Name: Chicken and Buttered Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, pat dry with a paper towel, cubed; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 8 ounces small pasta shells; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder; ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) salted butter; 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; ¼ cup (25 g) parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish (optional); Parsley, for garnish; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 20 reviews

If you’re craving comfort food with a touch of elegance, Chicken and Buttered Noodles is the perfect dish to satisfy those warm, cozy vibes. Imagine tender, juicy cubes of seasoned chicken resting atop a generous bed of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth noodles that dance with garlic and parmesan flavors. This recipe isn’t just about filling your plate; it’s about lifting a simple side of buttered noodles into a deliciously hearty main that feels like a big, delicious hug after a long day.

Chicken and Buttered Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and success of this Chicken and Buttered Noodles recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s the crispy chicken providing savory bites or the butter and parmesan elevating the noodles to something truly special.

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pat dry and cube for even, quick cooking and a juicy texture.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness and depth to the chicken seasoning.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors in both chicken and noodles.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
1 teaspoon paprika: Gives the chicken a light smoky warmth and vibrant color.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
8 ounces small pasta shells: Their shape holds onto butter and sauce beautifully.
1 teaspoon kosher salt for pasta water: Seasons the noodles from the inside out.
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder: Enhances the savory notes in both pasta water and sauce for maximum flavor.
½ cup (1 stick) salted butter: Creates the rich, creamy base of the sauce that coats every noodle.
2 teaspoons garlic, minced: A punch of aromatic flavor that turns simple butter into a sauce you’ll crave.
¼ cup parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish: Adds a nutty, salty finish that melts perfectly into the butter sauce.
Parsley for garnish: A fresh, vibrant touch that makes the dish pop on the plate.
Salt and pepper to taste: Final adjustments to bring everything together.

How to Make Chicken and Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Start by mixing the onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika in a medium bowl, then toss your chicken cubes in the seasoning blend until every piece is wonderfully coated. Heat the olive oil in a skillet on medium, then carefully add your chicken. Let the cubes sizzle and brown for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until beautifully golden and fully cooked to 165°F internally. This step is key for juicy chicken that contrasts perfectly with the creamy noodles.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Shells

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the kosher salt along with the chicken bouillon powder. This infuses the pasta with extra savory goodness. Toss in the small pasta shells and cook until just al dente, following the package’s timing. Don’t forget to reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—it’s a little secret that helps create the perfect silky sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same pot you cooked the noodles, melt the butter together with chicken bouillon powder. The butter takes on an extra burst of flavor here. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Slowly add half a cup of the reserved pasta water, stirring to blend everything into a luscious sauce that’s ready to cling to your noodles.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Add the drained noodles back into the pot with the garlic butter sauce, then sprinkle in the parmesan. Toss everything together gently, adding a little more pasta water if you want the sauce to be a bit looser and silkier. This tossing coats every shell in that irresistible buttery garlic goodness, making each bite a pure delight.

Step 5: Plate and Top with Chicken

Mound the rich, buttery noodles onto your plate and crown them with the beautifully cooked chicken cubes. Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra parmesan over the top for color and an added flavor boost. Serve everything warm to enjoy this comforting feast at its very best.

How to Serve Chicken and Buttered Noodles

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley not only adds a fresh pop of green but also balances the richness of the dish. More parmesan cheese, freshly grated, can be sprinkled generously on top to enhance that salty, nutty appeal. A quick grind of black pepper at the end can wake up the flavors and add a little spark.

Side Dishes

Since Chicken and Buttered Noodles is hearty on its own, think light and fresh for sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness deliciously. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add color and nutrition that complement the dish without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or want to make dinner a little fancy, try layering the noodles and chicken in a shallow bowl or a wide pasta dish, allowing everyone to see the layers of buttery goodness. For a fun touch, serve it family-style on a large platter sprinkled with extra herbs and parmesan, so everyone can dig in and enjoy the warmth and comfort together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Chicken and Buttered Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the chicken and noodles together so the flavors meld, but if you prefer, keep them separate to maintain texture. Just be sure to cool them completely before sealing to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

This dish also freezes well if you want to prep ahead for busy nights. Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, separating chicken and noodles if you like. It should keep well for up to 2 months. To prevent sogginess, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the saucy texture. You can also microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through, but be careful not to overcook the chicken. Reheating restores the warm, buttery comfort that makes Chicken and Buttered Noodles so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Chicken and Buttered Noodles?

Absolutely! While small pasta shells work wonderfully to trap the sauce, you can substitute with other shapes like penne, rotini, or even egg noodles for a slightly different texture and feel.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or olive oil, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or simply omit the parmesan. The chicken bouillon and garlic still deliver plenty of flavor to keep the dish satisfying.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The chicken should also feel firm to the touch and have a golden-brown exterior.

Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

You could prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and gently rewarm it before tossing with noodles, but it’s best freshly made for that vibrant garlic flavor and silky texture that make the dish so special.

What can I add to make the Chicken and Buttered Noodles more filling?

Feel free to toss in some sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach along with the noodles to add more substance, color, and nutrients without losing that comforting buttery taste.

Final Thoughts

Chicken and Buttered Noodles is one of those dishes that feels like home on a plate, comforting and satisfying while still being impressively simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe brings warmth, flavor, and a little bit of joy to the dinner table. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch it turn an ordinary night into something wonderfully delicious!