Why Make This Recipe

Chicken Buttered Noodles is a comforting and delicious meal that brings together tender chicken, rich butter, and tasty noodles. It’s an easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce and hints of garlic and thyme make every bite flavorful and satisfying. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that allows you to use your favorite type of pasta.

How to Make Chicken Buttered Noodles

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz (about 225g) egg noodles or your preferred pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley for garnish)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
½ cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: Grated parmesan cheese for topping
Optional: Red pepper flakes for added spice
Chicken Breasts: Lean and protein-packed, chicken breasts serve as the star of the dish. They’re quick to cook and versatile, absorbing the flavors of the garlic butter sauce.
Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are the traditional pasta for this dish, but you can substitute with any pasta of your choice, like spaghetti or fettuccine.
Butter: The key ingredient for a rich, velvety sauce that coats the noodles and enhances the chicken’s flavor.
Chicken Broth: The broth brings in savory depth, ensuring the dish is perfectly balanced.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the sauce, creating a luxurious coating for the noodles.

Directions:

Cook the Chicken: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme on both sides.
Sear the Chicken: Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Noodles: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
Melt the Butter: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the Chicken Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly. Then, stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly.
Toss the Noodles: Add the drained noodles to the skillet, tossing them gently in the butter sauce until they are evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Add the Chicken: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Season and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle the parsley over the top and, if you like, add some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serve: Serve the Chicken Buttered Noodles hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

How to Serve Chicken Buttered Noodles

Serve Chicken Buttered Noodles hot on a plate or in a bowl. You can garnish it with fresh parsley and sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Store Chicken Buttered Noodles

Store any leftover Chicken Buttered Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them gently in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Tips to Make Chicken Buttered Noodles

Cook the Chicken in Batches: If you have larger chicken breasts, consider cooking them in batches to ensure even cooking.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley will elevate the flavor of this dish, so opt for them if available.
Adjust Creaminess: If you want a lighter dish, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or replace it with half and half.

Variation

Feel free to customize this recipe! You can add vegetables like steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas for added nutrition. For a more flavorful kick, try adding a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of egg noodles?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can use whole grain or gluten-free pasta, reduce the amount of butter and cream, and add more vegetables to increase the nutrient content.