Name: Chicken and Buttered Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, pat dry and cubed; 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 (for cooking pasta); 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 6 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Chicken and Buttered Noodles Recipe with my friends because it’s one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The tender, flavorful chicken paired with rich, buttery noodles creates such a satisfying combination that I find myself craving it again and again. It’s simple to make yet feels special enough to serve for family dinners or casual get-togethers, and honestly, it's become a go-to in my recipe collection.

Why You'll Love This Chicken and Buttered Noodles Recipe

What really wins me over about this Chicken and Buttered Noodles Recipe is the incredible flavor balance. The chicken is seasoned just right with a blend of paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper, giving it a subtle smoky warmth without overpowering the dish. Then you combine that with noodles cooked in a chicken bouillon-infused broth, tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that feels indulgent but not heavy. Every bite delivers comforting depth and a cozy richness that feels like home.

Beyond taste, I adore how effortless this recipe is to prepare. It comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals when I want something hearty fast. Plus, the ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly—nothing too fancy or complicated. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish feels like a special treat without any stress, and I find it’s great for so many occasions, from simple dinners to casual parties.

Ingredients You'll Need

A round metal pan filled with many small pieces of cooked chicken, each piece golden brown with slight char marks and black pepper specks, scattered loosely across the pan's surface. The chicken pieces vary in size and shape, with a warm, slightly shiny texture from cooking oil. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, and the metal handles of the pan are visible at the top and bottom edges of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this dish, I rely on simple, essential ingredients that each bring something special to the table. The chicken is seasoned to perfection, the pasta shells provide a perfect bite-sized texture, and the garlic butter sauce ties everything together with its rich, savory flavor. It’s all about combining familiar flavors that work harmoniously and deliver maximum comfort.

Tip!

You’ll find all ingredient quantities in the recipe card below.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I pat them dry to ensure they brown nicely and season them well for maximum flavor.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle savory note that complements the chicken perfectly.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning both chicken and pasta for balanced flavor.
Paprika: Gives the chicken a mild smoky hint and a lovely color.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps sear the chicken beautifully without being overpowering.
Small pasta shells: Their shape holds the sauce wonderfully and creates a fun texture.
Chicken bouillon powder: A secret star that enriches the pasta water and the butter sauce with deep chicken flavor.
Salted butter: The base of the silky garlic butter sauce that brings everything together.
Garlic, minced: Adds a wonderful aromatic kick to the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty finish to the noodles; extra for garnish if you like.
Parsley: For a fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten the dish visually and taste-wise.

Directions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix together the onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Toss your cubed chicken breasts in this seasoning blend until they are fully coated on all sides. This ensures every bite is flavorful.

Step 2: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken cubes. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once done, remove the chicken and tent it with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Fill a large pot halfway with water and add 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder. Bring it to a boil, then add the small pasta shells. Cook according to package instructions for al dente texture—usually around 9 to 11 minutes.

Step 4: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest and set the noodles aside. Keep that flavorful pasta water handy as it will help create a silky sauce.

Step 5: In the same pot you boiled the noodles in, melt the ½ cup (one stick) of salted butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder until combined. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 6: Slowly pour in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the butter and garlic mixture, stirring constantly. This helps to create a smooth, saucy consistency.

Step 7: Return the cooked noodles to the pot and toss to coat thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce. Add ¼ cup parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and the noodles are coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 8: Plate the buttered noodles and top them with the cooked chicken cubes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese if you like. Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.

Servings and Timing

This Chicken and Buttered Noodles Recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for a family meal or leftovers for the next day. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes, mostly for seasoning the chicken and gathering ingredients. Cooking time takes around 20 minutes, including browning the chicken and boiling the pasta. The total time is about 30 minutes from start to finish, with no extra resting or cooling time needed, so you can enjoy it fresh and hot right away.

How to Serve This Chicken and Buttered Noodles Recipe

Two bowls of food sit on a white marbled surface. Each bowl holds one layer of small shell-shaped pasta, pale yellow in color, with a second layer on top of cooked chicken pieces. The chicken is light brown with a slight orange tint and sprinkled with green chopped herbs. To the right, there is a small wooden bowl filled with more green chopped herbs. A dark cloth napkin lies under one bowl, and two silver spoons rest next to the bottom bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this dish, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad—something light like a simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette—to balance out the richness of the buttered noodles. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus or green beans also complement it nicely, providing a bit of texture and freshness. For a heartier meal, I sometimes add a slice of crusty bread to mop up the buttery sauce.

Presentation-wise, I make sure to sprinkle a little extra parmesan and fresh parsley over the top right before serving because that little pop of color and flavor really makes the dish shine. I like to serve everything warm to highlight the buttery sauce and tender chicken, but if you want to prep it ahead, gently warming the dish preserves the comfort-food vibe perfectly.

For beverages, I find a chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully, cutting through the buttery richness, while a crisp sparkling water with lemon is a great non-alcoholic option. This meal feels like a perfect weeknight dinner but also fits right in at casual gatherings or cozy weekend lunches with friends.

Variations

I often like to experiment with this Chicken and Buttered Noodles Recipe by swapping out the pasta shells for other shapes like egg noodles or even fettuccine for a different texture. If you’re gluten-free, using gluten-free pasta works just as well, and the buttery sauce remains just as indulgent. For a vegan twist, you can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu and swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative, making it just as comforting but plant-friendly.

If you want to boost the flavor complexity, I sometimes add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a little zing and heat. Cooking the chicken in a cast-iron skillet also adds a wonderful sear and caramelization that enhances the dish’s depth.

This recipe is super versatile, so don’t hesitate to play around with herbs like thyme or rosemary or throw in a handful of sautéed spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition. I’ve found that these simple tweaks keep it exciting and adaptable to whatever mood or occasion I’m cooking for.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend transferring the chicken and noodles into an airtight container to keep them fresh. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I usually opt for glass containers because they don’t retain odors and make reheating easy, but any airtight option works well.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though I suggest freezing the chicken and noodles separately if possible. Place them in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The noodles and chicken will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer. When thawing, it’s best to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I find the best results come from warming gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to re-incorporate the buttery sauce and prevent the noodles from drying out. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the noodles moist. Avoid overheating as that can make the chicken tough and the noodles gummy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While boneless skinless chicken breasts are my favorite for their lean texture, you can easily substitute boneless thighs for a richer, more tender bite. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs might take a few minutes longer.

Is chicken bouillon powder necessary?

Chicken bouillon powder really elevates the flavor profile by adding depth to both the pasta water and the garlic butter sauce. If you don’t have it, you can use chicken broth or stock as a substitute, but the powder creates a more concentrated taste.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes! To make it dairy-free, swap the butter for a vegan margarine or olive oil, and either skip the parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative. The garlic and chicken bouillon still create plenty of flavor without the dairy.

How can I tell when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

I always recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken hits 165°F internally. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest piece to check that it’s no longer pink inside and juices run clear.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

I prefer small pasta shells because they hold the butter sauce beautifully, coating each bite evenly. However, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or even egg noodles can be used depending on what you have on hand.

Conclusion

I really hope you give this Chicken and Buttered Noodles Recipe a try because it has become such a cherished staple in my kitchen. It’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor—everything I look for in a go-to meal. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or enjoying a cozy night in, I know this dish will make your mealtime feel just a little bit more special and delicious.