Introduction of Chicken with Buttered Noodles
If there’s one dish that’s guaranteed to comfort your soul and fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aroma, it’s Chicken with Buttered Noodles. As a professional chef, I’m always drawn to recipes that deliver big flavor with simple ingredients—and this one checks all the boxes.
Table of Contents
This isn’t just another chicken and pasta recipe. It’s a satisfying, family-approved, weeknight winner with golden, pan-seared chicken and perfectly tender pasta shells tossed in a velvety garlic butter sauce. The magic lies in transforming basic staples like garlic, Parmesan, and chicken broth into a luscious coating that clings to every bite of pasta.
Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner after a long day or planning a comforting dish for guests, this recipe delivers. And the best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep. So, if you’re looking for a no-fuss, one-pot masterpiece that’s both budget-friendly and elegant, keep reading. This might just become your new favorite go-to meal.
Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Medium Skillet
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed, patted dry
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the Pasta
- 8 oz small pasta shells
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 2 tsp chicken bouillon powder
- 2 tsp garlic minced
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
- parsley for garnish
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken cubes with onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl. Toss to coat evenly.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sear chicken cubes for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Remove from pan and cover to keep warm.
Prepare the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Stir in chicken bouillon powder and add pasta shells. Cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set noodles aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same pot, melt butter and stir in chicken bouillon and garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and mix well.
- Add drained pasta and parmesan cheese. Toss to combine. Adjust consistency with extra pasta water if needed.
- Plate noodles, top with cooked chicken, garnish with parsley and extra parmesan, and serve warm.
Notes
More Recipes You Might Enjoy:
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Or go to my Pinterest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe “Chicken with Buttered Noodles”
– Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
– Simple Pantry Ingredients: No fancy ingredients here—just everyday staples like chicken, pasta, garlic, and butter.
– Comfort Food at Its Finest: The rich, buttery garlic sauce and tender pasta offer cozy, soul-warming satisfaction.
– Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleaser: Mild, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish is a hit with picky eaters and dinner guests alike.
– One-Pot Simplicity: Minimal cleanup required—just one pot for the noodles and sauce, plus a skillet for the chicken.
What sets this dish apart is the clever layering of flavor. Seasoned chicken cubes are seared to golden perfection, while the buttery sauce uses reserved pasta water to reach that silky, clingy texture. The final touch of Parmesan adds richness, and a sprinkle of parsley gives it freshness and color.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this recipe hits all the right notes—fast, delicious, and universally loved.
Ingredients Needed for Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting chicken with buttered noodles dish. I’ve grouped them by component to make prep easier and added helpful notes for clarity.
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts – Pat dry with paper towels and cube for even cooking.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – Adds a mellow, savory base flavor.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Just enough to bring a subtle kick.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – For mild spice and a touch of color.
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – Helps brown the chicken and keeps it juicy.
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces small pasta shells – These hold the sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – For seasoning the pasta water.
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder – Boosts savory depth while cooking the pasta.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) salted butter – The star of the sauce, rich and flavorful.
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder – Adds umami depth to the butter.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives aromatic punch.
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated parmesan cheese – Stirred in for creaminess and richness.
- Fresh parsley – Optional, but great for garnish and a pop of color.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust at the end to perfect the balance.
How to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Each phase has been enhanced with practical tips to make sure your dish turns out just right.
Step 1: Season the Chicken
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Add the cubed chicken breasts and toss until each piece is evenly coated. This simple seasoning blend forms a delicious, flavorful crust once cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, place the chicken cubes into the skillet. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and fully cooked. You’ll know the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from heat and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 tablespoon of chicken bouillon powder, then stir. Drop in the small pasta shells and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside while preparing the sauce.
Step 4: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pot used to boil the pasta, melt ½ cup of salted butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon powder, allowing it to dissolve fully. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Pour in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and stir to blend. Add the drained pasta and ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese, tossing everything together gently. If the sauce feels too thick or sticky, add more pasta water a little at a time until silky and smooth.
