Spring Chicken Noodle Skillet (Printable Version)

Tender shredded chicken with egg noodles, peas, and carrots in a light creamy sauce. Perfect for springtime dinners.

# What You'll Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)

→ Pasta

02 - 8 oz wide egg noodles

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup frozen peas
04 - 1 cup diced carrots (approximately 2 medium carrots)
05 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Sauce & Seasonings

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
09 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
11 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and carrots, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring, for 1 minute to create a roux.
05 - Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, then add the thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
06 - Add the peas, shredded chicken, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and heat through for approximately 2 minutes.
07 - Gently fold in the cooked noodles until everything is evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes more if needed, then remove from heat.
08 - Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in one skillet, so cleanup is quick and painless even on a weeknight.
  • The creamy sauce feels indulgent without being overly rich or drowning the vegetables.
  • Its flexible enough to use rotisserie chicken or whatever cooked protein you have on hand.
  • Kids love the tender noodles and sweet peas, while adults appreciate the fresh, balanced flavors.
02 -
  • Do not skip salting the pasta water, it seasons the noodles from the inside and keeps the dish from tasting flat.
  • Whisk the broth and milk in slowly to avoid lumps in the sauce, I learned this after ending up with a grainy mess my first try.
  • If your sauce gets too thick, a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water or extra broth will bring it back to a silky consistency.
  • Let the flour cook for a full minute before adding liquid, otherwise the sauce can taste raw and pasty.
03 -
  • Use a deep skillet with high sides so you have enough room to toss the noodles without spilling sauce everywhere.
  • Grate your own Parmesan instead of using pre-grated, it melts smoother and tastes fresher.
  • If you like a hint of brightness, stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest or a pinch of nutmeg with the thyme.
  • Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and noodles, that is your last chance to adjust salt and pepper.
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