Creamy Chicken Noodles

The creamy comfort of this chicken noodle dish is everything you need on a busy weeknight. Made with tender shredded chicken, sweet pops of corn and peas, and wrapped in a luxuriously smooth creamy sauce, it’s an easy one-pan meal the whole family will devour. Best of all, it makes the perfect use of leftovers and pantry staples, no fuss, all flavor.

Whether you’re feeding kids, meal-prepping for the week, or just need a warm and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes, these creamy chicken noodles hit the spot. Serve it with a side salad or steamed greens for a complete and nourishing dinner. It’s creamy, cozy, and absolutely crave-worthy!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 300g dried egg noodles

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 400g cooked chicken, shredded (leftover or rotisserie)

• 150g frozen peas

• 150g canned sweetcorn, drained

• 250ml chicken stock

• 200ml double cream (heavy cream)

• 2 tbsp cream cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Chopped parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.

3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.

4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Add the shredded cooked chicken, peas, and sweetcorn. Stir to combine.

6. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.

7. Reduce the heat, then stir in the double cream and cream cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.

8. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

9. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.

10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

11. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 580 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Creamy Chicken Noodles: A Family-Favorite Comfort Food Classic

There’s something universally soothing about a bowl of creamy noodles. Whether it’s the luscious texture of the sauce, the hearty bite of perfectly cooked noodles, or the rich flavors mingling with tender chicken and sweet vegetables, this dish checks every comfort food box imaginable. Creamy Chicken Noodles, featuring shredded cooked chicken, a touch of garlic, and the cozy sweetness of peas and sweetcorn, delivers warmth, nutrition, and nostalgic flavors in every bite.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines speed and simplicity with full-on flavor. It’s a lifesaver for parents juggling family meals or anyone looking to stretch a cooked chicken into a whole new dish. You don’t need fancy ingredients or advanced cooking skills, just one pan, 30 minutes, and a big appetite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about Creamy Chicken Noodles is how it brings people together. Whether you’re feeding a house full of kids, preparing a cozy dinner for two, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish works across every scenario. It’s quick to prepare, gentle on the budget, and adaptable to what you have on hand.

Here are a few more reasons why this recipe is a winner:

• Perfect for using leftovers: Got leftover roast or rotisserie chicken? This is a delicious way to repurpose it into a satisfying meal.

• Kid-friendly: The creamy sauce, familiar flavors, and noodle base make it appealing to even picky eaters.

• One-pan cleanup: Everything comes together in one pot or pan, making cleanup fast and fuss-free.

• Pantry staples: The recipe uses basic ingredients like frozen peas, sweetcorn, cream, and noodles, easy to find and store.

• Customizable: Want to add mushrooms, swap peas for spinach, or toss in some cooked bacon? Go ahead! This dish is flexible.

Ingredient Highlights

Let’s talk about the star players in this dish and why they make such a great team:

• Egg Noodles: These soft, chewy noodles soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. If you don’t have egg noodles, pasta like penne or fusilli also works.

• Cooked Chicken: Shredded leftover chicken (roast or rotisserie) brings flavor, protein, and texture. If you’re starting from scratch, poached or pan-seared chicken breast or thighs will do just fine.

• Garlic & Onion: The base of flavor, these two sautéed aromatics create depth and warmth in the sauce.

• Peas & Sweetcorn: These veggies bring sweetness and color, plus a boost of vitamins. They also balance the richness of the cream.

• Cream & Cream Cheese: Together, these ingredients build a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles. The cream cheese adds tang and body.

• Chicken Stock: Helps thin the sauce to the right consistency and adds an extra layer of savory flavor.

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or chives right before serving adds freshness and a pop of green.

Tips for Success

Although this recipe is incredibly straightforward, here are some handy tips to make sure your Creamy Chicken Noodles turn out just right:

1. Use full-fat cream and cream cheese: For the best texture and flavor, avoid light versions. They may cause the sauce to split.

2. Don’t overcook the noodles: Cook until just al dente, especially since they’ll continue to absorb the sauce as they sit.

3. Add chicken at the right time: Already-cooked chicken only needs warming through, not prolonged cooking, or it may dry out.

4. Adjust consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of warm water, milk, or more chicken stock to loosen it.

5. Taste before serving: Since your chicken stock and cream cheese may already contain salt, always taste before adding more seasoning.

Variations and Add-Ins

One of the beauties of this dish is how flexible it is. Feel free to put your own spin on it depending on what’s in your fridge or pantry. Here are some tasty variations:

• Mushroom & Chicken Noodles: Sauté mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor boost.

• Spinach & Chicken Pasta: Toss in a handful of baby spinach at the end, it wilts into the sauce beautifully.

• Cheesy Chicken Bake: Pour the creamy noodle mixture into a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.

• Smoked Paprika or Chili Flakes: A pinch of these adds warmth and dimension.

• Bacon Bits: Stir in crispy cooked bacon for an extra layer of salty crunch.

• Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest can brighten the creamy sauce and cut through richness.

Storage & Reheating

This dish stores well and is great for meal prep or next-day lunches.

• To store: Let the noodles cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• To reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or stock to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to avoid overheating.

• To freeze: Not recommended, as cream sauces can separate and become grainy upon thawing.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Chicken Noodles are hearty enough to be served on their own, but if you want to round out your meal, here are some excellent side ideas:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette: Perfect for mopping up every bit of sauce.

• Simple green salad: Dressed with lemon vinaigrette, it provides a fresh contrast to the richness of the noodles.

• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots pair well and add more nutrition to the meal.

• Roasted veggies: Try roasting mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini alongside your noodles for a deeper flavor.

Who Is This Recipe Best For?

This is a go-to recipe for just about anyone:

• Busy parents who need a quick, filling meal that kids will eat without complaint.

• Students or young professionals looking for comfort on a budget with minimal effort.

• Home cooks wanting to use up leftover chicken in a creative, delicious way.

• Anyone craving comfort food with ingredients they likely already have on hand.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Noodles are the definition of comfort in a bowl. They’re easy to prepare, filled with wholesome ingredients, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re using up leftovers or cooking from scratch, this meal comes together effortlessly to deliver restaurant-worthy satisfaction at your own dinner table.

The rich, velvety sauce clings to each noodle, while the mix of tender chicken, peas, and sweetcorn brings both taste and nutrition. Add fresh herbs, tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, and you’ve got a winning meal that’s as flexible as it is delicious.

Try it once, and it might just become a staple in your weekly rotation. After all, there’s nothing better than a warm, creamy, and comforting bowl of noodles shared with loved ones.