It is 6pm, you are tired, and everyone is hungry. You need a meal that is warm and filling without the fuss. These chicken buttered noodles are the perfect solution for your busiest nights.
This dish delivers pure comfort in under 30 minutes. It uses simple ingredients that you likely have in your pantry. Your family will love the tender chicken and silky noodles. Let’s get dinner on the table fast.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a winner because it is incredibly budget-friendly. You only need one pan and a pasta pot. It is perfect for busy fall weeknights when schedules are packed. The flavors are mild enough for even the pickiest eaters.
You get a complete meal with protein and carbs quickly. The butter and garlic create a restaurant-quality sauce at home. It feels like a hug in a bowl after a long day. You will find yourself making this every single week.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making this dish is very straightforward and stress-free. You simply boil the noodles while you sear the chicken. The garlic butter sauce comes together in the same pan. Even if you are a beginner, you can master this. It is all about simple timing and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are mostly pantry staples that work hard for you.
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente.
- While noodles cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then sear in the skillet until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.
- Add minced garlic to the butter and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Drain noodles, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Add the cooked noodles and chicken back into the skillet with the garlic butter.
- Toss to coat thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Stir in fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these noodles warm in deep, cozy bowls. Pair them with a crisp green salad for freshness. Some warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up extra butter. This is a kid-approved favorite for any night. Sit down, relax, and enjoy a simple family meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or a tiny pat of butter. This keeps the noodles moist and the sauce creamy. Avoid the microwave to keep the chicken tender.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip salting the pasta water for the best flavor.
- Avoid burning the garlic by keeping the heat at medium.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melting.
- Reserve the pasta water to make the sauce extra silky.
- For back-to-school season, prep the chicken on Sunday night.
- Add a squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness.
- Use a heavy skillet to get a golden sear on chicken.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the chicken for shrimp for a faster protein option.
- Add steamed broccoli or peas for a healthy green boost.
- Use gluten-free egg noodles to make this allergy-friendly.
- Stir in red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Quick Answers
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They stay very juicy and flavorful during the searing process. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What if I don’t have egg noodles?
You can use fettuccine or rotini if you are out of egg noodles. The wide surface of egg noodles holds the butter best. However, any short pasta shape will still be delicious.
How do I keep the chicken tender?
Do not overcook the chicken cubes in the skillet. Once they are golden and cooked through, remove them immediately. Adding them back at the end keeps them perfectly moist.
I hope these chicken buttered noodles bring a little ease to your busy week. There is nothing like a simple, warm meal to bring everyone together. Happy cooking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente.
- While noodles cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then sear in the skillet until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.
- Add minced garlic to the butter and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Drain noodles, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Add the cooked noodles and chicken back into the skillet with the garlic butter.
- Toss to coat thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Stir in fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.
