If you are craving a comforting, homey meal that never fails to delight, this Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy chicken breasts seasoned just right and pan-seared to golden perfection unite beautifully with velvety egg noodles tossed in rich butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Every bite strikes the perfect balance of simple ingredients coming together to create a deeply satisfying dish that feels both nostalgic and freshly delightful. It’s a weeknight winner that the whole family will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe comes together with straightforward, accessible ingredients that each play a crucial role in making the flavors shine. From the aromatic garlic powder to the creamy butter and sharp Parmesan, every element enhances the dish’s taste, texture, and inviting color.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, perfect for quick cooking and staying juicy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and ensures a beautiful sear.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides fragrant warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Lends a gentle herbal earthiness that complements chicken superbly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all tastes.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of spice and depth.
- 12 oz egg noodles: The tender, pillow-like base that soaks up all the buttery goodness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: For richness and that luscious mouth-coating texture.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: A nutty finish that brings a delightful umami kick.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of green and brightness to the plate.
How to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to ensure every bite bursts with flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then place the chicken in the pan. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until the outsides are golden brown and the inside is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes—this resting step keeps the juices locked in for maximum tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Noodles
While your chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until they’re perfectly tender but not mushy. Drain the noodles well and return them to the pot while they’re still warm and ready to soak up that buttery flavor.
Step 3: Toss the Noodles in Butter and Parmesan
To the warm noodles, add the unsalted butter and stir vigorously until it melts and coats every strand in creamy goodness. Then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped fresh parsley, if using, folding everything gently until the noodles glisten with that irresistible sheen.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Slice the rested chicken breasts into generous, juicy pieces and serve them atop the rich, buttery noodles. If you like, garnish with an extra sprinkle of parsley or Parmesan to make the dish even more charming and flavorful. Now, dig in and enjoy this easy yet elegant Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe that warms the heart and satisfies the soul.
How to Serve Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate the dish effortlessly. Fresh parsley scattered over the top adds a vibrant green pop and a hint of herbal brightness. A dusting of extra grated Parmesan offers a sharp, savory finish that contrasts wonderfully with the smooth noodles and juicy chicken. If you want an extra touch, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the whole plate brings a zesty brightness that livens every bite.
Side Dishes
This Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to round out the meal. Consider serving it alongside steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp garden salad to add crunch and freshness. For something heartier, roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts complement the buttery noodles by adding a touch of caramelized sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more rustic presentation, pile the noodles onto a large family-style platter, then lay the sliced chicken artfully on top. Drizzle any pan juices over the chicken to keep things moist and flavorful. For individual servings, twirl the noodles with a fork into a neat nest and lean the sliced chicken against the side. A final sprinkle of parsley or Parmesan makes it feel special without any extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken and buttered noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping them apart preserves the texture of the noodles and prevents the chicken from drying out. Properly refrigerated, they should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While you can freeze the chicken and noodles separately, the texture of the noodles may change slightly upon thawing. Wrap cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container, freezing for up to 2 months. The noodles freeze best without butter, so cook the noodles plain if planning to freeze, then add butter fresh when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, being careful not to overcook it. For noodles, add a small splash of water or broth when reheating in a pan to bring back their creamy texture without drying them out. Stir frequently until heated through, then toss with fresh butter and Parmesan if desired to revive that delicious buttery flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of egg noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and have a great texture for this recipe, you can swap them for other pasta shapes like fettuccine, pappardelle, or even small shells. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs. Be sure to check that your Parmesan cheese and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I bake the chicken instead of cooking it on the stovetop?
Definitely. Baking the chicken at 375°F for about 20–25 minutes until cooked through works well and frees up your stovetop space. Just season the chicken as directed before baking.
What are some good additions to make this dish more colorful or nutritious?
You can stir in steamed peas, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers right into the buttered noodles. Adding fresh herbs like basil or chives also adds color and flavor that lifts the entire dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a busy weeknight?
Yes, you can cook and slice the chicken and prepare the noodles in advance, then store separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, warm them both gently and toss the noodles with fresh butter and Parmesan to refresh the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is a timeless classic that’s as simple to prepare as it is comforting to eat. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a cozy solo dinner, this dish brings warmth, flavor, and a little bit of joy to the table. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes in no time.
Print
Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
A classic and comforting dinner of tender, seasoned chicken breasts served over rich, buttery egg noodles tossed with Parmesan and fresh parsley. This easy stovetop meal comes together quickly, making it a perfect family-friendly weeknight recipe.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Noodles
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the chicken: After resting, slice the chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the noodles: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain the noodles and return them to the pot.
- Butter the noodles: Add the unsalted butter to the hot noodles and stir until the butter is melted and noodles are fully coated.
- Add cheese and parsley: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if using, combining well for flavor.
- Serve: Plate the buttered noodles and top with sliced chicken. Garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- Add steamed peas or roasted vegetables to turn this into a complete meal.
- For extra flavor, stir a little garlic powder or lemon zest into the buttered noodles.
