Chicken Buttered Noodles is a comforting and delicious dish that brings together tender chicken, silky noodles, and a rich, buttery sauce. This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or family gatherings. It’s a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy, and you can customize it easily with your favorite flavors or sides.
how to make Chicken Buttered Noodles
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz (about 225g) egg noodles or your preferred pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Grated parmesan cheese for topping
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for added spice
Directions
Cook the Chicken: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme on both sides.
Sear the Chicken: Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Noodles: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
Melt the Butter: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the Chicken Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly. Then, stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly.
Toss the Noodles: Add the drained noodles to the skillet, tossing them gently in the butter sauce until they are evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Add the Chicken: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Season and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle the parsley over the top and, if you like, add some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serve: Serve the Chicken Buttered Noodles hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
how to serve Chicken Buttered Noodles
Serve Chicken Buttered Noodles in shallow bowls or plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal. Enjoy it with family and friends for a comforting dining experience.

how to store Chicken Buttered Noodles
If you have leftovers, store the Chicken Buttered Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or heat it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
tips to make Chicken Buttered Noodles
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- For a little kick, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce when serving.
- Use fresh herbs for garnishing to enhance the flavors even more.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe. Try using shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist, or add vegetables to make it a one-pan meal. You can also switch up the pasta type, using whole wheat or gluten-free options as preferred.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! You can use any pasta you like, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or even whole grain pasta.
Q2: How can I make this dish healthier?
A2: You can use less butter and replace heavy cream with a lighter cream or almond milk. Adding more vegetables will also increase the nutritional value.
Q3: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. Cook the noodles fresh when you are ready to serve to maintain texture.

Chicken Buttered Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme on both sides.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the drained noodles to the skillet, tossing them gently in the butter sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Season with salt and pepper if needed, and sprinkle with parsley. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve the Chicken Buttered Noodles hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.