Chicken with Buttered Noodles – Fast & Flavorful Weeknight Favorite

Chicken with Buttered Noodles is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re racing to get dinner on the table after work or just craving something cozy, this dish hits the sweet spot. It’s quick (25 minutes!), made from pantry staples, and picky-eater approved—yes, even that one kid who “doesn’t like anything.” Even if your idea of cooking is heating up a frozen pizza, you can totally rock this recipe. And if you’re already comfortable in the kitchen? This is a blank canvas for flavor add-ins and family flair. So let’s dig in, shall we?

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What is Chicken with Buttered Noodles?

Chicken with buttered noodles is exactly what it sounds like—juicy, seasoned chicken paired with buttery, garlic-kissed egg noodles. It’s the food equivalent of your favorite pair of sweatpants: simple, reliable, and way more satisfying than it should be. This meal dates back to the “make something from nothing” kind of dinners we all grew up with—no frills, just flavor. You cook up chicken (breasts or thighs, depending on what’s in your fridge), toss it with pasta that’s been coated in butter, garlic, and herbs, and boom—dinner’s served.

Some folks toss in a handful of Parmesan for extra punch, while others leave it as is. Either way, it’s the kind of meal that has everyone asking for seconds without a single complaint.

Reasons to Try Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Why should chicken with buttered noodles be on your regular meal rotation? For starters, it’s fast. We’re talking 25 minutes, pan to plate. And for busy weeknights or chaotic weekends, that’s golden. It also uses ingredients you probably already have: pasta, chicken, butter, garlic, and spices. Bonus? It works for everyone. Kids love it, adults love it, and it reheats like a dream. Plus, it’s endlessly flexible. Want to toss in veggies like peas or spinach? Do it.

Need to sub in gluten-free pasta or swap the chicken for tofu? Go wild. And if you’re tired of takeout draining your wallet, this is your new go-to. It’s cozy without being heavy, and simple without being boring. Basically, it’s the dinner equivalent of a win-win.

Ingredients Needed to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil and parsley)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Making chicken with buttered noodles might sound simple—and it is—but with the right step by step breakdown, you’ll end up with a dish that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did. Whether you’re a beginner or just want to avoid a kitchen meltdown after work, this detailed guide will walk you through each part of the process confidently. For even more helpful ideas, check out our tips for easy ingredient swaps or quick-prep pasta meals. Let’s get started, step by step.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles Just Right

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salting the water is key here—it’s your only chance to flavor the noodles themselves. Add your egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. “Al dente” means the noodles should be tender but still have a slight bite—nobody wants mushy pasta.

If you’re unsure what kind of noodles to use, check out our guide to choosing the best pasta for creamy dishes, but egg noodles really shine in this dish. Once they’re cooked, drain them and set them aside. A pro move: save about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken with Flavor

While your noodles are cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. While the pan heats up, season your bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Don’t skimp on this—seasoning is where the flavor begins.

Place the chicken in the skillet in a single layer. Let it cook without moving it for 2-3 minutes to develop a golden sear. Stir and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly crispy around the edges.

Need to swap chicken? No worries. Our slow cooker orange chicken recipe offers ideas for using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Now for the part that makes this dish truly comforting—the butter sauce. In the same skillet (because flavor!), lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once it’s melted, stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 1–2 minutes until the garlic smells amazing and is just starting to turn golden.

Keep an eye on it here—burnt garlic can overpower everything. Want to go herb-forward? Try swapping in dried basil or parsley, or check out our seasoning blend ideas to give it a fun twist.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Once your garlic is fragrant and golden, add the cooked egg noodles back into the skillet. Toss in the remaining tablespoon of butter and stir until every strand is slick with that glorious garlic butter sauce. If the noodles seem a bit dry, this is where that reserved pasta water comes in—just a splash will do.

Toss everything gently with tongs or a spatula until it’s well mixed and warm. This step by step part is where it all starts coming together, so don’t rush it. Let the noodles soak up all that buttery goodness.

Step 5: Return Chicken to the Pan

Time to bring back the star of the show. Add the cooked chicken into the skillet with the noodles. Give everything a good toss so that the chicken pieces are nestled throughout. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it in now and stir until it’s just melted and coating the noodles.

This is your moment to taste and adjust. Need a pinch more salt? Go for it. Want a little kick? A dash of crushed red pepper does wonders here. If you’re a fan of recipes with creamier finishes, you might also like our creamy coconut milk chicken.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish Like a Pro

Scoop generous portions into bowls or onto plates, then sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Not just for looks—parsley adds a fresh, herby pop that cuts through the richness of the butter. Want to get extra fancy? Add a little fresh cracked pepper and another light dusting of Parmesan.

And that’s it! From boiling noodles to plating dinner, you’ve followed this step by step recipe like a total pro. The result? A soul-soothing plate of chicken with buttered noodles that feels like home on a fork.

What to Serve with Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Chicken with buttered noodles is a stand-alone superstar, but if you’re feeling extra or feeding a crowd, sides can take it up a notch. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds balance and brightness. Roasted broccoli or green beans are great if you want to sneak in some greens without complaints. Need comfort on comfort? A slice of cheesy crescent bake brings even more joy. And hey, no judgment if you serve it with garlic bread too. It’s a safe space here.

Key Tips for Making Chicken with Buttered Noodles

1. Use chicken thighs if you want extra tenderness—they’re a bit more forgiving than breasts.
2. Don’t skip the seasoning step; bland chicken is nobody’s friend.
3. Save some pasta water before draining in case you need a splash to loosen up the butter sauce.
4. Want to level it up? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
5. Garlic burns fast—stay close to that skillet.
6. Fresh parsley at the end isn’t just garnish—it brings color and a fresh pop of flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store chicken with buttered noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to revive that butter sauce without drying things out. You can microwave it too—just stir halfway through and cover loosely so it doesn’t turn into a dry mess. Freezing isn’t ideal since noodles can get mushy, but if you must, use a freezer-safe bag and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shred it and add it after making the butter sauce. Skip the raw chicken steps.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. It’s simple, not spicy, and can be served plain or dressed up.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yep—just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.

What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or skip it altogether.

Can I meal prep this?
Sure can. Just store the chicken and noodles separately if you want the best texture when reheating.

Final Thoughts

Chicken with buttered noodles is that magical mix of comfort and ease we all crave—especially when life gets a little too life-y. It’s a no-fuss, satisfying meal you can whip up with whatever’s in your pantry, and it leaves everyone around the table feeling full and happy. Whether it becomes your go-to weeknight dinner or a back-pocket recipe for when you’re too tired to think, this dish will not let you down. Want more ideas like this? Don’t miss our hearty beef stroganoff with egg noodles or the ever-cozy dump and bake meatball casserole.

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