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
Scale
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.
