This chicken and noodles recipe is a reliable, time-saving family dinner prepared entirely in one pot in under 30 minutes. It features tender pieces of chicken and buttery egg noodles coated in a rich, velvety sauce that satisfies even the heartiest of appetites. By utilizing a few clever pantry shortcuts, you can achieve a homestyle flavor profile with minimal effort and cleanup.
List of ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 (10.5) ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3 cups uncooked extra-wide egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
step-by-step instructions
- Step: In a Dutch oven or pot, sauté the onion in the butter for 4-5 minutes over medium heat.
- Step: Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Step: Add in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until combined and increase the heat to high.
- Step: Once boiling, add in the egg noodles. Cook for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a rapid simmer.
- Step: Stir in the chicken and let it warm through, then season with salt and pepper as needed and top with fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately.
Refining the Cooking Process
Managing Liquid Levels During Simmering
Since different stove burners and pot materials conduct heat uniquely, you should monitor the liquid levels throughout the cooking process. If the sauce begins to reduce too quickly while the noodles are still firm, simply turn the heat down slightly and stir in a splash of additional chicken broth. This keeps the sauce creamy without causing the noodles to overcook or become mushy.
Achieving the Ideal Noodle Texture
Egg noodles can transition from perfectly al dente to soft quite quickly, so it is important to stir them consistently during the simmer. If you find the liquid is too thin after the noodles are fully cooked, continue simmering for an extra minute to allow the starch from the noodles to naturally thicken the sauce. Conversely, if you prefer a thinner sauce, add a small amount of warm water or broth just before serving.
Selecting the Best Chicken
While rotisserie chicken is a convenient choice that provides pre-cooked, tender meat, you can also use boiled or roasted chicken breasts. For the best mouthfeel, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces so that every forkful contains a balance of noodle and meat. If your chicken is quite dry, adding it to the sauce for an extra minute of warming will help rehydrate the fibers.
Customizing Your Meal
Incorporating Fresh Vegetables
You can easily boost the nutritional profile of this meal by stirring in finely chopped vegetables during the final stage of cooking. Frozen peas, diced carrots, or even a few handfuls of fresh baby spinach work exceptionally well, as they wilt or thaw quickly in the hot sauce without requiring extra prep time. These additions introduce color and texture contrast that complement the rich, creamy sauce.
Creating Different Flavor Profiles
If you prefer to move away from the earthy notes of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with condensed cream of chicken or cream of celery soup. Each of these options provides a slightly different base flavor that still maintains the necessary density for a successful, creamy sauce. You can also experiment with spices like dried thyme, rosemary, or even a dash of paprika to alter the profile of the dish.
Adding Cheesy Elements
For a decadent variation, consider folding in a cup of freshly grated cheddar, sharp white cheddar, or finely grated parmesan cheese just before serving. The cheese will melt into the sauce, transforming the dish into a cheesy chicken and noodle delight. Be sure to turn off the heat before adding the cheese to prevent it from separating or becoming grainy.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Pairing for a Complete Dinner
This dish is inherently filling, but pairing it with crusty garlic bread is an excellent way to capture any remaining sauce at the bottom of the bowl. For a lighter contrast, serve the noodles alongside a crisp garden salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette. The acidity of a fresh salad helps balance the richness of the cream-based sauce, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
Handling Leftovers Properly
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep in mind that as the dish cools, the noodles will continue to absorb the sauce, which may lead to a thicker consistency upon storage. When you are ready to enjoy it again, reheat the leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a tiny splash of broth to bring the sauce back to its original silky texture.
Why Freezing is Not Recommended
Freezing this dish is generally discouraged because of the high dairy content and the nature of egg noodles. Upon thawing and reheating, the sauce often separates, losing its smooth, homogeneous appearance, and the noodles tend to lose their structure, becoming overly soft. It is best prepared fresh or eaten as leftovers within the suggested refrigerator timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-sodium ingredients?
Yes, using low-sodium chicken broth and lower-sodium condensed soup is a perfect way to control the salt content. Since different brands have varying levels of salinity, adjusting the added salt at the very end ensures you get the flavor balance exactly right for your palate.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much before the noodles are finished, simply add a few tablespoons of warm chicken broth or water. Stir well to incorporate the liquid and continue to simmer; this will loosen the sauce without diluting the overall flavor profile of the meal.
Can I replace the heavy cream with milk?
While you can use higher-fat milk, it will not provide the same thickness or luxurious mouthfeel as heavy cream. If you must use milk, you might need to simmer the sauce slightly longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water to ensure the sauce coats the noodles effectively.
How do I make this dish without using mushroom soup?
If you prefer to avoid canned soup, you can create a simple roux by melting butter, whisking in an equal amount of flour, and slowly adding broth and heavy cream to form a béchamel base. Season this base well with herbs and spices to replicate the depth of flavor usually provided by condensed soups.
Print
Easy One Pot Chicken and Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
This chicken and noodles recipe is a time-saving family meal that’s made all in one pot in just 30 minutes! It features tender chicken and buttery egg noodles coated in a rich, creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 (10.5) ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3 cups uncooked extra-wide egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step: In a Dutch oven or pot, sauté the onion in the butter for 4-5 minutes over medium heat.
- Step: Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Step: Add in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and cream of mushroom soup. Stir until combined and increase the heat to high.
- Step: Once boiling, add in the egg noodles. Cook for 10 minutes, uncovered, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low to maintain a rapid simmer.
- Step: Stir in the chicken and let it warm through, then season with salt and pepper as needed and top with fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pots and stoves can vary, so adjust timing as needed. If liquid levels become low before pasta is cooked, add a splash more broth or cream. If there is too much liquid, continue simmering for a few minutes longer. Use low-sodium versions of soup and broth if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 438 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1076 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 131 mg