Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Chicken with Buttered Noodles is pure comfort and always delivers a cozy meal on a busy night. Tender pieces of chicken meet perfectly buttered noodles that are glossy with a hint of garlic and just enough herbs to make it special. When my kids are craving something warm and soothing after a chilly day, this is always the dish they ask for first.

This recipe saved me so many nights when I was short on time but wanted a meal everyone would look forward to. Serving this feels just as comforting for me as it does for my family.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: chicken stays juicy and tender in bite-sized pieces try to choose organic if possible for better flavor
• Egg noodles or your favorite pasta: traditional egg noodles cling to the sauce perfectly but any shape will work well
• Olive oil: for browning the chicken adds savory flavor choose extra-virgin for the best taste
• Unsalted butter, divided: use good-quality butter for a rich velvety sauce
• Fresh garlic: adds essential savory depth look for heads that are firm and unblemished
• Salt and black pepper: seasoning keeps the flavors balanced use freshly ground pepper if possible
• Dried Italian seasoning or a mix of dried basil and parsley: brings warmth and a hint of herby brightness check for a fresh aroma when buying herbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): but adds nuttiness and a creamy finish buy a wedge and grate it yourself for best melt
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: brings a pop of color and freshness choose flat-leaf for more intense flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Noodles:

Boil water in a generously sized pot with a pinch of salt then add the egg noodles Stir occasionally and cook until just al dente which means the noodle still has a slight bite Drain thoroughly and set aside in the colander so they do not overcook

Cook the Chicken:

In a wide skillet pour in the olive oil and let it heat over medium Once the oil is shimmering season the chicken pieces all over with salt and pepper Spread them evenly in the skillet Cook undisturbed for about four minutes so you get good caramelization then stir or flip Continue until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside usually about five to seven minutes depending on the size Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm

Make the Butter Sauce:

Reduce heat to medium-low in the same skillet Melt two tablespoons of butter swirling the pan until it sizzles Stir in the minced garlic and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning Keep the garlic moving with your spatula and cook just until fragrant taking care not to let the garlic burn This step lets the butter and herbs bloom creating an intensely flavorful sauce base

Combine and Serve:

With heat still on low add the drained noodles and the final tablespoon of butter to the skillet Gently toss to coat every noodle in the buttery herbal sauce Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss until everything is piping hot If you want added richness sprinkle with Parmesan and toss again Finish with chopped parsley scattered over the top then serve immediately while everything s glossy and hot

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There is nothing quite like the smell of browned butter and herby garlic wafting through my kitchen This is the dish my little one always wants after soccer practice and watching everyone dig in together always makes those harried weeknights feel a little more special

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in a tightly covered container in the fridge for up to three days For the best texture reheat gently on the stove with a small splash of water or extra butter to loosen the sauce The noodles will soak up flavor overnight

Ingredient Substitutions

No egg noodles on hand You can use rotini penne or any short pasta Gluten free pasta also works in this dish For the herbs try chopped fresh basil or dill instead of dried Italian seasoning If you run out of Parmesan a little pecorino or even a mild white cheddar can fill in

Serving Suggestions

Pile the chicken and buttered noodles high on a platter with extra Parmesan on the side Add a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for contrast My family also loves it with roasted broccoli or peas stirred in at the end for color and extra nutrients

Cultural and Historical Notes

Buttered noodles are a nostalgic comfort food stretching back generations across American kitchens It is a dish that adapts to every household with small tweaks like garlic and herbs or an extra sprinkle of cheese Chicken with noodles is a classic pairing that never goes out of style

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I add more flavor to this dish?

Try squeezing fresh lemon juice over the finished dish or adding more herbs like basil or parsley. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes also adds a gentle kick.

→ What vegetables go well with chicken and noodles?

Steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed spinach pair nicely, adding nutrition and color to the plate.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. While egg noodles are traditional, penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all work well here.

→ Is there a dairy-free option?

You can swap butter for plant-based alternatives and skip the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.