There’s something comforting about a bowl of Chicken Buttered Noodles. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen, largely because it’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to whip up on busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, silky noodles, and a rich garlic butter sauce makes it a go-to recipe that keeps everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just indulging yourself, this meal hits all the right spots.

Why this recipe shines

When you need a quick, delicious meal, Chicken Buttered Noodles is a star player. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and comes together in under 30 minutes. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or an effortless weekend brunch. It’s not just a meal; it’s a way to bring everyone together around the table, celebrating delicious simplicity.

"Absolutely loved this recipe! Quick to make, and my kids devoured it. The flavor was amazing, and it felt fancy without being complicated. A new family favorite!"

The cooking process outlined

Preparing Chicken Buttered Noodles is straightforward and satisfying. Below is a step-by-step guide that will take you through the entire process, ensuring you achieve a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing. Gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the kitchen!

Ingredients you’ll need

To create your Chicken Buttered Noodles, make sure you have these key ingredients at hand:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz (about 225g) egg noodles or any pasta you prefer
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: Grated parmesan cheese for topping
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for added spice

Chicken breasts are the centerpiece here, being a lean source of protein that soaks up the garlic butter sauce beautifully. Egg noodles are traditional for this dish, but feel free to use any pasta you enjoy. The unsalted butter is essential, providing a rich and velvety sauce, while chicken broth deepens the flavor. Heavy cream adds that luxurious texture that makes this dish truly special.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.

2. Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing into thin strips.

3. Cook the Noodles: Meanwhile, boil a large pot of salted water. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, keeping about ½ cup of pasta cooking water.

4. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Scrape any bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.

5. Sauté the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful to avoid burning it.

6. Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until thickened slightly.

7. Toss the Noodles: Add the drained noodles to the skillet, tossing them gently until well-coated in the sauce. Add a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.

8. Combine with Chicken: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and mix everything together, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors of the sauce.

9. Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle parsley over the top, and add red pepper flakes for some heat if desired.

10. Serve: Serve hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if you like!

Best ways to enjoy it

Chicken Buttered Noodles can be a delightful standalone meal or paired with various sides. Consider serving it with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. For a touch of elegance, garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten the dish.

Keeping leftovers fresh

If you happen to have any leftovers (though this dish rarely lasts long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to life. Freezing is also an option; just ensure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container where it can last for up to three months.

Pro chef tips

For maximum flavor, try to use fresh herbs when possible. Fresh thyme and parsley will elevate this dish significantly. Additionally, if you desire a bit more complexity, consider adding a splash of lemon juice at the end for a refreshing touch. Another tip is to cook the noodles just to al dente to avoid mushiness when they’re tossed with the sauce.

Creative twists

Want to customize your Chicken Buttered Noodles? Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap in different proteins like shrimp or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Experiment with spices like Italian seasoning or even a hint of curry powder for a unique twist.
• Add seasonal vegetables such as spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

Common Questions

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

This Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe can be ready in about 30 minutes, making it an excellent quick option for weeknight dinners.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can swap them for spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta, depending on your preference.

Is it safe to store leftovers?

Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the texture of the noodles intact.

Chicken Buttered Noodles

Print Recipe

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A comforting and satisfying dish of tender chicken, silky noodles, and rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz (about 225g) egg noodles or any pasta you prefer
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: Grated parmesan cheese for topping
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for added spice

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
2. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing into thin strips.
3. Meanwhile, boil a large pot of salted water. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, keeping about ½ cup of pasta cooking water.
4. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Scrape any bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
5. Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer for 3-4 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until thickened slightly.
7. Add the drained noodles to the skillet, tossing gently until well-coated in the sauce. Add a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
8. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and mix everything together, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors of the sauce.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle parsley over the top, and add red pepper flakes for some heat if desired.
10. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if you like!

Notes

For maximum flavor, use fresh herbs when possible. You can also customize the dish by using different proteins or adding seasonal vegetables.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg