Introduction

Chicken Buttered Noodles is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with rich butter sauce and creamy noodles. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying and quick to prepare.

A bowl filled with creamy fettuccine pasta, layered with thick sauce that has a light orange color covering the smooth, flat noodles. Pieces of tender grilled chicken with a slight golden brown skin rest on top, sprinkled with chopped green herbs and small bits of black pepper. The pasta looks soft and glossy, with some sauce pooling slightly at the edges inside the white bowl, sitting on a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 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.
Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest. Once slightly cooled, slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet used for chicken. Add the butter and let it melt, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom.
Step 5: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Add the drained noodles to the skillet and toss gently in the butter sauce until coated. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 8: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together, letting the chicken absorb the sauce flavors.
Step 9: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with dried or fresh parsley and add red pepper flakes for some heat, if desired.
Step 10: Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese if you like.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs like thyme and parsley when available for a brighter flavor.
Substitute egg noodles with fettuccine, spaghetti, or any pasta you prefer.
Add vegetables such as spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt (added off heat).
To boost flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding chicken broth.

Storage

Store leftover Chicken Buttered Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta made of wide, flat noodles covered in a thick, smooth cheese sauce that is light orange-beige in color. The pasta is topped with small pieces of white chicken and sprinkled with green herbs and black pepper, adding small green and black dots on the top. The sauce has a shiny, rich texture that coats the pasta evenly. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, boneless thighs work well and stay juicy, but you may need to adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding sautéed mushrooms or tofu can provide protein and texture.