If you’re craving a warm, cozy meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, creamy chicken and noodles is the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again. It’s rich without being heavy, loaded with tender chicken, soft egg noodles, sweet peas, and carrots, all wrapped in a silky, savory sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or anytime you want an easy dinner that tastes like it took hours.
What makes this version extra lovable is how simple it is. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly cooked chicken breasts. You can make it in one pot for easy cleanup, and you’ll still get that classic homemade flavor. Serve it as a main dish with a side salad, crusty bread, or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a family-friendly dinner that everyone actually wants to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe
- One-pot meal that’s easy and quick
- Comfort food classic with simple pantry ingredients
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Flexible: add mushrooms, swap veggies, or make it lighter
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses everyday ingredients and is easy to adapt based on what you have.
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 3 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
- 2 cups egg noodles (wide or extra wide)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup sliced carrots (fresh or frozen)
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional but highly recommended)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese for extra creaminess
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan for a deeper savory flavor
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Noodles (Step-by-Step)
This method keeps everything simple while building flavor in layers.
- Sauté the aromatics
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add chicken and broth
Add cooked chicken and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil. - Cook the egg noodles
Stir in the egg noodles. Lower heat to a simmer and cook until noodles are tender, usually 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick. If the mixture gets too thick before noodles are done, add a splash of broth. - Add peas and carrots
Stir in peas and carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes, just until heated through and tender. - Make it creamy
In a small bowl, whisk milk and flour until smooth. Slowly pour into the pot while stirring. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. - Rest and serve
Turn off heat and let it sit for 2 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken and Noodles
- Use wide egg noodles for the most comforting texture and that classic homespun feel.
- Don’t overcook the noodles—they’ll soften more as the dish rests.
- Add broth gradually if you like it more soup-like, or let it reduce for a thicker, stew-style dinner.
- Season in layers: a little salt early, then adjust at the end.
- Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor with zero extra work.
Easy Variations
This dish is a great base recipe you can customize depending on your mood.
1) Creamy Chicken and Noodles Casserole Style
Make the recipe slightly thicker, pour into a baking dish, top with shredded cheese or buttery crumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes.
2) Extra Veggie Version
Add mushrooms, celery, spinach, or corn. You can also stir in chopped broccoli florets during the last few minutes.
3) Lighter Version
Use low-fat milk, reduce butter to 1 tablespoon, and thicken with cornstarch instead of flour. You’ll still get a creamy texture without as much richness.
4) Herb and Garlic Upgrade
Add fresh parsley at the end and a pinch of rosemary for deeper “chicken pot pie” vibes.
5) Cheesy Chicken and Noodles
Stir in parmesan or shredded cheddar right before serving for a cheesy comfort dinner.
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken and Noodles
This meal is already hearty, but it pairs beautifully with lighter sides:
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Cucumber and tomato salad for freshness
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—stir halfway through for even heating.
Freezing: You can freeze it, but noodles may soften a bit after thawing. For best results, freeze without noodles and add fresh noodles when reheating.
Common Questions
Can I make this with raw chicken?
Yes. Cube chicken breasts and sauté them in butter first until mostly cooked, then continue with onions and broth.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Egg noodles absorb liquid as they sit. Simply add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Can I use other pasta?
Yes—short pasta like rotini or shells works, but egg noodles give the classic texture most people love.
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