Creamy Chicken and Noodles – Easy Comfort Food for Dinner

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

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’ll 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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