Step 6: Assemble and Garnish
Serve the buttery noodles on plates or in shallow bowls. Top each serving with the warm, juicy chicken. Sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Serving and Storage Tips of Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Serving Suggestions
- Best Served Fresh: Chicken with buttered noodles is at its most flavorful right after preparation. Serve it hot for the creamiest, most comforting texture.
- Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese, a touch of lemon zest for brightness, or freshly cracked black pepper. A few red pepper flakes can add a little kick.
- Pairing Options: Pair it with a simple side salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli to balance the richness of the butter sauce.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the dish cool completely before sealing.
- Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers and label with the date.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the noodles before microwaving or warming on the stovetop. Stir gently to bring back the creamy texture without drying out the chicken or pasta.
Helpful Notes of Chicken with Buttered Noodles
- Choose the Right Pasta: Small pasta shells work wonderfully by catching all the buttery, garlicky sauce in every bite. However, feel free to substitute with rotini, penne, or egg noodles if preferred.
- Chicken Options: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just season it lightly and follow the same instructions for reheating and combining with noodles.
- Add a Veggie Boost: Stir in some sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or peas for extra color and nutrients without overpowering the rich flavor.
- Make It Creamier: Want a more indulgent version? Stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream with the parmesan to make the sauce extra luscious.
- Adjust the Garlic: Two teaspoons of minced garlic give it a bold flavor, but you can tone it down or roast the garlic for a sweeter, milder taste.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grated fresh parmesan melts more smoothly and adds better flavor than pre-packaged options.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is the secret to a silky, clingy sauce. Reserve more than you think you need — it’s gold for finishing the dish.
Conclusion of Chicken with Buttered Noodles
There’s something timeless and deeply satisfying about a bowl of chicken with buttered noodles. This comforting classic is not only quick and simple to make, but it also delivers on bold, buttery flavor with every forkful. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or whipping up something cozy for yourself, this recipe will never let you down.
From the tender, perfectly seasoned chicken to the rich, garlic-parmesan sauce that hugs every pasta shell, it’s a complete dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. The beauty lies in its simplicity — a handful of pantry staples, one pot, and a few easy steps are all it takes to create this soul-warming meal.
The garlic butter sauce elevates the humble buttered noodles into something crave-worthy, while the juicy chicken adds a hearty touch of protein. Plus, this recipe is flexible enough to make your own. Add in a splash of cream, toss in some spinach, or top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
If you’ve tried this Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe, please take a moment to leave a comment and a star rating below. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you or what tweaks you made! Did you try it with a different kind of pasta? Add some veggies? Share your spin on this cozy comfort dish.
And don’t forget to pin and share this recipe on Pinterest or Facebook so your friends and followers can enjoy it too!
Frequently Asked Questions of Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Is butter chicken good with noodles?
Yes, butter chicken pairs wonderfully with noodles, especially when you’re using a garlic butter base like in this recipe. The creamy, savory flavors of the butter sauce complement the tender chicken and pasta, creating a rich and comforting dish.
What do you need for chicken and noodles?
For this chicken and buttered noodles recipe, you’ll need cubed chicken breast, seasonings like paprika and onion powder, small pasta shells, chicken bouillon powder, garlic, butter, and grated parmesan cheese. Optional garnishes like parsley can add a pop of freshness.
Are buttered noodles a good meal?
Absolutely. Buttered noodles can be a complete meal when combined with protein like chicken. They’re satisfying, kid-friendly, and incredibly easy to prepare. Adding garlic, bouillon, and cheese gives them an extra flavor boost that transforms them from basic to crave-worthy.
Do you put butter in chicken noodle soup?
While traditional chicken noodle soup uses broth as a base, a touch of butter can be added for richness and depth of flavor. However, for buttered noodle dishes like this one, butter is a central ingredient in the sauce, not just a flavor enhancer.
Does butter taste good on chicken?
Yes, butter adds a silky texture and savory richness to chicken. It helps sear the chicken nicely in the skillet and, when paired with garlic and bouillon, creates a flavorful sauce that brings the dish together.
How to prepare chicken for noodles?
Start by cutting the chicken into even-sized cubes and seasoning them well with salt, pepper, and spices. Then cook the chicken in a hot skillet with oil until golden and cooked through. For the best results, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.