Chicken Buttered Noodles – Simple, Creamy & Comforting
Enjoy a cozy, family-friendly meal with Chicken Buttered Noodles! Tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles tossed in rich, buttery sauce make for a quick, satisfying dinner that everyone will love. Perfect for weeknights, easy meal prep, or a comforting dinner on busy nights.
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Optional: garlic press, fine grater for Parmesan
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Noodles:
- 2 cups egg noodles (or fettuccine/spaghetti)
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking chicken)
For the Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 tsp fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or basil)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Reserved pasta water (as needed for creaminess)
- Optional: vegetables (peas, spinach, mushrooms)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil noodles in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain noodles.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet.
- Make the Butter Sauce: Melt butter in the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in herbs and optional veggies. Add reserved pasta water for a silky sauce.
- Combine: Return chicken to skillet and toss with noodles, ensuring even coating.
- Finish: Sprinkle Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and additional herbs. Toss off-heat to maintain silky texture. Serve warm.
Notes
- Protein swaps: Use turkey, shrimp, or tofu for variation.
- Creamy option: Add 1/4 cup heavy cream to butter sauce.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently with splash of butter or pasta water.
- Freezing: Short-term freezing possible but may affect noodle texture.
- Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
- Extra flavor: Finish with lemon zest or a squeeze of juice for brightness.