Why This Recipe Works
When you need a simple, delicious meal that your whole family will love, this creamy chicken and noodles dish is the way to go. It doesn't require many special ingredients and has minimal prep time, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. Whether it's a cold fall or winter evening, this hearty and rich recipe is the perfect way to keep everyone cozy and satisfied. The creamy sauce paired with tender chicken and noodles brings warmth and comfort to the table.
Quick and Easy Comfort
This dish offers the best of both worlds: a hearty, filling meal that doesn't take much effort to make. The combination of chicken, noodles, and creamy sauce provides the right balance of flavors to warm up your family during those chilly nights. It's the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl—simple, yet so satisfying. It's the perfect way to enjoy a homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
The Key Ingredients
To make this creamy chicken and noodles dish, you'll need some basic yet essential ingredients. Start with 1 lb of chicken breasts, cooked until tender. You'll also need 1 cup each of chopped carrots and celery, along with a small diced onion to bring flavor. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other spices like oregano, thyme, paprika, and onion powder. For the sauce, have 4 tbsp of butter, 3 tbsp of flour, and 2 cups of chicken broth on hand. Add 1 tbsp of minced garlic and 1/2 cup of heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture. To complete the dish, you’ll need 12 ounces of egg noodles.
These ingredients combine to make a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for any weeknight meal. The balance of seasonings, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce gives the dish its satisfying texture and taste. Simple yet full of flavor, this dish will soon become a family favorite.
Prepping the Creamy Chicken and Noodles:
To start making this creamy chicken and noodles, the prep is simple and fast, which is one of the reasons people love this recipe. Begin by chopping about 1 cup each of carrots and celery, along with a small onion. Once that’s done, take 2 chicken breasts, and cut them in half lengthwise, making them thinner for quick cooking. Next, season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and you’re ready to get cooking!
This straightforward prep ensures that the dish comes together in no time, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much effort in the kitchen. The combination of fresh vegetables and perfectly seasoned chicken brings out great flavors in every bite.
Cooking the Creamy Chicken and Noodles:
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by heating a large pan over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons of butter. While the butter is melting, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat to cook your pasta. Once the butter has melted, add your chopped veggies and cook them for a few minutes until they start to soften. Then, add an extra tablespoon of butter and 3 tablespoons of flour to create a roux. Stir it together and let it brown for about a minute to cook out the flour.
Next, stir in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and pour in 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir until the mixture thickens and you’re happy with the consistency. Add your seasoned chicken to the sauce and mix it around with a spoon to ensure it’s fully covered. Bring the pan to a simmer, cover it with a lid, and let the chicken cook for 12-15 minutes. While the chicken is cooking, add 12 ounces of egg noodles to the boiling water. When the chicken reaches 165 degrees, remove the lid and shred it with a couple of forks to finish the dish.
