If you are looking for the ultimate comfort food that comes together in one pan and satisfies the whole family, this creamy chicken and noodles dish is it. Golden, pan-seared chicken breasts are nestled in a bed of perfectly cooked egg noodles, all smothered in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. It looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal, but it is easy enough for a busy weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Pure Comfort: The combination of tender noodles and a rich, savory cream sauce is unmatched.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday staples like heavy cream, garlic, parmesan, and chicken broth.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A foolproof dinner that kids and adults alike will obsess over.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 large chicken breasts (or cutlets, pounded to even thickness)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and freshly cracked black black pepper, to taste
For the Noodles & Cream Sauce:
- 12 oz (approx. 340g) egg noodles (or your favorite rotini/fusilli pasta)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce
Turn the skillet heat down to medium. In the same pan with the leftover chicken juices, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Pour in the heavy cream and add the Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Add the cooked egg noodles directly into the skillet, tossing gently to coat them completely in the creamy sauce. Slice or place the juicy seared chicken breasts right on top of the noodles. Spoon an extra layer of that rich cream sauce over the chicken and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
💡 Quick Tips for the Perfect Dish
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. This ensures you get that gorgeous, golden crust instead of steaming the meat.
- Add Some Greens: Want to sneak in some veggies? Stir in a few handfuls of fresh baby spinach or some frozen peas right when you add the Parmesan cheese.