Buttered Noodles with Chicken Recipe

The Ultimate Buttered Noodles with Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves

Buttered noodles with tender chicken spark comfort and nostalgia for many home cooks seeking quick, satisfying meals.

Pasta lovers appreciate simple ingredients that blend seamlessly into delightful dishes.

Creamy butter coats each strand, creating a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

Juicy chicken pieces add protein and depth to this classic recipe.

Every bite promises rich, velvety flavors that feel like a warm hug.

Minimal preparation and straightforward cooking techniques make this meal perfect for busy evenings.

Savor this delectable combination that transforms basic ingredients into something truly special.

Why You’ll Love Buttered Chicken Noodles

  • Perfect for beginners, the step-by-step process teaches fundamental cooking techniques like seasoning chicken and creating a simple pan sauce.
  • Versatile recipe allows endless variations by adding different herbs, cheese, or vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Using one skillet for chicken and sauce means fewer dishes to wash, making this a convenient option for busy home cooks who want delicious food without extensive kitchen work.

Ingredients for Chicken Noodles with Butter

Main Ingredients:
  • Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that provides a soft and tender base for the dish.
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main protein source for the recipe.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken and noodles.
  • Italian Herbs: A blend of herbs that adds depth and aromatic complexity to the chicken.
Sauce and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Butter, Garlic, Chicken Broth, Parmesan Cheese: A creamy combination that creates a rich and flavorful sauce for the noodles.
  • Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish that provides a fresh and vibrant touch to the final dish.

How to Prepare Buttered Chicken Noodles

Step 1: Cook Tender Pasta

Boil a pot of salted water and drop in egg noodles.

Cook until perfectly tender but still slightly firm.

Drain the noodles and keep a splash of pasta water for later magic.

Step 2: Sizzle Golden Chicken

Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs.

Melt butter in a skillet and cook chicken until it turns beautifully golden and reaches a safe internal temperature.

The chicken should look crispy and delicious.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Sauce

Remove chicken and let it rest.

In the same skillet, add:
  • Butter
  • Minced garlic

Saute garlic until fragrant.

Pour chicken broth and scrape up all those tasty brown bits from the pan’s bottom.

Step 4: Marry Noodles and Sauce

Toss cooked noodles into the skillet.

Coat every strand with the buttery sauce.

If it looks dry, splash in some reserved pasta water.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and stir until everything becomes wonderfully creamy.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Slice the rested chicken into beautiful strips.

Lay chicken over the luscious noodles.

Scatter fresh herbs on top for an extra pop of flavor.

Tips for Comforting Buttered Chicken Noodles

  • Save the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats the noodles without being too dry or too wet.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F, preventing overcooking while guaranteeing food safety and juicy meat.
  • Deglaze the pan with chicken broth to capture all the delicious browned bits from cooking chicken, adding rich, concentrated flavor to the sauce.
  • Sprinkle fresh parsley, chives, or basil on top for a burst of freshness and color that elevates the simple buttered noodles.
  • Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, sliced turkey, or tofu for a quick variation that keeps the dish versatile and exciting.

How to Keep Chicken Noodles Fresh

  • Transfer cooled buttered noodles and chicken to an airtight container, keeping them separate to prevent soggy noodles. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  • Place portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date to track freshness.
  • Place noodles and chicken on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm butter in skillet over medium-low heat, add noodles and chicken. Gently stir and splash extra broth to revive moisture and prevent sticking. Heat until steaming hot, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken and Noodles

  • Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the buttery, mild chicken dish without overpowering its delicate flavors.
  • Herb-Enhancing Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or basil over the dish to add bright, fresh notes that elevate the simple buttered noodles and provide a pop of color.
  • Texture-Contrasting Side: Add a light, crunchy side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy noodles and tender chicken.
  • Comfort-Enhancing Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the delicious buttery sauce and add an extra layer of comforting carbohydrates to the meal.

Add-Ons for Chicken Butter Noodles

  • Gluten-Free Noodle Swap: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or chickpea pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Vegetarian Protein Adaptation: Replace chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein source.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for this dish?

The key ingredients are egg noodles, chicken breasts, butter, garlic, chicken broth, and optional Parmesan cheese and herbs. These simple components create a comforting and flavorful meal.

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

While egg noodles work best for this recipe, you can substitute with other wide noodles like fettuccine or linguine. Just adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and have no pink in the center when you slice it.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and noodles ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

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Buttered Noodles with Chicken Recipe

Buttered Noodles with Chicken Recipe


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4.5 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Classic Buttered Noodles with Chicken invites comfort and simplicity to dinner tables worldwide. Home cooks can quickly craft this satisfying meal with tender egg noodles, succulent chicken, and rich butter sauce that promises delightful flavor in every forkful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams)

Pasta and Base:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles or your favorite pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Immerse egg noodles and cook until tender yet firm, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly, preserving 1/2 cup of pasta liquid for potential sauce adjustment.
  2. Season chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herb blend. Heat a skillet over medium flame and melt butter. Carefully place chicken into hot pan, cooking for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest. In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant, approximately 30-45 seconds.
  4. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping accumulated browned bits from bottom. Allow liquid to simmer and reduce slightly, creating a flavorful base.
  5. Introduce drained noodles into the skillet, gently tossing to ensure even coating. If mixture appears dry, incorporate reserved pasta water incrementally.
  6. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over noodles, stirring until cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
  7. Slice rested chicken into elegant strips. Arrange buttered noodles on serving plates and top with chicken slices. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped herbs for added brightness.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to create a silky, perfectly coated sauce that helps noodles absorb flavors more effectively.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
  • Choose wide egg noodles for better butter and sauce absorption, creating a more luxurious texture and mouthfeel.
  • Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian versions, maintaining the dish’s creamy, comforting essence.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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