One Pan Chicken Noodles: Easy Recipe for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

One Pan Chicken Noodles: Imagine a weeknight dinner that’s both incredibly flavorful and unbelievably easy to clean up. That’s the magic of this recipe! Forget juggling multiple pots and pans; everything cooks together in one glorious pan, creating a symphony of flavors that will have your family begging for seconds.

While the exact origins of this dish are debated, the concept of cooking noodles and protein together in a single pot has roots in various cultures around the world. From Asian stir-fries to hearty Italian pasta dishes, the idea of a complete meal cooked together is a timeless culinary tradition. This one pan chicken noodles recipe takes that concept and simplifies it for the modern home cook.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a savory sauce that coats every strand. People love it because it’s quick, convenient, and requires minimal effort. Plus, the one-pan cleanup is a major win! The flavors meld together beautifully as everything simmers, creating a depth of taste that belies its simplicity. Get ready to experience a weeknight dinner game-changer with this easy and delicious recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Egg Noodles: 1 lb wide egg noodles
• Broth: 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• Vegetables:
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
• Herbs & Spices:
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Fat: 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Thickening (optional): 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)

Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
2. Now, heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is nice and hot before adding the chicken.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Brown the chicken on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. You don’t need to cook it all the way through at this point, just get a nice sear on it.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. We’ll add it back in later.
5. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. The onions should be translucent and the carrots slightly tender.
6. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Cooking the Noodles and Simmering:

1. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet with the vegetables. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. These browned bits add a ton of flavor to the dish!
2. Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried sage, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaves to the broth. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the broth to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
4. Add the browned chicken back to the skillet. Make sure the chicken is submerged in the broth.
5. Gently stir in the egg noodles. Make sure the noodles are also submerged in the broth.
6. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
7. Remove the bay leaves from the skillet. They’ve done their job!

Finishing Touches and Serving:

1. Stir in the frozen peas. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the peas are heated through.
2. If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Slowly pour the slurry into the skillet, stirring constantly. Cook for another minute or two, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
3. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
5. Serve hot and enjoy! This one-pan chicken noodle dish is perfect for a cozy night in.

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as mushrooms, green beans, or corn.
• Herb Variations: You can also experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or marjoram.
• Spicy Kick: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Creamy Version: For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free egg noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The noodles may become a bit softer after freezing and thawing.
• Bone-In Chicken: You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor. Just increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Remove the bones and skin before serving.
• Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker meal, use shredded rotisserie chicken. Add it to the skillet along with the peas in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor. Stir it in at the end of cooking.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce can add a depth of flavor. Add it along with the herbs and spices.
• Soy Sauce: A tablespoon of soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor. Add it along with the herbs and spices.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the broth.
• Pair with a simple green salad.
• Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

Why This Recipe Works:

This one-pan chicken noodle recipe is a winner because it’s easy, flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup. Cooking everything in one pan allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying dish. The combination of chicken, vegetables, herbs, and noodles is a classic comfort food combination that’s sure to please everyone. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables and chicken broth.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 450-550
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 15-25g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g

Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Enjoy your delicious and easy one-pan chicken noodles!

Conclusion:

This One Pan Chicken Noodles recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner option; it’s a game-changer. Seriously! The ease of preparation, the minimal cleanup, and the incredible flavor all combine to make this a dish you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. Forget slaving over multiple pots and pans – everything cooks together in one glorious pan, infusing the noodles with the savory goodness of the chicken and vegetables. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling completely satisfied.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to version, feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own preferences. Craving a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. Want to boost the veggie content? Toss in some broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or even some spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. The possibilities are truly endless!

For serving, I personally love to garnish my One Pan Chicken Noodles with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a burst of freshness. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt also adds a lovely creamy tang. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even top it with some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions. And for a complete meal, serve it alongside a simple side salad or some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Think about adding some mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or even some sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist. If you’re not a fan of chicken, you could easily substitute it with shrimp, tofu, or even ground turkey. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through. And for those who are gluten-free, simply swap out the regular noodles for your favorite gluten-free variety.

I truly believe that this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves delicious food but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or even potlucks and gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s guaranteed to impress.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to experience the magic of One Pan Chicken Noodles! I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what you loved, and what you might do differently next time. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Don’t be shy – share your culinary adventures with the world! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your delicious creations.