Dinner Main Course

Creamy Chicken and Noodles – Easy Comfort Food for Dinner

Name: Creamy Chicken and Noodles – Easy Comfort Food for Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped carrots; 1 cup chopped celery; 1 small diced onion; Salt, pepper, garlic powder; 4 tbsp butter; 3 tbsp flour; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 tsp each of salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme; 1 tsp each of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder; 1 lb chicken breasts; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 12 ounces of Egg Noodles; Tip: For extra creaminess, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water to mix into the sauce later.

December 24, 2024

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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A rich, comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Creamy chicken and noodles served in a white bowl, accompanied by garlic bread, fresh salad, and steamed vegetables.

Easy creamy chicken and noodles recipe – a hearty, rich, and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Ready in minutes and loved by all!

Table of Contents

I’ve always believed that comfort food has a unique way of bringing people together, and this creamy chicken and noodles dish is no exception. It’s a hearty and rich meal that can be whipped quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Inspired by family traditions, this recipe has been passed down, with each version being a little different but always centered on chicken, noodles, and a delicious sauce that warms you from the inside out. When I first tried making it myself, I quickly realized how simple it was—ingredients like buttery egg noodles and tender chicken come together effortlessly, especially when you opt for rotisserie chicken to save some time.

In moments of craving or when the weather turns cold, this dish has a magical way of comforting kids and adults. There’s something about the perfect balance of protein, noodles, and creamy sauce that makes it a timeless meal. Over the years, it’s become a staple in my kitchen. Whether I’m preparing it for a busy weeknight or making a batch to take to someone recovering from surgery, it’s a dish that brings people joy. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—whether made from scratch or simply using leftover chicken, it’s an easy recipe that delivers in taste every time. The rich flavors, the cozy feeling it gives, and the fast cooking time of just minutes make it an absolute winner.

Why You Will Love It:

When it comes to comfort food, creamy chicken and noodles standout. This dish combines the richness of a savory sauce with the flavors you’d expect from a classic Chicken Noodle Soup but in a much heartier and more satisfying form. It’s a simple yet delicious way to feed a crowd with little effort. Whether you use leftover chicken or grab a convenient rotisserie chicken, this recipe makes it easy to pull together a cozy and inexpensive meal. The creamy sauce hugs the noodles perfectly, creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients from your pantry, you can quickly have dinner on the table. The combination of noodles, chicken, and a creamy sauce makes for a satisfying meal on a busy weeknight. The stovetop cooking method is straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a warm, homemade dish with minimal hassle. Add a little effort, and you have a meal that will feed hungry mouths and leave everyone feeling content.

Ingredients

1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped celery
1 small diced onion
Salt, pepper, garlic powder
4 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp each of salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme
1 tsp each of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder
1 lb chicken breasts
1/2 cup heavy cream
12 ounces of Egg Noodles

Special Tip:

For extra creaminess, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water to mix into the sauce later.

Directions to Make Creamy Chicken and Noodles

Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, typically 8–10 minutes, until they are al dente. Drain the noodles in a colander and set them aside, but save about 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later.

Close-up of egg noodles boiling in a pot with steam rising, showcasing the cooking process. — Egg noodles boiling in a pot, with steam rising and bubbles forming as it cooks to perfection

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

Close-up of two seasoned and cooked chicken breasts in a skillet. — Two chicken breasts seasoned with spices and topped cooked to perfection in a skillet.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute.

Close-up of a skillet with sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in melted butter on a stovetop. — Chopped onions, carrots, and celery sizzling in melted butter in a skillet on a stovetop, releasing an aromatic fragrance.

Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, oregano, thyme, and additional salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

A pot of creamy sauce with sliced carrots and chunks of onions, simmering in a flavorful broth. — A close-up view of a simmering creamy sauce with sliced carrots and onions, perfect for a warm and comforting meal.

Shred the Chicken and Combine

While the sauce is simmering, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the shredded chicken to the sauce. Stir to combine and let everything cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

A skillet with shredded chicken, carrots, celery, and creamy sauce, stirred with a wooden spoon. — A skillet with shredded chicken, vegetables like carrots and celery, simmering in a creamy sauce, stirred with a wooden spoon.

Serve

Add the cooked noodles and combine. Once everything is well combined, serve the creamy chicken and noodles immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy this warm, comforting dish!

A skillet with creamy chicken, egg noodles, carrots, and celery, simmering for a delicious meal. — A skillet with creamy chicken, egg noodles, and vegetables like carrots and celery, simmering on the stove.

