Buttered Noodles & Chicken is a simple, comforting dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with soft noodles coated in a rich, buttery sauce. The chicken can be grilled, pan-seared, or baked, while the noodles are typically tossed with butter, garlic, and seasonings for a flavorful yet light accompaniment. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy dinner when you want something quick and satisfying, yet delicious.
I first made Buttered Noodles & Chicken on a busy weeknight when I needed something easy but comforting, and it turned out to be the perfect solution! The buttery noodles are light and flavorful, while the chicken adds a hearty, protein-packed element to the dish. What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. You can season the chicken with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning, and add in extras like Parmesan cheese, roasted vegetables, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Buttered Noodles & Chicken is a classic, fuss-free meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Perfect for:
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Family meals
- Picky eaters
- Potlucks or casual get-togethers
- Meal prepping
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why Buttered Noodles & Chicken will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
- Minimal Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, it’s budget-friendly and convenient.
- Kid-Friendly: A simple, mild dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Customizable: Add veggies, spices, or cheese to suit your taste.
- Comfort Food: The creamy butter sauce makes this dish irresistibly comforting.
- Protein-Packed: Chicken adds a hearty and nutritious element to the meal.
- One-Pan Option: Cook everything in one pan for easy cleanup.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stores and reheats well for make-ahead meals.
- Perfect Base Dish: Pair with salads, soups, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Versatile Servings: Easily doubles for larger groups or leftovers.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Buttered Noodles:
- 12 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon zest or juice for brightness
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Ingredient Highlights
- Butter: The key to a creamy and flavorful noodle coating.
- Chicken Breast: A lean and tender protein option.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and richness to the butter sauce.
- Garlic: Enhances the flavor with a hint of savory warmth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
Cook the Noodles:
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Butter Sauce:
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add Garlic: Stir in garlic or garlic powder and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the butter sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the Dish:
- Slice the Chicken: Thinly slice the rested chicken breasts.
- Top the Noodles: Serve the buttered noodles on a plate and top with sliced chicken. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley, if desired.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Buttered Noodles & Chicken:
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- As a Comfort Bowl: Add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra indulgence.
- With Roasted Veggies: Serve alongside roasted broccoli or asparagus.
- For Meal Prep: Portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
- With Garlic Bread: Complete the meal with a slice of warm garlic bread.
- As a Kid’s Meal: Serve with a side of fruit or applesauce for a kid-approved dinner.
- With Extra Protein: Add cooked shrimp or sausage for variety.
- For Entertaining: Plate individually for a casual yet elegant presentation.
- With a Twist: Top with a fried egg for a unique and hearty meal.
- As a Picnic Dish: Pack into a thermos for a warm, portable meal.
Additional Tips
- Season Your Noodles: Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water before cooking your noodles for enhanced flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, basil, or chives over the dish for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Upgrade the Butter: Swap regular butter for garlic or herb-infused butter to elevate the flavor profile.
- Add a Protein Punch: Mix in some cooked bacon bits, shredded cheese, or a soft-boiled egg for extra protein.
- Use High-Quality Pasta: Opt for high-quality noodles like fresh egg pasta or whole wheat for a better texture and taste.
- Balance with Acidity: Squeeze a little lemon juice or drizzle balsamic glaze over the chicken and noodles to brighten the flavors.
- Experiment with Spices: Sprinkle a dash of paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning to add depth and complexity.
- Incorporate Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for a wholesome twist.
- Make it Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the buttered noodles for a rich, velvety texture.
- Finish with Crunch: Top the dish with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for an unexpected crunch and added flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the butter sauce.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a cheesy twist.
- Lemon Herb Noodles: Add lemon zest and fresh dill for a refreshing flavor.
- Garlic Shrimp Noodles: Swap chicken for sautéed shrimp with garlic and parsley.
- Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
- Herb Butter Noodles: Infuse butter with rosemary or thyme for an aromatic dish.
- Asian-Inspired: Toss noodles with soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions.
- BBQ Chicken Noodles: Top with shredded barbecue chicken for a smoky flavor.
- Pesto Noodles: Mix in a spoonful of pesto for a vibrant and herbaceous touch.
Special Equipment
- Large Pot – For boiling the noodles to perfection.
- Colander – To drain the cooked noodles efficiently.
- Large Skillet – Ideal for cooking the chicken and combining everything.
- Tongs – To flip the chicken evenly while cooking.
- Wooden Spoon – For stirring noodles and sauce without scratching cookware.
- Chef’s Knife – To dice chicken or chop garnishes like parsley.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy surface for cutting chicken and other ingredients.
- Zester – If adding lemon zest for extra flavor.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – To ensure accurate proportions for ingredients.
- Mixing Bowl – For tossing noodles with butter and seasonings evenly.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape works, but egg noodles are a classic choice. - How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). - Can I make this dish ahead?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best served fresh, but you can freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of water or broth. - What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Heat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. - Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie or leftover chicken works great. - Can I add vegetables?
Yes, peas, spinach, or bell peppers make excellent additions. - How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Toss them with a bit of olive oil after draining if not using immediately. - Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and skip the Parmesan cheese. - What’s a good substitute for Parmesan?
Try grated pecorino or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor.
Conclusion
Buttered Noodles & Chicken is a comforting and simple dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with buttery, silky noodles for a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. The rich, buttery sauce coats the noodles perfectly, giving them a smooth texture while the chicken adds a savory, hearty element to the dish. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or as a quick, filling meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
You can easily customize the flavor by adding herbs, garlic, or Parmesan cheese to enhance the richness. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful noodles makes this a well-balanced, cozy meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s quick to make, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
I can’t wait to see how your Buttered Noodles & Chicken turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and tell me how you made this dish your own!