• Liquid: 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (if you dont have that you can use water, but broth gives more flavor)
• Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Herbs: A handful of chopped fresh parsley for garnish
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for searing the chicken

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Before you start, make sure you have everything prepped. Slice the onion, bell pepper and mince the garlic. Season your chicken with salt, pepper, thyme and paprika. It helps alot if you have everything ready so you dont have to rush later.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat up your pan on medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, put the chicken in the pan and let it sear for about 3-4 minutes each side until it gets a nice golden brown color. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy, its all part of the process. The purpose is to get a good crust on the chicken so it keeps the juices inside. Once its seared, take the chicken out and set it aside on a plate.

3. Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, add your sliced onions and bell pepper. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then add the minced garlic and stir it around for about a minute. Be carefull not to burn the garlic cause it can turn bitter. The onions and bell pepper will take on some of the flavor from the chicken, making the dish even tastier.

4. Add the Broth and Butter

Now lower the heat to medium and pour in the chicken broth. Stir it in and let it simmer. Make sure you scrape the bottom of the pan to get all those flavorful bits that stuck from the chicken. Then add the butter into the pan and let it melt into the broth. This creates a nice, rich sauce that the noodles will soak up later.

5. Incorporate the Noodles

Add your noodles straight into the pan. They will cook in the broth, absorbing all those flavors. You may need to stir them a little bit so that they don’t stick together. If you see that the noodles are too dry, you can add a splash more broth or water. It’s important to keep an eye on them cause different types of pasta cooks at different speeds.

6. Return the Chicken

Place the seared chicken back into the pan on top of the noodles. Try to push it down a bit so it cooks evenly in the sauce. Continue simmering everything together for about 10-12 minutes. The chicken will finish cooking and the noodles will be al dente by now. Make sure to check that the chicken is properly cooked through (no pink in the middle) before you call it done.

7. Final Touches and Serve

Once everything is nicely cooked and the sauce has thickened a little, take the pan off the heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness. If you like, you can also add a little extra butter or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the herbs in.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your one-pan chicken with buttered noodles hot straight from the pan. It goes great with a simple green salad or steamed veggies on the side. If you feel like it, you can also add a bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. The best part about this dish is that it’s comforting and filling, perfect for those nights when you just want something warm and satisfying without a lot of fuss.

Tips and Tricks

• Prep Ahead: If you know your week is gonna be hectic, pre-chop your veggies and even season your chicken ahead of time. This will save you a bunch of time when you get home.
• Pasta Choice: You can use any type of pasta you have in your cupboard. Just remember that cooking times might vary a little.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add other spices or herbs you like. Some people like a bit of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a dash of garlic powder if you really love garlic.
• Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pan, cleanup is super easy, which is a huge bonus on busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

This one-pan chicken with buttered noodles recipe is my go-to meal when I need something quick, hearty and delicious. Even if you aren’t a seasoned chef, this recipe is simple enough to follow and flexible enough to make it your own. It’s all about combining fresh ingredients with a few easy steps to create a dish that feels both homemade and special. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as I do, even if it might not be perfect every time. Sometimes a little imperfection is what makes a meal feel truly homemade and real. Enjoy your dinner and have a great night!