Notes:

Adjust seasoning to taste—sometimes, more garlic powder or paprika adds extra flavor.

If you want a more decadent dish, add more heavy cream.

Tips for Variations, Substitutions, and Modifications

Gluten-Free Option: Swap egg noodles with gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a meat-free version.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and flavor.
Spicy Version: Sprinkle red chili flakes or drizzle hot sauce for a zesty kick.

What to Serve With Quick Creamy Chicken and Noodles

A crispy green salad. a tangy vinaigrette for balance.
Crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for added nutrients.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s texture.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream sauce, which may separate when thawed.

Get ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of Creamy Chicken and Noodles—make it ahead of time for an easy, delicious meal that’s always ready when you are!

Tools to Use

Large skillet for preparing the sauce and combining the dish.
Medium saucepan for cooking the noodles.
Sharp knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables and shredding chicken.
Wooden spoon for stirring without scratching cookware.
Cheese grater for fresh Parmesan.

If you like this recipe check out some of my other dinner recipes!

Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Easy Chicken and Gravy

Smoked Baby Back Ribs

Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Print Recipe

Creamy Chicken and Noodles – Easy Comfort Food for Dinner

Cooking Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: Dairy High Protein Quick Meals

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 480

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year, Winter, Fall

Description

Whip up this Creamy Chicken and Noodles recipe for a quick, hearty, and comforting meal. It's packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.

Directions

1. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain, saving 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Add chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
4. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes, then stir in heavy cream, reserved pasta water, oregano, thyme, and more salt and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Combine the Chicken and Noodles: Shred the cooked chicken and add it with the cooked noodles to the sauce. Stir to combine and let cook for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve the creamy chicken and noodles immediately.
Notes:
- Adjust seasoning to taste—sometimes, more garlic powder or paprika adds extra flavor.
- If you want a more decadent dish, add more heavy cream.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 480kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g39%
Sodium 850mg36%
Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Protein 28g57%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Creamy Chicken and Noodles, Quick Creamy Chicken and Noodles, One Pot Creamy Chicken and Noodles

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Frequently Asked Questions

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1. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use milk instead of heavy cream, but it may slightly alter the texture and richness of the dish. Milk has a lower fat content, so the sauce may not be as thick or creamy as it would with heavy cream. To make the sauce thicker, mix the milk with a bit of flour or cornstarch or add a small amount of melted butter to mimic the richness of the cream. This substitution works well if you're looking for a lighter version of the recipe, but heavy cream is recommended for the best creamy consistency.

2. What’s the best chicken for this recipe?

The best chicken to use is boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. These cuts are tender, cook quickly, and shred easily, making them perfect for this creamy, comforting dish. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay moist during cooking, while breasts are leaner and work well if you prefer a lighter option. Either way, ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before mixing it with the noodles and sauce for the best texture and flavor.

3. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

You must adequately thaw frozen chicken breasts before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety for Creamy Chicken and Noodles. You can thaw the chicken overnight by leaving it in the refrigerator, placing it in a sealed bag in cold water (changing the water every 30 minutes), or using the defrost setting on your microwave. If you're short on time, you can cook the chicken directly from frozen using a pressure cooker or instant pot, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding or adding it to the dish.

4. Can I make it ahead of time?

You can make this dish ahead of time, which makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining. To prepare in advance, cook and assemble everything as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce, as it can thicken when chilled. If you're including noodles, it's a good idea to cook them slightly al dente so they don't become overly soft when reheated. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave for the best flavor and texture.

5. How can I make it lower in fat?

You can use a few simple substitutions without sacrificing too much flavor to make this dish lower in fat. Replace heavy cream with low-fat or unsweetened almond milk, thickened with a small amount of cornstarch or flour to maintain the creamy texture. Opt for skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, as they are leaner. Reduce the amount of butter, use a light butter alternative, and consider adding more vegetables for extra flavor and bulk without the additional fat. These adjustments can create a lighter version while still being satisfying and delicious.

6. Can I prepare this meal in a slow cooker?

You can prepare this meal in a slow cooker, making it a great option for hands-off cooking. To adapt the recipe, place the chicken, broth, and seasonings into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Once done, shred the chicken directly in the pot. If using noodles, add them toward the end of the cooking time—about 20-30 minutes before serving—so they don't become overly soft. To create the creamy texture, stir in the cream, milk, or a substitute during the last 30 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined and heated before serving.

Creamy Chicken and Noodles – Easy Comfort Food for Dinner

Why You Will Love It:

Ingredients