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
Scale
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.
