If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, the Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful meal pairs tender, perfectly cooked chicken with buttery, velvety noodles that soak up every bit of flavor. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that shines thanks to a few quality ingredients and straightforward steps, making it a true crowd-pleaser for weeknights or casual gatherings. You’ll love how the creamy sauce wraps around every bite, delivering cozy goodness in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing its part to create the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors in this Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe. Freshness and quality here truly make a difference.
- Chicken breasts or tenders: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and tender bites.
- Elbow macaroni or preferred pasta: Classic choice that holds sauce beautifully and gives the dish a nostalgic vibe.
- Butter: Adds silky smoothness and that signature rich flavor to the noodles and sauce.
- Onion: Finely chopped for a fragrant, mildly sweet base in the sauce.
- Garlic: Adds depth with its warm, savory aroma.
- Heavy cream: Creates a luscious and creamy texture for the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings that irresistible nutty, salty kick to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that lifts the creamy sauce with herbal notes.
- Salt and pepper: To perfectly season each component and bring it all together.
How to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add your elbow macaroni or preferred pasta and cook it until just al dente according to the package instructions. This ensures the noodles have a slight bite that holds up well when tossed in the sauce, keeping the texture lively rather than mushy. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside, ready to soak up the buttery sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through, usually about 5 to 6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Browning the chicken adds a beautiful caramelized flavor that complements the creamy noodles perfectly. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest briefly.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Using the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and add the finely chopped onion along with minced garlic. Sauté this mixture until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness and fragrant aromas. This step builds the flavorful foundation for the cream sauce, transforming simple ingredients into aromatic magic.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together over medium heat until the sauce becomes smooth and thickens slightly. The cheese melts beautifully into the cream, creating a rich, velvety sauce that will coat the noodles and chicken with every delicious bite.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and drained noodles to the skillet. Gently toss each piece so they’re evenly coated with the luscious sauce. At this point, season with salt and pepper to taste – this is your moment to adjust flavors and make sure every forkful is perfectly seasoned and satisfying.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once everything is combined and heated through, transfer the dish to serving plates or bowls. Don’t forget to garnish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a pinch of Italian seasoning for that final touch of flavor and visual appeal.
How to Serve Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate this comforting dish. A generous scattering of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a light dusting of Italian herbs bring bright color and intensified flavor. For a fresh pop, consider a bit of chopped parsley or chives to add a subtle herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe stands strong on its own, but pairing it with sides can make your meal even more delightful. Consider a crisp garden salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to add freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce, and a chilled glass of white wine or a crisp beer complements the dish’s creamy richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the buttery noodles in small ramekins topped with the chicken and sauce, then broil briefly for a golden crust on top. You can also mix in steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas into the noodles for added color and nutrition. Another creative idea is to use the chicken and noodles as a filling for warm pita pockets alongside fresh greens for an on-the-go twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe store beautifully. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, maintaining a great balance of flavor and texture. Just make sure to keep it sealed well to preserve the creaminess and prevent the noodles from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for a longer time, freezing is a convenient option. Place the completely cooled Chicken with Buttered Noodles in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to one month without sacrificing much in taste or texture. When freezing, avoid adding fresh garnishes; add those fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheating this dish is simple and helps maintain its luscious creaminess. Warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. To keep the sauce from thickening or drying out, add a small splash of water or a little cream while reheating. This keeps everything silky and delicious, just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even farfalle. Just ensure you cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when combined with the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine and use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative in place of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free twist.
How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
Cook the chicken pieces until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or until the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside. Browning the chicken first gives better flavor and texture.
Can I add vegetables to the Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe?
Definitely! Steamed broccoli, green peas, or sautéed spinach work wonderfully and add a bright pop of color and nutrition, making the dish even more well-rounded.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the noodles?
Add a splash of water or cream before reheating, and warm the dish gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and the noodles moist.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is pure comfort food magic that’s surprisingly easy to pull together with ingredients you might already have on hand. It’s that kind of universal crowd-pleaser that makes weeknights simpler and dinners cozier. Whether for a quick family meal or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe is a fantastic choice that delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own kitchen classic!
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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 breast pieces paired with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, all coated in a creamy butter and Parmesan sauce enhanced by sautéed onions and garlic. This meal is quick to prepare, combining simple ingredients into a rich and satisfying experience perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
Noodles
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta
Cream Sauce & Aromatics
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and 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 the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained noodles. Gently toss everything together to evenly coat the chicken and noodles in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and an additional sprinkle of Italian seasoning if desired.
- Optional serving suggestions: Serve with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, garlic bread for extra indulgence, and pair with a cold beer or white wine for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pieces are cooked thoroughly to avoid any pinkness inside.
- Choosing a high-quality pasta will enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.
- Let the dish cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to one month.
- When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to restore sauce consistency and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
