Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan meal: Easy to make and even easier to clean up.
• Comfort food at its best: Creamy, buttery, and full of flavor.
• Quick and simple: Ready in just 30 minutes.
• Customizable: Add veggies, swap proteins, or ramp up the creaminess.
• Kid-friendly: Ideal for picky eaters who adore pasta and chicken.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier texture)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
   • Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook the chicken pieces for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
   • Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Prepare the Noodles:
   • In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic.
   • Sauté for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and water, then bring to a boil.
3. Cook the Noodles:
   • Add the egg noodles to the boiling liquid and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, about 8–10 minutes.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
   • Stir in the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (if using) until every bite is melted, smooth, and creamy.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful meal!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a light green salad, roasted vegetables, or even garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.
• Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the noodles from drying out.
• Freezing Option: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Remember to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Helpful Notes

• For Extra Flavor: A splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add some zing!
• Veggie Add-Ins: Consider stirring in some spinach, peas, or mushrooms during the last few minutes for added nutrition.
• Cheese Variations: Swap the Parmesan cheese for shredded mozzarella or asiago for a different flavor profile.
• Creamy Texture Tip: If you’re opting out of heavy cream, slightly increase the butter for extra richness.
• Salted Broth Alert: If you’re using store-bought chicken broth, be mindful of the added salt to prevent the dish from becoming overly salty.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
   Yes! Shred rotisserie chicken and stir it in when adding the Parmesan cheese to save time.
2. What if I don’t have egg noodles?
   You can substitute egg noodles with fettuccine, penne, or any pasta you have available—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
4. How do I make this gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth is gluten-free. Keep an eye on the consistency as gluten-free noodles may require slightly different liquid ratios.
5. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
   Consider substituting with half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or cream cheese for a similarly creamy texture.