If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re in for a treat with this Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe. It combines tender, juicy chicken pieces with silky, buttery noodles all wrapped up in a luscious cream sauce that’s bursting with flavor. This dish is the perfect comfort food that’s easy to whip up any night of the week, yet impressive enough to share with family and friends. Get ready to savor every bite of this timeless classic that’s destined to become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of creamy, buttery, and savory flavors. Each ingredient plays a role in delivering an inviting texture and a palette of comforting tastes, making the process straightforward and rewarding.
- Chicken breasts or tenders: Choose boneless and skinless for easy cooking and tender bites.
- Elbow macaroni or preferred pasta: The perfect noodle shape for soaking up that buttery sauce.
- Butter: Adds richness and smoothness for the cream sauce and coating noodles.
- Onion (finely chopped): Brings a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Garlic: Enhances flavor with its fragrant and savory punch.
- Heavy cream: Creates a velvety texture for the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty sharpness that perfectly complements the creaminess.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enlivens the dish with subtle complexity.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the layers of flavor.
How to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta of choice according to the package directions until it is al dente, tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside. This simple step ensures you get the perfect noodle texture that won’t become mushy once combined with the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken and let them cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes per side depending on thickness. This method locks in juiciness while creating a golden exterior that adds both flavor and appealing texture. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the finely chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them gently until the onion softens to a translucent state and the garlic releases its savory aroma. This process builds the foundation of flavor for the sauce, bringing warmth and aroma to every bite.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken slightly, creating that perfect creamy coat. The Parmesan’s salty richness and the herbs give this sauce a delightful depth that complements both the chicken and noodles beautifully.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained noodles. Gently toss everything together, making sure each piece of chicken and every noodle is lovingly coated in that irresistible cream sauce. Finish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed to bring all the flavors into harmony.
Step 6: Serve It Up Hot!
Serve your Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe immediately while everything is warm and inviting. Consider garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese and a light sprinkle of Italian seasoning for an eye-catching and flavor-packed finishing touch.
How to Serve Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your dish by adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a little pop of color and subtle heat. A dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving adds that perfect salty finish that makes every bite memorable.
Side Dishes
While this recipe is hearty enough on its own, pairing it with a crisp, fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance. Garlic bread also makes a fantastic side, soaking up any leftover creamy sauce and adding an extra layer of buttery goodness. For drinks, a cold beer or a chilled glass of white wine is a wonderful way to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe in individual casserole dishes or colorful bowls to make the experience extra special. You can also add steamed vegetables on top or mixed into the noodles for added nutrients and variety. For a cozy dinner party, serve family-style on a large platter with garnishes spread across the top for everyone to help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your dish has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe keeps well for up to three days, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or easy lunches.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time for a future meal, freezing is a great option. Simply place the cooled Chicken with Buttered Noodles in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to one month. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to keep the sauce creamy and smooth. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to revive that fresh-cooked texture you loved the first time around.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni works perfectly, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or any small pasta shape that holds sauce well. Just adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream for the sauce?
Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich and velvety texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Keep in mind the sauce may be less thick and creamy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based cream like coconut cream or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can be a great replacement for Parmesan cheese to maintain a cheesy flavor.
How do I keep the chicken juicy and tender?
Cooking chicken pieces evenly over medium heat and avoiding overcooking is key. Use smaller bite-size pieces to help them cook swiftly and retain moisture.
Can I add vegetables to the Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe?
Definitely! Adding steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach can boost nutrition and color. Stir them in when combining the chicken and noodles with the sauce for a tasty twist.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can create something truly memorable and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers rich flavor and satisfying textures that feel like home on a plate. I promise once you try it, it will quickly become one of your favorites to make on repeat. Happy cooking and enjoy every buttery, savory bite!
Print
Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender, browned chicken pieces combined with rich, buttery noodles coated in a creamy sauce made from butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. This hearty meal is easy to prepare on the stovetop and makes a satisfying dinner option perfect for any weeknight or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
Noodles
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or preferred pasta
Cream Sauce and Aromatics
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained noodles. Toss gently to ensure the chicken and noodles are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, if desired.
- Optional sides and pairings: Consider serving with a fresh green salad with light vinaigrette, garlic bread, and a refreshing beverage such as cold beer or white wine for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to avoid any pinkness; chicken tenders cook faster and stay juicy.
- Choose a high-quality pasta for better texture and flavor in your noodles.
- Cool the dish completely before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month.
- When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to maintain sauce consistency and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning for extra flavor and presentation.
