Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the timeless comfort of chicken and noodles. While pasta dishes can range from creamy Alfredo to rich tomato sauces, sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying. That’s exactly what you get with this Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe: tender, seasoned chicken breasts paired with perfectly cooked egg noodles tossed in butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

This recipe is quick enough for busy weeknights but flavorful enough to serve to guests. It’s one of those meals that makes everyone at the table feel cared for. With minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and plenty of flexibility, this dish deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, looking for a budget-friendly meal, or craving something nostalgic and comforting, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
• Simple ingredients – Uses basic pantry staples and fresh chicken.
• Family-friendly – A meal both kids and adults love.
• Customizable – Add veggies, herbs, or sauces to make it your own.
• Balanced comfort food – Protein-packed chicken with carb-y, buttery noodles.
• Elegant in its simplicity – Tastes indulgent yet requires minimal effort.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 2–3 people (easily doubled for a family dinner).

Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Lean protein, cooked until juicy and golden.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing and keeping the chicken moist.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Complements the garlic and enhances the chicken.

Noodles

• 8 ounces egg noodles – Classic pairing; their wide ribbons hold butter beautifully.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Rich base for the noodles.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – Adds salty, nutty richness.
• Fresh parsley, for garnish – Brightens the dish and adds color.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet (for cooking chicken)
• Medium saucepan or stockpot (for boiling noodles)
• Colander (for draining pasta)
• Tongs or spatula (for flipping chicken)
• Sharp knife & cutting board (for slicing chicken if desired)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Optional: A microplane grater for freshly grated Parmesan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add 8 ounces of egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente.
• Drain the noodles, reserving about ½ cup of the cooking water.

2. Prepare the Chicken

• While noodles cook, pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
• Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken breasts and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
• Remove from pan, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice if desired.

3. Make the Buttered Noodles

• In the same pot used for noodles (or in a large mixing bowl), toss hot noodles with 4 tablespoons butter until melted and coating the pasta.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese (if using) and a splash of reserved pasta water for creaminess.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Dish

• Plate buttered noodles, then top with sliced chicken.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

5. Serve & Enjoy

• Serve immediately while warm. This dish pairs beautifully with a green salad or roasted vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• Add veggies – Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach to boost nutrition.
• Make it creamy – Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the noodles.
• Herb twist – Try basil, thyme, or dill instead of parsley.
• Cheese lovers – Use Pecorino Romano or Asiago in place of Parmesan.
• Protein swap – Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey cutlets, or pork chops.
• Spice it up – Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to the chicken.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This recipe is:

• Savory and buttery – The noodles are rich but not heavy.
• Tender and juicy – The chicken is seasoned simply for classic flavor.
• Comforting and familiar – A meal that tastes like home.

Best Pairings:

• Drinks – A crisp Chardonnay, light Pinot Grigio, or sparkling water with lemon.
• Sides – Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted green beans.
• Extras – A drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of lemon brightens the dish.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Values will vary based on Parmesan and portion size.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chicken – Can be cooked up to 2 days ahead; store in fridge and reheat gently.
• Noodles – Best fresh, but can be cooked and tossed with a little oil to prevent sticking.
• Freezer option – Freeze cooked chicken separately; thaw in fridge overnight.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs are juicier and equally delicious — just adjust cook time slightly.

Q2: What if I don’t have egg noodles?
Fettuccine, linguine, or penne make great substitutes.

Q3: Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger pot for noodles and a big skillet for chicken.

Q4: How do I keep noodles from drying out?
Toss with extra butter or olive oil, and use reserved pasta water for creaminess.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Boil noodles	10m
Cook chicken	12m
Toss noodles	3m
Assemble & serve	5m
Total	~30m

Serving Suggestions

• Slice chicken and fan over noodles for elegant plating.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan curls and a sprinkle of black pepper.
• Serve in shallow bowls with warm garlic bread on the side.

Recipe Variations

1. Garlic Butter Chicken & Noodles – Double the garlic for bold flavor.
2. Lemon Herb Chicken with Noodles – Add lemon zest and juice with parsley.
3. Creamy Chicken Noodles – Stir in cream cheese or Alfredo sauce.
4. Chicken and Veggie Noodles – Add sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken Breasts

Lean, versatile, and protein-packed. Patting dry before cooking ensures a nice sear, while resting after cooking keeps juices inside.

Egg Noodles

Their wide ribbons and light texture make them ideal for butter-based sauces. Cook until just al dente for best results.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Always salt pasta water generously — it flavors the noodles.
• Save some pasta water to enhance buttery noodles.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Fridge – Store leftovers in airtight containers for 2–3 days.
• Reheat – Warm in skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent dryness.
• Freezer – Freeze cooked chicken up to 3 months. Noodles are best fresh, but can be frozen if tossed with extra butter.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520
Protein	36g
Carbs	42g
Fat	21g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	3g

Nut-free, family-friendly, easily adaptable.

Expanded Conclusion

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the best — and this Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles proves it. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a comforting, well-balanced meal that feels homemade in every bite. The juicy chicken, buttery noodles, and hint of Parmesan make this dish both nostalgic and satisfying.

It’s quick enough for a last-minute dinner and versatile enough to dress up with your favorite additions. Once you try it, you’ll find it becomes a go-to recipe you return to again and again.

So grab those chicken breasts, boil up some noodles, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to this timeless classic.

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