Some days call for a no-fuss, cozy dinner that feels like home. That’s where quick chicken and noodles comes in. This dish delivers all the comfort of a classic chicken noodle casserole but comes together in a single pan, in less than 30 minutes.
It starts with cooked chicken, whether it’s leftovers from last night’s roast, shredded rotisserie, or a quick sautéed breast, whatever you have on hand will work. Combine that with egg noodles and a creamy, savory sauce and you’ve got a dish that tastes like it simmered all day.
The noodles cook right in the same pot with the broth, soaking up flavor while keeping cleanup minimal. A little butter, garlic, and onion create the base, and from there, you can add in simple pantry staples like cream of chicken soup or a quick homemade version made with broth, milk, and a touch of flour.
Feel free to make it your own. Toss in frozen peas or corn for a pop of sweetness, or stir in some spinach just before serving for a little green. Grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar can give the sauce extra richness and a hint of sharpness.
The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility. It’s perfect for using up leftover ingredients, and it adapts easily to what you already have in your kitchen. You can even swap the egg noodles for another pasta or use turkey instead of chicken.
Quick chicken and noodles is the kind of recipe that becomes a go-to, simple, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. It’s the answer to “What’s for dinner?” when you need something warm and filling, fast. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this easy one-pot meal delivers comfort without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return to the skillet. Stir in the cooked egg noodles until well coated in the sauce.
- Serve the chicken and noodles garnished with chopped parsley.
This was super easy and delicious! My family loved it. Will definitely make again.
Simple ingredients, but somehow it tasted fancy! Bravo!
Made this tonight and it was honestly restaurant-level. The garlic + parmesan sauce is so creamy without being overly heavy. I did salt to taste and it came out perfect.
Quick and tasty.
Quick n easy. Yeah, I like it.
This sounds super simple! Gonna try it tonight. Thanks!
Chicken tastes like rubber… did I cook it too long?? 😕
Quick and easy! Perfect for a weeknight. I added some veggies.
I tried this recipe last night and it was sooo good! Adding the veggies was a smart move! 🍽️
Quick and delicious! I added some veggies to it and it turned out great. Will make again!
Solid recipe, but I found 6-8 minutes per side was a bit long for my chicken breasts (they were thinner). Next time I’ll start checking earlier so it doesn’t dry out.
Ummm I made it and the sauce kinda broke? Like oily bits on top. I think my cream was too hot or I stirred too late. Any tips?
I tried using light cream and it curdled a bit. Regular heavy cream is the move if you want smooth sauce.
Quick and easy but lacked flavor. Next time, I’ll add some veggies.
5/5, would eat again. The garlic simmer step makes a huge difference. I garnished with parsley and it looked restaurant-y lol.
Not bad, but it feels a little bland without parsley (or other herbs). Garlic amount is good though.
Totally agree—this is tasty but it definitely needs a fresh herb pop. I added parsley at the end and it made it feel way more “complete.”
Hmm I’m not sure. I think the parmesan + garlic is plenty, but parsley is still a good call. Maybe you just needed more pepper or a pinch of Italian seasoning?
Yummy! But I used spaghetti instead of egg noodles and it was still good!
To be honest, I ain’t a fan of chicken, but this was okay. Kind of creamy.
Didn’t work for me, my chicken turned out dry. Maybe I cooked it too long? 🤔
Chicken was juicy, noodles were tender—only thing is I ran out of garlic so I used garlic powder. I know, I know… it was okay though.
Honestly using garlic powder is totally fine if you’re in a pinch—still sounds like you nailed the juicy chicken and tender noodles! Next time you’ll get that fresh garlic punch, but “okay though” is still a win.
Isn’t this too creamy? I prefer my noodles less rich.
Tastes like a heart attack in a bowl, but I ain’t mad about it. Haha!
Wow! I added red pepper flakes and it was 🔥. The broth reduction step really helps. My kids ate it without complaining.
6-8 minutes per side felt like a lot for my pan—my chicken browned fast and then I had to finish it with the lid on. Taste was still great though.
Disappointed 😕 it was bland for me. I kept adding salt and pepper and still… just didn’t hit.
Bland??? I don’t get it. I made this and it was super rich. Maybe your chicken broth was low flavor or you didn’t let the sauce reduce long enough? Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes too.
Oh no—sorry it didn’t hit for you 😕 I’ve found it needs a bit more garlic/Parmesan than the recipe says. Also make sure you *really* simmer the cream sauce until it coats a spoon, otherwise it can taste flat.
