Oh, you know those nights, right? The ones where the day has been a marathon, dinner feels like a mountain, and all you want is something that just *feels* like a hug in a bowl. That’s where this chicken with buttered noodles comes in. It’s not fancy, it’s not complicated, but it’s the kind of meal that instantly makes everything feel a little bit better. Think of it as the culinary equivalent of pulling on your favorite cozy sweater. It’s the dish that has saved me more times than I can count, especially when the kids are practically vibrating with hunger and I need a win. Honestly, when I’m craving pure, unadulterated comfort, this is what my heart (and stomach!) yearns for. It’s so simple, yet so satisfying, and trust me, it always disappears in minutes at my house. Forget those elaborate, time-consuming recipes; this is the real deal for everyday magic.
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What is chicken with buttered noodles?
So, what exactly *is* chicken with buttered noodles? At its heart, it’s exactly what it sounds like: tender pieces of chicken nestled amongst perfectly cooked noodles, all coated in a luscious, buttery sauce. It’s not a dish with a single origin story; it’s more of a universally loved concept that pops up in various forms across home kitchens everywhere. Think of it as a humble yet elegant foundation for deliciousness. It’s essentially a way to elevate simple, everyday ingredients into something truly special. The beauty of this chicken with buttered noodles recipe is its inherent simplicity. It’s about letting good quality ingredients shine, with the butter acting as a delicious conductor, bringing everything together in a symphony of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels both deeply familiar and delightfully satisfying, no matter how many times you make it.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons why this chicken with buttered noodles recipe has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation, and I just know you’re going to feel the same way. For starters, the FLAVOR! It’s incredibly savory, with that rich, satisfying taste that only butter can provide, complemented perfectly by the tender chicken and al dente noodles. It’s pure comfort food bliss. Then there’s the SIMPLICITY. I’m talking weeknight-friendly, get-dinner-on-the-table-in-under-an-hour simple. Seriously, the hands-on time is minimal, making it a lifesaver when you’re juggling a million things. And let’s talk COST-EFFICIENCY. This recipe relies on pantry staples and affordable proteins, so you can whip up a crowd-pleasing meal without breaking the bank. What I love most is its VERSATILITY. While it’s phenomenal on its own, it’s also a fantastic base for adding whatever veggies you have on hand. It’s like a blank canvas for deliciousness. If you love simple, satisfying pasta dishes like my Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta or my Creamy One-Pot Chicken Alfredo, you’ll absolutely adore this chicken with buttered noodles. It hits all the same comfort food notes but with its own unique, heartwarming charm.
How do you make chicken with buttered noodles?
Quick Overview
Making this delightful chicken with buttered noodles is incredibly straightforward. You’ll start by cooking your chicken until it’s golden and juicy, then toss it with your favorite noodles. The real magic happens when you coat everything in a simple, yet decadent, buttery sauce. It’s a process that’s designed for ease, ensuring you get a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal fuss. Trust me, the entire thing comes together so quickly, you’ll be amazed at how such humble ingredients can create such a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Noodles: For the Chicken & Noodles: For the Chicken & Noodles: For the Chicken
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 ounces of your favorite pasta (egg noodles, fettuccine, or spaghetti work beautifully)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Buttered Noodle Sauce:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, but it adds a lovely freshness!)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a tiny bit of warmth)
For the Noodles:
Water for boiling
1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that pasta going. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous tablespoon of salt (this is key for flavorful pasta!), and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente – that means tender but still with a slight bite. Before you drain it, make sure to scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water. This liquid gold will be our secret weapon for creating a silky sauce later on. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While your pasta is doing its thing, let’s get the chicken ready. Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels – this helps them brown nicely. Season them with the 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Buttered Noodle Sauce
Now for the best part: the sauce! Reduce the heat in the same skillet to medium. Add the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt completely, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell that amazing garlicky aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked and drained pasta back into the skillet with the melted butter and garlic. Pour in about half of the reserved pasta water (you can add more later if needed). Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped fresh parsley (if using). If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes now.
Step 5: Add the Chicken Back
Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauced pasta. Toss gently to combine everything, ensuring the chicken is heated through and coated in the glorious butter sauce. If the sauce seems a little thick, add a splash more of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. You’re looking for a lovely, glossy coating on everything.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Give everything a final taste. Does it need a little more salt? A grind of black pepper? This is your moment to tweak it to perfection! Remember, the Parmesan adds saltiness, so taste before you add more. You want a balanced, delicious flavor.
Step 7: Serve It Up!
Serve this delicious chicken with buttered noodles immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if you like. It’s best enjoyed piping hot!
