Cozy, comforting, and irresistibly creamy—this Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe brings restaurant-quality richness to your dinner table with just a few pantry staples. Tender chicken is seared to golden perfection, then nestled into a buttery garlic cream sauce that beautifully coats tender egg noodles. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or need a comforting solo meal, this dish delivers indulgence in every bite.

Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple and satisfying: Minimal prep, maximum flavor—perfect for busy evenings.
Velvety sauce: Made with butter, garlic, and heavy cream—luxury in every forkful.
Customizable: Swap herbs, add spice, or stir in mushrooms or spinach to suit your mood.
Family-friendly and filling: Creamy noodles and juicy chicken are always a win.

Ingredients

Tip: you can find full ingredients and measurements list in the recipe card below

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
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 (low-sodium preferred)
½ cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Optional: red pepper flakes for added spice

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme on both sides. Sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F/75°C internal). Remove from pan, let rest, then slice into strips.

2. Cook the Noodles
While the chicken cooks, boil egg noodles in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.

3. Make the Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter and scrape up any chicken bits. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute—watch closely to avoid burning.

4. Build the Sauce
Stir in chicken broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly. Add heavy cream and cook another 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Lightly season if needed.

5. Combine Noodles and Chicken
Toss noodles in the butter sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. Add sliced chicken back to the skillet and stir gently to coat.

6. Finish and Serve
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley, red pepper flakes for a kick, and Parmesan if you like. Serve hot and enjoy.

Variations

Spinach and Mushroom: Stir in chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms before adding the noodles.
Herb Twist: Swap thyme with basil or rosemary for a different herbal note.
Cheese Lover’s Upgrade: Stir in shredded Gruyère or fontina for an extra melty bite.
Lighter Version: Substitute part of the heavy cream with milk or a creamy plant-based alternative.

Heating & Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes—boneless thighs work great and typically stay juicier.

What other pasta works best?

Fettuccine, penne, or shell pasta are all great alternatives.

Do I need the reserved pasta water?

Yes—it adds starch that helps bind the sauce and noodles.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely—use certified gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

Can I prepare this ahead?

Cook chicken and noodles separately, then combine into the sauce just before serving.

Is the dish budget-friendly?

Definitely—simple ingredients come together for a luxurious-tasting meal.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook it just until fragrant—avoid letting it brown, which can make it bitter.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes—use non-dairy milk (e.g., oat or soy) and vegan butter or oil instead of butter and cream.

Any way to reduce calories?

Use light cream or milk and reduce butter to 2 tablespoons. The flavor remains rich!

Does it reheat well?

Yes—the sauce stays lush. Add a bit of cooking water or cream when reheating to revive its texture.

Conclusion

Chicken Buttered Noodles are the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly accessible. With rich butter, garlic, and cream coating tender noodles and chicken, it’s the ultimate comfort meal that satisfies. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or special dinner, this recipe brings cozy goodness straight to your plate.

Chef sara