Honestly the ingredients are fine, but it didn’t wow me. The sauce was okay, but I felt like it needed more garlic or some spice (like red pepper flakes).
Chicken cook time confused me. 6-8 minutes per side sounded like it might be over/under depending on thickness, so I used a thermometer and it was fine. Recipe needs that note.
I messed up step 1 and didn’t drain well enough—ended up watery. Still edible, but the sauce didn’t coat like the picture in my head.
Just made this, my whole kitchen smells amazing! Can’t wait to dig in! 😍
You forgot the peas! That’s a MUST for chicken noodles! Otherwise, it was okay.
I dunno, seemed a bit bland to me. Tried adding some spices but still not my favorite. Maybe I’ll experiment more next time.
This was fantastic! Quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Definitely adding it to my rotation!
Sounds nice, but is it really that easy? I tried it before and it didn’t turn out as good.
I’m glad you loved it! It’s a lifesaver for busy nights. I sometimes add some veggies too!
I dunno, my noodles turned out mushy. Must be my fault. 😕
OMG, so good! I added some mushrooms and broccoli ’cause health, you know? Will definitely make again!
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about the “smooth” sauce with just broth + cream + parm, but it actually emulsified well. Good weeknight recipe.
Too much work for “quick.” Waiting for noodles, browning chicken, reducing sauce… But yeah, it tastes okay. 3 stars.
I tried it and it was… fine. The flavor is okay, but for me it needed more salt/pepper. Also I didn’t have heavy cream so I used half-and-half and it wasn’t as rich.
This was so easy and delicious! My kids loved it, will definitely make again!
I followed it exactly and the sauce stayed a little grainy for me even when I stirred. Could be my Parmesan not melting right? Taste was still okay.
How do you cook egg noodles? Always mushy when I try.
Egg noodles mushy? That’s just wrong! I cook mine for 4 mins max and they’re perfect. Are you boiling water first? 🤔
You might be overcooking them. Try cooking them for a shorter time next time!
This is mid. Cream + cheese does not equal “fine dining.” Also why do we need salted water AND salt at the end? Seems redundant.
Made this for dinner last night and it was a hit! Definitely making it again!
This was sooo good! My whole family devoured it. Definitely a keeper!
I tried this and it came out a bit bland. I added some hot sauce, but still not my favorite. Maybe I did something wrong.
I followed the steps but my chicken came out kinda dry 😕. Maybe I overcooked or my skillet runs hot. Flavor is still decent though.
Chicken noodles! Enough said. ❤️
Super cozy and fast. The sauce turned out creamy and the garlic flavor came through nicely—will definitely make again.
wut is chicken broth? can I just put water????
Quick and easy! I didn’t have egg noodles so I used spaghetti… still turned out good!!!
That’s awesome! Spaghetti works too! Cooking is all about improvising, right? 🥳
I like that it’s a one-pan-ish situation. However, 6–8 minutes per side felt short for my chicken—needed more time. Still yummy, just be patient.
I followed it pretty much exactly, but I added a pinch of red pepper flakes. Great comfort food, and the chicken was tender.
Way too salty for my taste—I’d reduce the salt in the broth or go easy on the “to taste” at the end. Otherwise it’s pretty tasty.
I dunno, sounds kinda basic. I mean, noodles and chicken?
I actually think it sounds delicious! Sometimes simple is best, plus it’s super easy to make on a busy night.
Made it for dinner tonight—quick, comforting, and the whole pan smelled amazing. I used pre-minced garlic and it still worked great. Will definitely repeat.
I think I burnt my chicken. It was kinda tough… maybe it was my fault?
Too greasy for my liking. Chicken was good but the sauce was heavy. Can’t say I will make it again.
Not bad, but I think egg noodles overcooked a bit. I may have let them sit too long after draining. The sauce was good, just not as clingy.
Hmm I think you might’ve drained them too hard? Like let them steam dry a little too much, then the cream slides off. Also the noodles here are 8 oz—if it’s the wide kind, boil times matter a ton. Still, glad the sauce flavor worked!
Thanks! That makes sense—egg noodles can go mushy fast, especially if they sit after draining. Next time I’ll toss them straight into the sauce right away (or do a quick warm-up in the skillet) so the sauce clings better.
I think I put too much garlic. It was a bit overpowering 😬
Not bad, but my chicken got kinda dry. Maybe I cooked it too long?
Tried it but didn’t have parmesan, used cheddar instead. Not the same.
Cheddar is good too! Just a bit different flavor. Next time try the parmesan, it might change your life!
