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Garlic Butter Chicken Noodles: Easy Recipe & Cooking Tips

Quick and easy Garlic Butter Chicken Noodles! Tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce. A family favorite ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 lb egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)
  • Water for boiling
  • Salt for boiling water
  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
  2. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  5. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly, stirring occasionally.
  8. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the garlic butter sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  10. Cook the Noodles: While the sauce is simmering, cook the noodles according to the package directions.
  11. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
  12. Add the noodles to the boiling water and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes (check package instructions).
  13. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well.
  14. Assemble and Serve: Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the chicken and garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the noodles evenly.
  15. Serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

  • Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce for extra heat.
  • Add vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli are great additions.
  • Use different protein: Substitute shrimp, sausage, or tofu for the chicken.
  • Make it creamy: Add extra heavy cream or cream cheese for a creamier sauce.
  • Garlic Lovers Rejoice: Add more minced garlic to the sauce.
  • Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a zesty twist.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of intense flavor.
  • Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary.
  • Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would pair perfectly with this dish.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Make Ahead Instructions:
    • Chicken: The chicken can be seasoned and cooked up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
    • Garlic Butter Sauce: The garlic butter sauce can also be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.