Pin This My friend's mother made this for us on a rainy Tuesday when we were studying for exams and I couldn't believe how something so simple could taste so extraordinary. The way the creamy sauce clung to each noodle made the whole apartment smell like warmth and comfort. I begged for the recipe that same night.
I made a huge batch for my sister's birthday last winter and watched my nephew tentatively try it then ask for three more bowls. Something about tender chicken swimming in that herb flecked cream sauce just works magic on people.
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Cutting into bite sized pieces helps everything cook evenly and lets each spoonful have the perfect meat to sauce ratio
- 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper: Season the chicken generously before cooking since this builds the foundation of flavor for the whole dish
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tbsp olive oil: The butter adds richness while the oil prevents burning and together they create the most beautiful golden brown sear
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped: Yellow onions become naturally sweet as they cook down and form the aromatic backbone of the sauce
- 2 garlic cloves minced: Fresh garlic transforms in that hot fat and releases those essential oils that make your kitchen smell amazing
- 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced: They add subtle sweetness and a tender crunch that balances the richness beautifully
- 2 celery stalks sliced: This classic trio gives the sauce depth and that homemade flavor you cant get from shortcuts
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour: This creates the roux that thickens everything into that silky restaurant style consistency
- 480 ml low sodium chicken broth: Low sodium lets you control the seasoning and avoid that overly salty processed taste
- 240 ml whole milk: Whole milk makes the sauce creamy without being overwhelmingly heavy
- 120 ml heavy cream: This small amount elevates the texture to something truly luxurious and restaurant worthy
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Dont skip this it adds an undertone of sharpness that cuts through all the richness
- 1 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp dried parsley and 1/2 tsp paprika: This herb blend creates that classic comfort food flavor profile everyone recognizes and loves
- 250 g wide egg noodles: Wide noodles have more surface area to grab onto that gorgeous sauce and I find they hold up better than thinner varieties
- 60 g frozen peas: They add these bright pops of color and sweetness that make the dish feel complete
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped: Fresh parsley at the end makes everything taste bright and finished and looks beautiful sprinkled on top
Instructions
- Season and prepare the chicken:
- Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the chicken pieces and toss them gently until evenly coated
- Sear the chicken to perfection:
- Heat the butter and olive oil in your large pot over medium high heat then add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through before removing it to a plate
- Build the aromatic base:
- Add the onions carrots and celery to the same pot and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant then stir in the garlic for just 1 minute until it becomes perfumed and pale gold
- Create the roux:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until it smells nutty and coats everything in a fine pale coating
- Transform into sauce:
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth first followed by the milk and heavy cream then add the Dijon mustard thyme parsley paprika and season with salt and pepper
- Thicken to perfection:
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes while stirring frequently until the sauce coats the back of a spoon and has the consistency of heavy cream
- Cook the noodles:
- While the sauce thickens cook the egg noodles in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente then drain them well and set aside
- Bring everything together:
- Return the seared chicken to the pot along with the frozen peas and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through
- Unite with the noodles:
- Add the cooked drained noodles to the sauce and use a gentle folding motion to coat every strand completely
- Finish with fresh brightness:
- Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the top just before serving and watch how it brightens the entire dish
Pin This This recipe has become my go to for new parents friends recovering from surgery and anyone who needs feeding without any fuss. Theres something about egg noodles and cream sauce that feels like being wrapped in a blanket.
Make It Your Own
Once you master the basic technique you can customize it endlessly. Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms for earthiness or swap the peas for frozen corn depending on what my family prefers that week.
The Rotisserie Shortcut
On busy weeknights I skip searing raw chicken and shred a rotisserie chicken instead. Add it at the very end just long enough to warm through and you will save yourself twenty minutes without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp green salad with acidic vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully and steamed broccoli adds color while staying in the comfort food spirit. Keep dessert simple because this meal is already plenty satisfying on its own.
- Grilled garlic bread makes an appearance at my table more often than I care to admit
- A glass of chilled Chardonnay balances the creaminess perfectly
- Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in the microwave with a splash of milk
Pin This This is the recipe that taught me comfort food does not have to be complicated to be unforgettable. Sometimes the most humble ingredients become something extraordinary.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces cook evenly and stay tender in the creamy sauce.
- → Can I substitute the egg noodles with another pasta?
Wide pasta shapes like fettuccine or pappardelle work well as substitutes, maintaining the dish’s creamy texture.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Gradually add broth and milk while whisking, and simmer gently, adjusting liquid amounts for a smooth consistency.
- → What herbs complement the flavors here?
Dried thyme and parsley contribute warmth and freshness, while paprika adds subtle earthiness to the sauce.
- → Can vegetables be varied in this dish?
Yes, mushrooms or green beans can be added with carrots and celery to enhance texture and flavor complexity.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare components separately and combine when reheating to preserve texture and flavor integrity.