Description
Chicken and Buttered Noodles feature tender, juicy cubes of seasoned chicken served atop a bed of buttery, garlic-infused small pasta shells. This comforting dish transforms simple buttered noodles into a flavorful and satisfying main course perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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
Pasta
- 8 ounces small pasta shells
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix together onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Toss the cubed chicken in the seasoning blend, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Confirm doneness with an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot halfway with water, add kosher salt, and bring to a boil. Stir in chicken bouillon powder then add the small pasta shells. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest and set noodles aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same pot used for pasta, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Stir in chicken bouillon powder until fully incorporated. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute to release aroma.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Pour in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and stir to blend. Add the drained noodles and parmesan cheese, tossing gently to combine. Add more pasta water incrementally if needed to reach a silky sauce consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the buttery noodles and top with the cooked chicken cubes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for optimal flavor and texture in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to create a creamy sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F to avoid any foodborne illness.
- This dish can be complemented with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Adjust garlic quantity to your preference for milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- For a richer sauce, substitute salted butter with unsalted butter and add salt gradually to taste.
- Leftover buttered noodles can be refrigerated and reheated with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Sauté, Boil, Toss
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 578
- Sugar: 1.2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
