Name: Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed and patted dry; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 8 ounces small pasta shells; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder; ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) salted butter; 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish (optional); Parsley, for garnish; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you are craving a dish that perfectly marries comfort and elegance, then the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe features succulent, perfectly seasoned chicken cubes nestled over buttery, Parmesan-infused pasta shells, all coated in a delicious garlic butter sauce. It’s a symphony of rich flavors and luscious textures that feels indulgent without being complicated, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this creamy, garlicky feast, it will become a staple in your home kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a single layer of small, golden brown cooked chicken pieces evenly spread inside a round stainless steel pan with two handles, sitting on a white marbled surface. The chicken pieces have a slightly crispy texture with some black pepper scattered over them. The pan has a shiny interior with some cooked juices and small browned bits visible on the surface around the chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe plays a crucial role, from building layers of flavor to adding creamy textures and vibrant colors. You’ll find the list simple yet essential, designed to come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s so satisfying.

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cubed and perfectly tender for quick, even cooking.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Infuses subtle depth and sweetness to the chicken seasoning.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of mild heat.
1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a warm, smoky undertone and an appetizing color.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: For a golden sear on the chicken.
8 ounces small pasta shells: Perfect bite-sized noodles that soak up the sauce beautifully.
1 teaspoon kosher salt (for pasta water): To season the noodles as they cook.
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder: Boosts savory richness in both pasta water and sauce.
½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) salted butter: The star ingredient of the luscious garlic butter sauce.
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder (for sauce): Adds intensified flavor to the butter sauce.
2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Freshly minced for that irresistible garlic punch.
¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese: Melts into the noodles, adding nutty, salty goodness.
Parsley for garnish: Brightens up the plate and adds fresh color.
Salt and pepper to taste: Adjusts seasoning perfectly to your preference.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by combining onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika in a bowl. Toss the cubed chicken breasts generously in this seasoning mix so every piece is coated evenly. This simple seasoning combo brings out a subtle yet enticing flavor that will shine after cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through to get a golden brown sear on all sides. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally and is juicy and tender inside. Remove the chicken from the pan and tent with foil to keep warm; this rest time ensures the chicken remains juicy.

Step 3: Prepare the Noodles

While the chicken is cooking, fill a large pot halfway with water, add the kosher salt and chicken bouillon powder, then bring to a rolling boil. Add the small pasta shells and cook them according to package instructions until al dente. This step ensures the noodles have a tasty base note from the bouillon. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the noodles and set them aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the ½ cup salted butter over medium heat. Add the additional chicken bouillon powder and stir to dissolve, creating a rich base. Then add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. This sauce will coat the noodles and chicken, bringing everything together with creamy, garlicky goodness.

Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Pour ½ cup of the reserved pasta water into the pot and stir. Add the drained noodles and Parmesan cheese, tossing gently to combine. Gradually add more pasta water as needed until you reach your preferred consistency; the sauce should lightly coat every shell and feel silky, not sticky. This careful balance gives the buttered noodles their signature velvety finish.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Divide the garlicky buttered noodles onto plates and top generously with the golden chicken cubes. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately so the warmth and creaminess are at their peak.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe

The dish shows a bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer has small, pale yellow shell pasta that looks soft and slightly shiny, filling most of the bowl. On top of the pasta, there are golden-brown pieces of cooked chicken with a slightly shiny and seasoned surface, scattered evenly in the center. Small green herb bits are sprinkled lightly over the chicken, adding a touch of color. The bowl is white, set on a white marbled surface, with a small bowl of chopped greens and some silverware visible beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Parsley is a must-have garnish for this dish—it adds a fresh, herbaceous essence that cuts through the richness. Additional grated Parmesan cheese is perfect for that extra cheesy touch that your taste buds will thank you for. A light drizzle of olive oil on top can also add a touch of silkiness and shine.

Side Dishes

This comforting meal pairs wonderfully with crisp, green side salads to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans bring a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your plate, turning the meal into a well-rounded gourmet experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, you can serve the noodles in wide-rimmed shallow bowls to showcase the saucy noodles topped with chicken beautifully. You might also arrange the chicken on a bed of noodles in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a rustic, charming presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by storing the chicken and noodles separately in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. This helps prevent texture loss. Frozen portions will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the dish gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to restore the creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals, to avoid drying out the chicken or noodles.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will make the dish even more tender and juicy. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take a few extra minutes to cook through.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to keep the rich flavor profile alive.

What type of pasta shells work best?

Small pasta shells are ideal because their shape holds the garlic butter sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is flavorful. But feel free to use other small pasta shapes like orzo or elbow macaroni if you prefer.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure your chicken bouillon powder and other seasonings are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of reserved pasta water you add or simmer the sauce a bit longer before tossing in the noodles. Adding a touch more Parmesan can also help thicken and enrich the sauce.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about the Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any day you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something special. I hope you enjoy creating and savoring this dish as much as I do. Once you try it, it might just become your new go-to comfort food classic.