Really? Cheddar? How did that even work? Parmesan is like a must in this dish! You should try to follow the recipe next time.
Chicken took longer than 6-8 minutes per side for me (thicker breasts). I had to keep cooking until it was actually done. Still worth it though.
This is comfort food without taking forever. The sauce turned out super creamy and the garlic flavor is on point. I added a little extra pepper and it was perfect.
easy peasy!
Super quick and not complicated. I followed the steps pretty much exactly—only thing is I cooked the chicken closer to 10 min per side because mine were thick. Turned out perfect though.
Huh, I always thought cream + parmesan would get clumpy. Did it stay smooth for you the whole time? I cooked once and it turned grainy 😕
Love hearing this! I’m glad thick chicken still worked—10 min per side sounds totally reasonable. Thanks for the real-life timing.
Why do you use cream? Why not just some milk? Lola would be so mad if she saw this. Not traditional at all!
This was sooo good! My kids loved it and asked for seconds. Easy to make too! 5 stars!
Really? It sounds kind of bland to me. Heavy cream and cheese don’t sound healthy… I’m unsure about the kids asking for seconds.
I’m glad to hear it was a hit! My kids can be picky, but this seems easy enough to try. Thanks for sharing!
I don’t really like cream sauces, but this was OK I guess. Didn’t blow my mind.
I totally get you! Creamy sauces can be a bit heavy. Have you tried adding some lemon juice for freshness? It might change your mind!
Quick and yummy. I accidentally forgot to drain the noodles (oops) but it still came out okay, just a bit watery.
Quick & delicious! A family favorite now. 🍝👏
The cheese sauce was the star. I used pre-grated Parmesan (I know, I know) and it still melted well—so easy.
Honestly, it was kinda bland until I salted more at the end. After that, it improved a lot. Also parsley is a must for me.
This is comfort food without the fuss! I used pre-shredded parmesan (lazy, I know) and it still worked. Would absolutely make again.
Honestly this sounds like the kind of dinner I need on weeknights. I always worry about the cream sauce splitting, but the steps here look solid. Going to try it—thanks!
Quick and delicious!
Wasn’t that impressed, it was too creamy for my taste. Maybe try less cream next time?
I agree, it’s super quick! Perfect for busy weeknights!
I dunno, it was kinda bland. Needs more flavor for sure.
Way too much cream for me personally, but I get why people like it. The parmesan helped a lot though—tastes fancy for something quick.
HELP! I’m a newbie, I accidentally forgot the garlic and it still worked out okay. Can someone explain how that happened?
That’s so interesting! Garlic adds flavor, but I guess the cream and cheese made it rich enough! Good to hear it turned out well! 😊
Kinda too rich for my taste. Had to drink a lot of water after eating this! 😂
Yum! Great recipe! I didn’t have parmesan so I used cheddar instead and it was delish!
Using cheddar sounds interesting! I’m definitely gonna try that next time. Thanks for the tip!
I had NO idea what chicken broth was. Just used water instead. It was okay, I guess.
The recipe is fine, but I think it needs more flavor. Maybe some herbs?
My kids gobbled this up! Definitely a hit in our house. Will make again!
Not bad, not great. I think 8 oz noodles feels like a lot of pasta compared to the sauce? Mine was a bit dry until I added extra broth.
How many calories do you think are in this? I’m trying to watch my weight.
This recipe is fantastic! So easy and quick. My kids loved it!
Made this for dinner, and it was super easy!!! I will make again for sure!
I’m just not a fan of this kinda dish. Noodles n chicken? Meh.
OMG this is the best chicken & noodles I’ve ever made! Thanks!
What if I use leftover rotisserie chicken? Will that work?
Made this tonight and it was stupidly easy. Creamy sauce, tender chicken—will definitely repeat.
I tried it but mine turned kinda thick/greasy? Maybe I used too much Parmesan. Also, the chicken took longer than 6-8 mins per side for me. Still decent though, just not “stupidly easy” for my kitchen 😅
Totally agree—this was surprisingly easy. The sauce came out super creamy and the noodles actually stayed tender. Made it exactly as written and it was a hit!
Wait, where do I buy chicken breasts? I never cooked before. Help!
Too many calories in cream and butter, I used olive oil instead. Still tasty!
That’s a great idea! Olive oil is much healthier and adds a nice flavor. I’ll try it next time!
I don’t like chicken, do you think this works with tofu?
My grandma always makes chicken noodle soup, this ain’t it.
The noodles were great, but I felt like the sauce was a little thick for my liking by the time I served it. Next time I’ll add a splash more broth/cream.
