Creamy Garlic Chicken Buttered Noodles Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Buttered Noodles is a comforting and rich dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts combined with buttery egg noodles and a creamy garlic sauce create flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz egg noodles (or preferred pasta)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme. Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.
2. Step 2: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain the noodles, reserving some of the cooking water.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked noodles to the sauce, stirring to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency. Mix in the sliced chicken and taste to adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Step 5: Serve the buttered noodles hot, garnished with parsley and optional grated parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a fresher flavor, use fresh thyme instead of dried.
• Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for added nutrition and color.
• Swap egg noodles for fettuccine or any favorite pasta to change up the texture.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce option.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little butter as a lighter alternative, though the sauce will be less rich.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Buttered Noodles Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 94 reviews

Chicken Buttered Noodles is a comforting, creamy pasta dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts, garlic-infused butter sauce, and perfectly cooked egg noodles. Enhanced with thyme and a touch of cream, this easy skillet recipe offers a rich, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)

Pasta

• 8 oz egg noodles (or preferred pasta)

Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream

Optional Garnishes

• Grated parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and thyme. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
2. Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles, reserving some of the pasta cooking water for later use.
3. Prepare the Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then simmer the mixture until it slightly thickens, around 3-5 minutes.
4. Toss Noodles and Chicken in Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve desired consistency. Slice the rested chicken breasts and mix them into the noodles.
5. Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve the buttered noodles hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Optionally, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for extra flavor and a little heat.

Notes

• Use fresh thyme if possible for a brighter herb flavor.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help it cling to noodles.
• Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but sauce may be less rich.
• Parmesan and red pepper flakes add depth and a bit of spice, but are optional.

Keywords: Chicken Buttered Noodles, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken noodles, garlic butter sauce, weeknight dinner