Chicken with Buttered Noodles A Simple and Comforting Dinner You Will Crave

Last Updated on December 10, 2025 by Chef Josie

Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the kind of recipe that reminds you how satisfying simple food can be. Juicy chicken, golden butter, tender pasta shells, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs create a dinner that feels nostalgic and cozy without requiring complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Whether you need quick dinner ideas, a family friendly meal, or a dish that even picky eaters will enjoy, this one checks every box.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves simple chicken recipes and wants a meal that still tastes rich and flavorful. The buttery noodles offer a creamy base that enhances the seasoned chicken pieces, creating a balance of texture and taste that feels luxurious despite its minimal effort. It is the kind of recipe you will want to make again and again, especially on busy weeknights.

Tender chicken served over warm, buttery noodles for a simple and comforting meal.
Tender chicken served over warm, buttery noodles for a simple and comforting meal.

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Bowl of buttery shell noodles topped with seasoned sautéed chicken pieces.

Chicken with Buttered Noodles


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  • Author: Chef Josie
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe features tender sautéed chicken served over rich, buttery pasta shells. A quick, cozy, family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 12 ounces pasta shells or egg noodles

  • 4 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

  • Parmesan cheese optional


Instructions

  • Cut chicken into bite sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden and cooked through.

  • Boil noodles in salted water until tender, then drain.

  • Stir butter into the warm noodles until melted. Add salt, pepper, and parsley.

  • Add chicken to the noodles and toss to combine.

  • Top with parmesan and serve warm.

Notes

Use any pasta shape you like.

Add vegetables or extra herbs to customize the dish.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 578 kcal

Why You Will Love This Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe

The dinner simplicity is unbeatable

This dish delivers comfort without stress. No complicated prep and no long ingredient list. Just chicken, pasta, butter, and seasoning. It is the ultimate lazy dinner idea that still feels homemade and satisfying.

It works with all cuts of chicken

Whether you use chicken breasts, chicken tenders, or boneless skinless chicken thighs, the recipe adapts easily. Many home cooks already keep these on hand, making this recipe ideal for last minute dinners.

Kids and adults both love it

If you need easy chicken breast recipes that the whole family will eat, this is it. The noodles are mild and buttery, and the chicken is flavorful but not overpowering. Even picky eaters clean their plates.

A great base recipe for creativity

You can enjoy it as written or add vegetables, extra herbs, garlic, lemon zest, or parmesan cheese. The flavors are mild enough to pair with almost anything.

It feels comforting without being heavy

Butter adds richness, but the dish is still light enough to enjoy on regular weeknights. Serve with a salad or roasted vegetables for a complete healthy dinner recipe.

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Chicken

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
  • Salt and pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Olive oil or butter for cooking

For the Buttered Noodles

  • Pasta shells or egg noodles
  • Butter
  • Salt
  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Grated parmesan cheese (optional but delicious)

These ingredients are pantry friendly, budget friendly, and easy to adapt based on your needs.

How to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles

1. Season and cook the chicken

Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat a skillet with oil or butter and cook the chicken until golden on the outside and tender on the inside.

2. Boil the noodles

Cook pasta shells or egg noodles in salted water until tender. Drain and return to the pot.

3. Add butter and seasonings

Stir melted butter into the warm pasta until coated. Add salt, pepper, and parsley.

4. Combine and serve

Add the cooked chicken to the buttered noodles. Top with parmesan and extra herbs for flavor.

5. Enjoy immediately

This dish is best served warm and fresh, although leftovers still taste fantastic.

Bowl of buttery shell noodles topped with seasoned sautéed chicken pieces.
Bowl of buttery shell noodles topped with seasoned sautéed chicken pieces.

Why You Will Make This Recipe Again

It is fast and reliable

Once you learn the method, you can cook it from memory. It is perfect for nights when you want zero stress.

The flavor never gets old

Buttery noodles and savory chicken always taste good. It is timeless and satisfying.

Your pantry already has the ingredients

When you do not want to shop or think about complicated recipes, this one saves the day.

It is a meal that works for every season

Serve it with fresh vegetables in summer or warm roasted sides in winter. It always fits.

It reheats beautifully

Warm leftovers on the stovetop or microwave, and they taste great the next day. This recipe is excellent for meal prep.

Optional Add Ins to Elevate the Dish

Vegetable Ideas

  • Peas
  • Broccoli
  • Spinach
  • Mushrooms
  • Zucchini

Flavor Boosters

  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Crushed red pepper
  • Garlic butter
  • Extra parmesan
  • Italian herbs

Protein Variations

  • Ground chicken
  • Air fryer chicken bites
  • Rotisserie chicken
  • Grilled chicken strips

This versatility makes it one of the best simple chicken recipes to keep in your rotation.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Salt your pasta water well

This enhances the flavor of the noodles from the start.

Use real butter, not margarine

Butter gives the dish its signature richness.

Do not overcook the chicken

Remove it from the heat when it reaches a golden sear and remains juicy inside.

Add pasta water if needed

A splash of pasta water helps the butter coat the noodles smoothly.

Finish with fresh herbs

Parsley or basil brightens each bite.

Chicken with Buttered Noodles | Easy Cozy Weeknight Dinner
Chicken with Buttered Noodles | Easy Cozy Weeknight Dinner

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

To Store

Place leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To Reheat

Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the noodles.

To Freeze

You can freeze cooked chicken, but noodles may soften too much. If freezing, store the chicken separately and cook fresh noodles later.

What to Serve with Chicken and Buttered Noodles

  • Steamed green beans
  • Garlic roasted broccoli
  • Caesar salad
  • Sautéed spinach
  • Air fryer carrots

This dish pairs well with almost any vegetable or simple side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I add garlic to the noodles?

Absolutely. Garlic butter noodles taste amazing with seasoned chicken.

Do I have to use pasta shells?

Use any noodle you prefer, including egg noodles, rotini, or penne.

Can I make this dairy free?

Yes, swap the butter for a dairy free butter substitute.

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