Ever find yourself staring blankly into the fridge, craving something comforting, flavorful, and satisfying, but also quick and easy? I’ve been there! But fear not, my friend, because these Creamy Garlic Chicken Buttered Noodles are about to become your weeknight savior. We’re talking perfectly cooked noodles, tender juicy chicken, and a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that’s so good you’ll want to lick the plate. Get ready to whip up a dish that tastes like it took hours, but is ready in under 30 minutes!
Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, most of it’s probably already in your pantry!
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Buttered Noodles:
- 1 pound egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step to a Creamy Dream
Let’s get cooking! I’ll walk you through each step. Trust me, it’s easier than you think.
Preparing the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated with the spices.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Crafting the Creamy Garlic Buttered Noodles:
- While the chicken is cooking, cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In the same skillet you used for the chicken (don’t worry about cleaning it – those browned bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked noodles and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
The Secret Sauce: Tips for the Best Flavor
Want to take your Creamy Garlic Chicken Buttered Noodles to the next level? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned along the way:
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Al dente noodles hold up better in the sauce and have a much nicer texture.
- Fresh garlic is key: While garlic powder is convenient, fresh minced garlic provides a much more robust flavor.
- Simmer, don’t boil, the sauce: Boiling the cream sauce can cause it to separate. Simmering gently allows it to thicken beautifully.
- Taste and adjust: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. A little extra salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese can make all the difference.
- Add a splash of lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the dish and adds a lovely touch of acidity.
Noodle Know-How: Choosing the Right Kind
While egg noodles are my go-to for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other types of pasta. Here are a few suggestions:
- Fettuccine: The wide, flat noodles are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Linguine: Similar to fettuccine, but slightly thinner.
- Penne: The ridges in penne pasta help to grip the sauce.
- Rotini: The spiral shape of rotini is also great for catching the sauce.
Chicken Chatter: Variations and Swaps
Feeling adventurous? Let’s talk about ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste and what you have on hand:
- Add Vegetables: Sauté some sliced mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes along with the garlic for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Use Different Cheese: Try using a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheese, or even a little Asiago.
- Swap the Protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily substitute shrimp, sausage, or even tofu.
- Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content. You can also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Completing the Meal: Perfect Pairings
Creamy Garlic Chicken Buttered Noodles are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Garlic Bread: For obvious reasons!
- A Simple Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing helps to balance out the richness of the noodles.
- Steamed Broccoli: A healthy and flavorful side that complements the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Asparagus: Another great green vegetable option.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Solutions
This dish is best served immediately while the noodles are still warm and the sauce is creamy. But if you have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:
- Allow the noodles to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it gently on the stovetop.
Craving More Creamy, Garlicky Goodness?
If you loved these Creamy Garlic Chicken Buttered Noodles, you’re in for a treat! I have a whole collection of creamy, garlicky recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Have you tried my CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN? It’s another incredibly easy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Or maybe you’re in the mood for something even simpler? In that case, check out my recipe for GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA HEAVEN. It’s unbelievably quick to make. And if you’re looking for a dish that combines chicken and pasta, try GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA, or maybe this GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA! Finally, you might also enjoy my CREAMY BUTTERED NOODLES & CHICKEN, which is very similar to this recipe!
Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner Awaits
So there you have it! Creamy Garlic Chicken Buttered Noodles – a dish that’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to become a family favorite. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch. Happy cooking!
What kind of pasta can I use if I don’t have egg noodles?
While egg noodles are recommended, you can experiment with fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rotini. These are all good alternatives.
How can I make the Creamy Garlic Chicken Buttered Noodles healthier?
You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content. You can also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
How do I store and reheat leftover Creamy Garlic Chicken Buttered Noodles?
Allow the noodles to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, or reheat gently on the stovetop.
What are some ways to customize the recipe?
You can add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach, spice it up with red pepper flakes, use different cheeses, swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage, or make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Garlic Butter Chicken Noodles
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Large skillet
- Pot or large saucepan
- Colander
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated with the spices.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- While the chicken is cooking, cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked noodles and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.