Chicken Buttered Noodles: Silky Weeknight Perfection
This Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe transforms a simple classic into a comforting and satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes. The butter melts into perfectly cooked noodles, creating a silken sauce that coats every strand, making it the ultimate easy weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 pound egg noodles
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream optional
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- If using, stir in the heavy cream.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked noodles and chicken back to the skillet.
- Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter and skip the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Brown the butter before adding the garlic for a nutty, complex flavor. Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note. Stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of umami flavor. Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage. Cook the noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy. Keep a close eye on the garlic while sautéing, as burnt garlic can ruin the flavor of the dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure the dish is well-balanced.