What to Serve It With
This chicken with buttered noodles is a complete meal in itself, but it also plays exceptionally well with a few friends on the plate. For BREAKFAST (yes, really!): Don’t knock it until you try it! A small portion, maybe with a slightly lighter hand on the butter, can be surprisingly satisfying with a strong cup of coffee. For BRUNCH: Elevate it by serving alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette and perhaps some roasted asparagus. A crisp white wine or a sparkling cider would be lovely. As DESSERT: Okay, this isn’t a dessert, but it’s so satisfying it feels like a treat! It’s the perfect antidote to a sweet craving after dinner without actually being sweet. For COZY SNACKS: This is pure comfort, so it pairs perfectly with a cozy evening. Think about serving it with some warm, crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce, or maybe a side of steamed green beans for a touch of freshness. My family loves having this on a chilly evening with a big glass of milk. It’s just pure, unadulterated comfort.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really make this chicken with buttered noodles sing. Here are my top tips to ensure yours turns out absolutely perfect every single time:
Chicken Prep: Always pat your chicken dry before seasoning and cooking. This is a small step, but it makes a huge difference in getting that beautiful golden-brown sear rather than steamed chicken. Don’t be tempted to overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if needed. This ensures each piece gets direct heat for optimal browning.
Pasta Perfection: Salting your pasta water generously is non-negotiable! It’s your primary chance to season the pasta itself. Cook it until it’s just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce. And *please*, remember to reserve that pasta water! It’s the emulsifier that brings the sauce together, making it silky and creamy rather than greasy.
Garlic Guidance: When sautéing the garlic for the sauce, keep the heat on medium and stir constantly. Garlic can go from perfectly fragrant to burnt and bitter in seconds. Just a minute or so until it’s aromatic is all you need. If you’re not a fan of minced garlic, you could also gently infuse the butter with whole garlic cloves by simmering them on low heat, then removing them before adding the pasta.
Butter Balance: The amount of butter is key here, but you can adjust it slightly. If you prefer a lighter touch, start with 4 tablespoons and add more if needed. However, the full 6 tablespoons really creates that signature richness. Using good quality unsalted butter also makes a difference in flavor.
Parmesan Power: Grating your own Parmesan cheese from a block will give you a much better flavor and texture than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Stir it in off the heat or on very low heat to prevent it from clumping.
Herb Freshness: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese. If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can skip it, or use a tiny pinch of dried parsley – but fresh is definitely best here.
Sauce Consistency: The pasta water is your best friend for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Start with about half a cup and add more a tablespoon at a time until the sauce coats the pasta and chicken beautifully without being too thin or too thick. It should be glossy and cling to every strand.
Ingredient Swaps: While this is chicken with buttered noodles, you could absolutely swap the chicken for shrimp, cooked sausage, or even some pan-fried tofu for a vegetarian option. For the pasta, any long noodle shape will work wonderfully. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses too; a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano or a touch of Gruyere could add an interesting twist.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftovers of this glorious chicken with buttered noodles are a treasure, and thankfully, they store and reheat beautifully. Here’s how to keep them tasting their best:
Room Temperature: Honestly, for optimal quality, I recommend refrigerating any leftovers within two hours of cooking. While it’s tempting to leave it out, pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh.
Refrigerator Storage: Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I usually store mine in individual portions so it’s easy to grab a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezer Instructions: This dish freezes surprisingly well! For the best quality, allow it to cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating Your Masterpiece: The best way to reheat this is gently on the stovetop. Place the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon or two of water or milk, cover, and stir occasionally until heated through. This helps to rehydrate the pasta and prevent it from drying out. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, again, adding a splash of liquid and stirring halfway through for even heating. Be patient; reheating slowly is the key to avoiding a dry or mushy texture.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan on storing leftovers that were meant to be glazed, it’s often best to add the glaze *after* reheating. This prevents the glaze from becoming sticky or altering its texture too much during the reheating process. For example, if you’re making it ahead for a party, you might do the initial cooking and storing, then add the finishing touches (like a fresh glaze or garnish) right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There you have it – my absolute favorite chicken with buttered noodles recipe. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t demand a lot from you but gives back so much in terms of comfort and deliciousness. It’s proof that sometimes, the simplest things are the most satisfying. The way the butter, garlic, and Parmesan cling to every single strand of pasta and piece of chicken is just pure magic. It’s become a staple in my home for good reason, and I genuinely hope it becomes one in yours too. If you love this kind of comforting pasta dish, you might also want to check out my recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or my Easy Lemon Chicken Pasta. They share that same cozy, satisfying vibe. I can’t wait to hear how your chicken with buttered noodles turns out! Please leave a comment below and tell me your favorite part, or any fun variations you tried. Happy cooking!
Default Recipe Title
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 0.5 cup butter
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound egg noodles
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked egg noodles and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
