Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe

The Best Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Creamy, comforting chicken with buttered noodles whisks you into a world of pure culinary comfort.

Soft pasta strands dance with tender meat in a delightful embrace.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions that spark joy around the table.

Butter creates magical moments when it coats each silky noodle with rich, golden goodness.

Succulent chicken pieces complement the pasta’s smooth texture, creating harmony on every forkful.

Nothing beats this classic combination that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen.

Comfort never tasted so delicious – let’s cook something amazing together!

Buttered Noodles & Chicken Recap

  • Streamline your cooking process by using the same skillet for chicken and noodles, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation a breeze.
  • Packed with simple, familiar ingredients that appeal to both kids and adults, this recipe guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.
  • Swap proteins, add extra herbs, or include vegetables to make this versatile recipe perfectly suit your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Ingredients for Buttered Noodles & Chicken

Main Ingredients:
  • Egg Noodles: Classic pasta that serves as the base of this comforting dish.
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides a hearty and satisfying main component.
Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Salt, Pepper, Thyme: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of chicken and add depth to the dish.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that creates a rich and flavorful base for the buttery sauce.
Fats and Dairy:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Essential ingredients that create a smooth, rich coating for the noodles and help cook the chicken.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds a delicious finishing touch to the dish.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that provides a fresh and colorful garnish to the final plate.

Cooking Buttered Noodles & Chicken

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook egg noodles in a large pot of salted water following package directions.

Drain the noodles and set them aside, ensuring they are ready for the next stage of preparation.

Step 2: Season And Sear Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked.

Allow the chicken to rest briefly before slicing into delectable pieces.

Step 3: Create Silky Butter Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter and add olive oil.

Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic.

Gently fold the cooked noodles into the buttery mixture, ensuring every strand gets a luxurious coating.

Step 4: Plate And Garnish

Arrange the butter-infused noodles on serving plates.

Top with beautifully sliced chicken.

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a final touch of elegance.

Tips for Noodle and Chicken Success

  • Cut chicken against the grain to ensure tender, easy-to-eat pieces that maintain maximum juiciness and texture.
  • Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth while sautéing garlic to create a richer, more complex sauce for the noodles.
  • Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining to help create a silkier, more cohesive butter sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
  • Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, preventing dry and tough meat.
  • Use fresh thyme and parsley instead of dried herbs to enhance the overall aroma and brightness of the dish.

Saving Buttered Noodles & Chicken

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken and noodles to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Place chicken and noodles on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
  • Warm butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add noodles and chicken, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Splash a little broth or water to restore moisture and prevent burning.
  • Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop methods.

What Pairs Well with Noodles & Chicken

  • Pairing Chicken's Rich Flavor: Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that complements the buttery noodles and cuts through the chicken's richness.
  • Balancing Herbal Notes: Serve a side of roasted asparagus or green beans to add a fresh, green vegetable that enhances the thyme-seasoned chicken's earthy undertones.
  • Creamy Comfort Companion: Add a light Caesar salad with a tangy dressing to provide a zesty contrast to the smooth, buttery noodles and create a well-rounded meal experience.
  • Texture Play Pairing: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs over the dish to introduce a delightful crunch that breaks up the soft noodle and tender chicken textures.

Variations on Buttered Noodles & Chicken

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use gluten-free flour to season chicken and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap noodles with spiralized vegetable noodles like spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice. Use chicken thighs for extra flavor and replace butter with avocado oil.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Select dairy-free margarine for added richness.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or oregano instead of thyme. Add fresh herbs directly into the butter sauce for enhanced aromatic profile and deeper flavor complexity.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or even spaghetti. Just ensure cooking times match the specific pasta type.

  • Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and often provide more flavor. Just adjust cooking time since thighs might take slightly longer to cook through.

  • How can I make this dish more flavorful?

Add extra herbs like rosemary or basil, use roasted garlic instead of raw, or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a slight kick. The butter and Parmesan already provide rich flavor.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can pre-cook chicken and noodles separately, then reheat and combine just before serving. Keep components separately in the refrigerator to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.

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Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe

Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

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

Description

Hearty chicken with buttered noodles delivers comfort wrapped in simplicity, promising a classic home-style meal that speaks directly to nostalgic cravings. Families will savor each creamy, perfectly seasoned bite of tender chicken nestled against silky noodles.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge egg noodles and cook until they reach al dente perfection, typically 7-8 minutes. Carefully drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of salt, freshly cracked pepper, and aromatic thyme. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame until shimmering, around 2-3 minutes.
  3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  4. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice into elegant, diagonal strips.
  5. Return skillet to heat and introduce butter and additional olive oil. Once butter melts and becomes slightly foamy, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 45-60 seconds.
  6. Introduce cooked noodles to the garlic-butter mixture, gently tossing to ensure each strand is luxuriously coated with the aromatic sauce.
  7. Artfully arrange buttered noodles on serving plates, crown with sliced chicken, and finish with a delicate sprinkle of grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Opt for wide egg noodles to maximize butter absorption and create a more luxurious texture.
  • Toast minced garlic briefly to prevent burning and release a deeper, nuttier flavor profile.
  • Consider using bone-in chicken for extra moisture and richer taste if preparing ahead of time.
  • Swap regular butter with clarified butter or ghee for a cleaner, more intense buttery coating on noodles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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