I’m not sure about the amount of parmesan—mine got stringy at first until I lowered the heat. Also I accidentally stirred too hard and the sauce kinda split but it came back together. Still tasty.
I don’t get why everyone loves this. It was too creamy for my taste. Maybe less cream next time?
Yum! I wouldn’t change a thing. Heavy cream makes everything better! 😋
This was such an easy recipe, and it tasted great! My kids loved it. Will definitely make it again!
Pretty good, but I found it needed more salt. Also my sauce thickened a bit too fast after adding cream.
Good to hear! I’ve found the salt level really depends on the broth/parmesan—if your broth was low-sodium, you’ll definitely want a bit more. And yeah, cream can tighten up fast if it simmers too hard; I usually lower the heat right after adding the cream.
Sorry but this was bland. More spices next time, especially paprika!
I totally agree! A little paprika would really add some flavor. Have you tried it with any herbs?
Bland? I thought it was just right! Maybe you’re just used to more spicy foods?
Just okay, could use more seasoning and maybe some herbs.
Really? I think it’s fine as is. Honestly, I don’t think you need any more seasoning if you do it right! Just follow the recipe!
I totally agree! A little rosemary or thyme would really kick it up a notch. I’ve made something similar before and it was way better with herbs!
This recipe is a win! I didn’t even use chicken, just the noodles and sauce, still good!
Super yummy but I think you forgot the starchy water from the noodles! It helps thicken the sauce.
Quick n easy! Thx for this recipe! Made it last night.
Too much cream! My stomach hurt after. Next time I’ll cut back.
Was okay, but not like grandma’s chicken noodles! Not enough broth or something.
1 word: Delicious.
Quick and simple, but not enough flavor for my taste. I might add more garlic next time.
I totally agree! I found it bland too. More garlic would definitely help!
Ugh, I don’t know how you can call this quick if you gotta cook all that chicken! It took me forever!
Flavor is good, but mine turned a little too thin. I think I didn’t reduce the broth enough before adding the cream. Next time I’ll simmer longer.
This recipe was super easy and my kids loved it! Will definitely make again.
Pretty quick and pretty tasty. I did 7 minutes per side on the chicken and it was perfect. Only thing: I’d add a pinch of red pepper flakes next time.
This recipe is super easy and quick! Love it!
I followed it pretty much exactly. Next time I’ll cook the chicken a touch longer because my breasts were thick, but the sauce came out silky and rich.
Nice! I like that you got the silky, rich sauce—cream + parm can turn out so good. Totally agree on the thicker breasts tweak; cooking time is so variable.
I’m jealous 😅 Mine always comes out kinda bland even with parm. I think I don’t reduce the broth long enough? Also my chicken gets dry if I go past 6 minutes so I’m scared to cook it longer.
Why would I use heavy cream? That’s bad for you! I made it with yogurt, still tasty!
Quick dinner idea, but the chicken should probably be cut into strips before cooking so it cooks evenly. Mine took longer than expected.
I dunno, it was kinda bland for me. Added some red pepper flakes, helped a bit.
Tasted great but I burned the garlic! Be careful with that step. 😅
Glad you enjoyed it! Burning garlic can happen to the best of us. Just keep an eye on it next time! 😊
This was so easy to make! My kids loved it! Will definitely make again.
This was so easy and yummy! My kids loved it!
Not sure if I did it right, but my sauce was real thick and not smooth like we wanted.
Can I use beef instead of chicken? Asking for my brother.
Sure, I think beef would work, but it might change the flavor a bit. Just be careful not to overcook it!
Why not? I mean, chicken’s good but beef is better for sure! Just gotta cook it longer, right?
The parmesan melted nicely and the sauce turned out silky. My family asked for seconds, so yeah!
The flavor is really comforting. I added a pinch of dried thyme and it tasted even better.
Hmm I think a pinch of thyme could be nice, but I usually stick to parsley/garlic. Might change the flavor a bit too much for my taste.
Totally agree—comforting is the perfect word for this. I love how the cream and Parmesan make everything taste so rich.
Okay but why do you say “salted water” for noodles if you don’t mention salting the sauce? I did it anyway and it helped. Could be clearer.
Could be just me, but my sauce got a bit thick/clumpy when the cheese melted. I think I should’ve reduced the heat more and added the cream slower.
Maybe your broth was too hot? I just dump everything in and it turns out fine for me 😅 Also, did you use fresh parm or the pre-grated kind? Pre-grated can get weird.
