When the weeknight rush hits, what's better than a comforting, hearty meal that comes together quickly? Our Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe is exactly that – a warm hug in a bowl, featuring tender chicken, silky egg noodles, and a rich, velvety sauce that's impossible to resist. It’s an easy-to-make dish that delivers on flavor and satisfaction, making it a perfect staple for busy evenings.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special, proving that you don't need hours in the kitchen to create a memorable family dinner. Get ready to add a new favorite to your rotation!
Why This Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles Recipe is a Must-Try
This dish is beloved for many reasons. First, its incredible speed – from prep to plate, you're looking at less than 30 minutes. Second, the taste! The combination of savory chicken and buttery, creamy noodles is pure comfort food magic. It’s a meal that genuinely appeals to everyone at the table, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning palates.
Achieving the Perfect Creamy Sauce
The secret to these noodles lies in their luscious, rich sauce. A blend of butter, garlic, broth, and cream creates a velvety coating for every strand of pasta. A touch of Parmesan cheese melts in, adding depth and a wonderfully savory note. If you love rich, cheesy sauces, you'll definitely want to check out our recipe for The Ultimate Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce Copycat (Clara's Recipes) for another creamy pasta indulgence!
Tips for Tender, Juicy Chicken
Nobody likes dry chicken! For this recipe, ensure your chicken breast is cut into bite-sized pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly. A quick pan-sear creates a lovely golden crust while keeping the inside tender. If you're looking to elevate your chicken cooking skills, you can find valuable insights on mastering perfectly cooked chicken breast on authoritative culinary sites.
Customizing Your Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily adapt it to your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli florets, peas, sliced mushrooms, or fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
- Herb Power: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or a dash of dried Italian herbs can brighten the flavors.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with other cheeses like white cheddar or Gruyere for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat to the creamy sauce.
For another quick chicken meal idea that’s bursting with flavor, consider trying our Easy Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad: Your 15-Minute Recipe Guide!, perfect for lunches or a lighter dinner.
Serving Suggestions
These Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles are a complete meal on their own, but they pair beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some warm garlic bread for dipping. It’s the ideal dish for those evenings when you crave comfort without the fuss.
Whether you're feeding a family or just yourself, this recipe promises to be a satisfying, flavor-packed solution. It's simple, it's quick, and it's absolutely delicious – everything a perfect weeknight meal should be!
FAQs
What kind of noodles are best for this recipe?
Traditional egg noodles are highly recommended for their soft texture and ability to absorb the rich, creamy sauce. However, you can also use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or even spaghetti if that's what you have on hand.
Can I make this dish lighter?
Yes, you can! To lighten it up, you can substitute a portion of the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half. You could also reduce the amount of butter used, though it will slightly alter the richness of the final dish. Adding more vegetables like spinach or peas can also make it feel lighter.
How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?
The key to juicy chicken is not to overcook it. Cut your chicken into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly. Sear it quickly until golden and cooked through, then remove it from the pan before making the sauce. Reintroduce it at the end to warm it through without drying it out.
What are good side dishes for creamy chicken buttered noodles?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli or green beans, or a side of garlic bread to soak up all that delicious creamy sauce. A light vegetable side balances the richness perfectly.
Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
A quick and easy weeknight meal featuring tender chicken pieces and perfectly cooked egg noodles coated in a rich, velvety, and irresistibly creamy butter sauce.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
8 ounces egg noodles
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the cubed chicken breast with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained egg noodles and toss everything together until the noodles and chicken are fully coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
For an extra cheesy kick, you can add a bit more Parmesan cheese right before serving. A splash of pasta water can also be added if the sauce is too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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