Savory Chicken and Buttered Noodles

Buttered Noodles with Chicken is the ultimate comfort meal that takes simple pasta and turns it into something truly satisfying. Juicy chunks of perfectly seasoned chicken combine with soft pasta in a creamy, garlicky butter coating with generous parmesan sprinkles. Whenever I want something easy but packed with flavor, this dish never fails and gets gobbled up in no time at our family table.

I created this by accident one evening when I was behind schedule with starving children wandering around the kitchen and only had chicken and pasta available. When I saw their empty plates afterward, I knew I'd stumbled onto something worth making again and again.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Grab the best quality you can and wipe them dry for better browning in your skillet
• Onion powder: Adds a gentle savory undertone throughout the dish
• Kosher salt: Don't be shy when seasoning for full flavor
• Black pepper: Grind it fresh for extra aroma and mild heat
• Paprika: Brings nice reddish tint and warmth, I prefer smoked but regular works too
• Extra virgin olive oil: Invest in a decent one for searing your chicken and adding depth
• Small pasta shells: They scoop up sauce perfectly, but you can swap in twists or egg noodles
• Chicken bouillon powder: Gives everything a flavor boost, pick your favorite brand
• Salt: Crucial for the pasta water and to balance the buttery sauce
• Salted butter: The heart of your sauce, skip substitutes for the real thing
• Garlic minced: Cut it yourself for the strongest punch of flavor
• Parmesan cheese: Adds zippy sharpness to the sauce plus extra on top
• Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness, flat-leaf tastes best
• Salt and pepper: Give it a final taste and tweak before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Season the Chicken:

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks then mix them with onion powder kosher salt black pepper and paprika Make sure seasoning covers all pieces evenly so the flavor comes through in every bite

Cook the Chicken:

Get a medium pan hot over medium heat and pour in olive oil Wait till it shimmers then add your seasoned chicken pieces in one layer Cook about eight to ten minutes turning once halfway until golden outside and no longer pink inside Take them out and cover to keep warm

Cook the Pasta:

Get a big pot of water boiling then add salt and chicken bouillon powder Drop in your pasta shells Cook until tender but still firm to bite according to box directions Save a cup of the cooking water before draining

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

Using the same empty pasta pot melt butter with chicken bouillon powder for extra flavor Toss in minced garlic and cook just about sixty seconds until you can smell it but before it turns brown

Combine Everything:

Pour in half cup of your saved pasta water and stir to make a smooth sauce Add the drained pasta and parmesan cheese Toss everything together until all noodles look shiny and coated If sauce seems thick splash in more pasta water

Serve and Finish:

Scoop buttery noodles onto plates Place chicken pieces on top Sprinkle with extra parmesan and fresh parsley Enjoy while hot for the best experience

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I can't make this dish without loads of parmesan The tangy nutty flavor really makes everything taste better and watching my little girl sneakily add extra handfuls when she thinks I'm not looking always cracks me up This meal regularly brings our family to slow down and chat even on the busiest evenings

Storage Tips

Pack any extras in a sealed container in your fridge where they'll stay good for about three days When you want to eat them again add a tiny bit of water and warm slowly on the stovetop to bring the sauce back to life The chicken stays tender if you don't heat it too long

Ingredient Substitutions

Got no chicken breasts around Try chopped thighs or shredded rotisserie chicken instead Toss in some green veggies like peas or broccoli for extra nutrition Can't find parmesan Then grab some asiago or romano cheese instead

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a simple green salad or some quickly cooked green beans My family loves when I add some warm crusty bread on the side perfect for soaking up every last drop of that buttery goodness

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A Little History

Simple buttered noodles have brought comfort to countless families through the years Adding tasty chicken and cheese transforms this basic side into a full dinner that works for casual family meals My grandma used to whip this up for our Sunday afternoon gatherings and just smelling it cooking always feels like coming home

Common Questions

→ How do I keep the chicken juicy and not dry?

Don't cook the chicken too long. Cook the seasoned pieces just until they hit 165°F and then let them sit under loose foil to stay moist.

→ What type of pasta works best?

The recipe uses small shells because they trap the yummy garlic butter sauce nicely, but you can swap in rotini or penne if that's what you have.

→ Can I add vegetables for extra flavor?

You bet. Mix in some cooked spinach, green peas, or tender broccoli with the pasta for more color and nutrients.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Let everything cool down first, then put it in a sealed container and stick it in the fridge. Warm it up slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water if it seems dry.

→ Is the dish very rich?

The buttery sauce gets a nice lift from the garlic, cheese, and fresh parsley, but you can always cut back on the butter if you want something lighter.