Yep, I’ve had that happen too. Once the Parmesan goes in on too-high heat, it can seize up. I now keep it on low and add the cheese gradually while stirring constantly—usually fixes the clumpy vibe.
Yum! Made this for dinner. My kid loves it! 👍
My kids loved it! They usually don’t eat chicken but devoured this. Thanks!
Wow, restaurant vibes for something this easy. I garnished with parsley and it made it look fancy. Family asked for seconds.
Right?! I did parsley too and it totally looked like something you’d get out. My family also went back for seconds—this one’s a keeper.
Mine turned out a little too thick—next time I’ll add a splash more broth/cream. Still really tasty though. Also, do you really need the parmesan if you’re already using heavy cream?
Yummy!!! 😍 Can’t believe I made this myself! Feels like I’m a chef now.
I think 1 cup broth + 1 cup cream is too much dairy. Too rich for me. Also I forgot to salt the noodles water and the noodles tasted bland until I added more pepper/parm.
I don’t like chicken and noodles but this is actually pretty good! Who knew?
I thought this recipe looked good, but my chicken turned out dry. Any tips?
Make sure not to overcook the chicken! Maybe try marinating it next time for more moisture.
I don’t know, I followed the recipe but my chicken was dry too. What did I do wrong?
um, doesn’t heavy cream like, make everything unhealthy? I might try it with yogurt next time.
I get what you’re saying, but heavy cream can actually add a lot of flavor! Maybe save it for special occasions? Yogurt might work too, but it won’t be the same!
Not bad, but the chicken tasted a bit bland even after salting. I’d recommend salting a little more than “to taste” and maybe seasoning the sauce at the end again.
Not bad, but “quick” is subjective. I spent more time washing dishes than cooking. The noodles were good though.
This is giving comfort-core. My kids asked for seconds which NEVER happens. I used 12 oz noodles though and it was still fine.
Idk why people love these creamy noodle skillet things. Mine tasted bland until I added more pepper and a pinch of salt. Then it was decent.
Same! I followed the recipe exactly and it was kinda meh at first. A little extra pepper and salt makes a huge difference—now it’s one of my go-tos.
Huh, I’m surprised. I usually don’t have to add anything besides what it says. Maybe my parmesan was saltier? Also I think “pinch of salt” is doing a lot of work here 😅
Followed the steps exactly and it came together fast—great weeknight meal. I used pre-minced garlic and it still tasted good. Parmesan melted nicely.
5 stars! The chicken was perfect, and I could eat that sauce by the spoonful.
Wow—only one pan-ish and minimal work. I’m impressed. Five stars for real, no cap.
Right?? One pan and it still comes out creamy and legit. I did add a little extra pepper and it tasted like restaurant comfort food—5/5.
Why boil the noodles? I just add them dry! Saves time.
Meh.
Can I add veggies to this? Like peas or carrots? Asking for a friend.
Yes, you can totally add veggies like peas or carrots! They will taste great with the chicken and noodles.
I don’t trust “quick” recipes that claim 6–8 minutes per side on chicken breasts… mine took longer. Still, the final dish was worth it and the sauce saved it.
Totally feel you—“6–8 minutes per side” is so dependent on thickness. Mine usually takes longer too, especially if the breasts are big. But yes, the sauce is the hero here 😋
I actually think it’s less about the recipe and more about the chicken size. If you pound them evenly it should be close. I’d still check temp though—don’t trust the timer.
Absolutely delicious! This recipe is a keeper. My kids loved it too!
This was super easy to make and tasted fantastic! My whole family loved it!
It was okay, but I don’t think the creamy sauce really works with the chicken. Just my opinion!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! This recipe is a definite winner in our house too. 😊
Chicken was juicy and golden brown, but I felt like the seasoning needed more salt overall. Also, 8 oz noodles felt like a lot compared to 2 breasts—still tasty though.
Yummy! My grandma used to make something like this but with rice.
Not sure about that heavy cream. Seems like too much for chicken and noodles. Rice woulda been healthier.
Sounds delicious! My grandma made it with rice too. Can’t wait to try this version!
Yay! This recipe saved dinner! Who knew chicken and noodles could be so quick?
So glad to hear that! It’s super easy to whip up, right? Perfect for busy nights!
I tried this recipe and honestly, it was kinda bland. More spice next time? I don’t know…
Made this tonight and it was honestly so comforting. The sauce came out silky and the garlic flavor wasn’t overpowering. I used pre-grated parm and it still worked.
Egg noodles turned out a little soft for me, like bordering on mush. I think I overcooked them by a minute. Still tasted creamy, just not the texture I wanted.