Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken buttered noodles is the definition of comfort food — tender egg noodles tossed in a rich, buttery sauce and paired with juicy, flavorful chicken. It’s a quick, hearty meal that feels nostalgic yet elegant enough for any dinner table. I once made this recipe on a chilly evening when I wanted something warm and effortless, and it instantly became a family favorite. The buttery sauce coats each noodle perfectly, while the chicken adds satisfying protein and depth. Whether served as a weeknight dinner, a cozy lunch, or an easy side dish, this recipe delivers classic, feel-good flavor with minimal fuss.
Chicken Buttered Noodles: Simple, Comforting, and Deliciously Satisfying
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Buttered Noodles is a cozy, comforting dish made with tender chicken pieces tossed with buttery, garlicky egg noodles. It’s simple, satisfying, and comes together in under 30 minutes — a perfect weeknight dinner or quick family favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter.
- Return the chicken to the pan and toss everything together. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a silky sauce.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to make this meal even quicker.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of chili flakes for extra flavor.
- Pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast or thighs — Tender and juicy, they make the dish hearty and flavorful.
Egg noodles — The perfect pasta for soaking up buttery goodness.
Butter — The star of the sauce, giving richness and depth.
Olive oil — Helps brown the chicken and adds subtle flavor.
Garlic — Infuses the sauce with savory aroma.
Chicken broth — Adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor.
Parmesan cheese — Brings saltiness and nutty richness to balance the butter.
Parsley — Adds freshness and color for a beautiful finish.
Salt and black pepper — Essential for seasoning every layer.
Lemon juice (optional) — Adds brightness and balance to the rich sauce.
Directions
Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–6 minutes per side (depending on thickness). Remove and let rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked noodles, tossing to coat them evenly in the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water for extra creaminess.
Add the chicken back into the skillet and toss gently to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4. Preparation takes 10 minutes, cooking about 20 minutes. Total time: 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or butter to keep the noodles silky. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may dry out the chicken. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months — thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Garlic Chicken Noodles — Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for extra richness.
Herb Butter Noodles — Mix in basil, thyme, or oregano for aromatic flavor.
Lemon Herb — Add more lemon zest and juice for a bright, fresh twist.
Spicy Kick — Sprinkle red pepper flakes for mild heat.
Vegetable Boost — Add sautéed peas, spinach, or mushrooms.
Parmesan Crust — Broil the finished dish with extra cheese for a golden topping.
Pesto Chicken Noodles — Toss with basil pesto for an herby transformation.
Asian-Inspired — Add soy sauce and sesame oil for a fusion flavor.
Low-Carb Version — Use zucchini noodles instead of egg noodles.
Kid-Friendly — Skip garlic and herbs for a milder, buttery version that kids love.
FAQs
What type of noodles work best?
Wide egg noodles are traditional, but fettuccine or linguine also work beautifully.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely — rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly for a quick meal.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives the best flavor, but margarine or ghee can be used if needed.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
Add a splash of heavy cream or more Parmesan cheese.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh to keep the noodles from drying out.
What can I serve it with?
A simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair perfectly.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan butter and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Toss them in a bit of butter or olive oil immediately after draining.
Can I add extra flavor to the chicken?
Marinate it in Italian dressing or garlic butter for a flavor boost.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze cooked portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Chicken buttered noodles are the perfect combination of simplicity and satisfaction — a buttery, garlicky pasta dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a velvety sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this dish proves that the best recipes don’t have to be complicated — just buttery, balanced, and made with love.
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