If you’re craving comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, look no further! My Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe is a creamy delight that will satisfy anyone at the dinner table. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a rich garlic cream sauce, this dish brings joy in every bite. Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and steps that will make your cooking experience both fun and delicious!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
– 8 oz egg noodles
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic
– 1 cup heavy cream
For this dish, you need a few key ingredients. Start with egg noodles; they are the base of this meal. You also need chicken breast, which gives the dish its protein. Unsalted butter adds richness. Garlic brings in great flavor, while heavy cream creates that creamy texture.
Seasoning and Garnish
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Next, you need Parmesan cheese. It adds a salty, cheesy taste that enhances the creaminess. Frozen peas give a pop of color and sweetness. Italian seasoning adds depth, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh parsley is the final touch that brightens up the dish.
For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Noodles
To boil egg noodles perfectly, start with a large pot of water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add a good amount of salt; this helps flavor the noodles. Once boiling, add the noodles and cook according to the package directions. You want them to be al dente, which means they should still have a slight bite. When done, drain the noodles well in a colander and set them aside.
Preparing the Chicken
For cooking chicken evenly, cut your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once hot, add the chicken. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown and no longer pink inside. For maximum flavor, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while it cooks.
Making the Creamy Sauce
To thicken the sauce with cheese, first, add minced garlic to the skillet after the chicken is cooked. Sauté it for about one minute until fragrant. Then pour in one cup of heavy cream, stirring well. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes. Gradually add one cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously. This will create a rich, creamy sauce as the cheese melts.
Final Assembly
Now it’s time to combine the noodles and sauce. Add the drained egg noodles and one cup of frozen peas to the skillet. Toss everything gently to ensure an even coating of the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the peas are warmed through. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Time Optimizations
To save time, cook the noodles while you prepare the chicken. Use a timer for the noodles. This way, you keep track of both tasks. You can also use a larger pot to cook more noodles at once. If you want to speed things up, choose pre-cooked chicken. This saves you about 10 minutes.
Achieving the Best Flavor
Seasoning can change everything. Start with salt and pepper. They bring out the natural flavors. Italian seasoning adds a nice touch too. You can also experiment with lemon zest for a fresh kick. If you like a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes. Each choice makes the dish unique.
Serving Suggestions
For sides, pair chicken buttered noodles with garlic bread. It soaks up the creamy sauce well. A light salad with a vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast. For drinks, a glass of white wine complements the dish nicely. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with lemon. These choices enhance your meal experience.
Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can easily swap chicken with other proteins. Here are some great options:
– Turkey: Use diced turkey breast. It cooks similar to chicken.
– Shrimp: Toss in shrimp for a seafood twist. Cook until pink and firm.
– Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu. Cube and sauté until golden.
– Beans: Canned or cooked beans add protein and texture. Try white beans or chickpeas.
Noodle Substitutions
Noodles are versatile! Here are some fun alternatives to egg noodles:
– Spaghetti: Classic and easy to find. Just cook until al dente.
– Fettuccine: Wider noodles hold on to the sauce well.
– Rice Noodles: For a gluten-free option, use rice noodles. They cook quickly.
– Zucchini Noodles: Spiralize zucchini for a low-carb choice. Sauté briefly.
Seasonal Add-ins
Boost flavor and nutrition with seasonal veggies. Here are some tasty ideas:
– Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Stir in at the end.
– Broccoli: Steam broccoli florets and mix them in for crunch.
– Peas: Add fresh peas for a sweet burst. They pair well with the cream.
– Herbs: Customize with fresh herbs like basil or thyme. They brighten the dish.
Feel free to get creative with these variations. You can enjoy chicken buttered noodles in many delicious ways! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Refrigeration
To keep your chicken buttered noodles fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Let the noodles cool down to room temperature first. Then, seal them and place them in the fridge. You can enjoy them for up to three days.
For best results, choose glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They are sturdy and do not absorb odors. Using smaller containers also helps keep portions separate and ready for quick meals.
Freezing Your Dish
If you want to freeze your chicken buttered noodles, follow these steps:
1. Cool Down: Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
2. Portion: Divide the noodles into individual servings. This makes thawing easier.
3. Wrap: Use plastic wrap or freezer bags to seal each portion tightly. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
4. Label: Mark each bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, heat in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help revive the creamy texture.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, your chicken buttered noodles will last about three days. If you freeze them, they can stay good for up to three months. After that, the taste and texture may start to change. To enjoy your dish at its best, try to eat it within those time frames.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can. Many cheeses work well in this dish. Try mozzarella for a stretchy texture. Cheddar gives a sharp flavor. Cream cheese adds extra creaminess. Just remember, the cheese should melt well to keep that creamy feel.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Chicken Buttered Noodles gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Look for options made from rice or quinoa. They cook similarly to regular noodles. Be sure to check the package for cooking times. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without gluten.
What can I serve with Chicken Buttered Noodles?
Many sides pair well with this dish. A fresh garden salad adds crunch. Garlic bread complements the creamy sauce nicely. You can also serve steamed broccoli for added nutrition. Each side enhances the meal and adds variety to your plate.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Cook the noodles and chicken, then store them separately. Keep the creamy sauce in the fridge as well. When ready to eat, combine everything in a skillet. Heat over low until warmed through. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty.
This article covered how to make Chicken Buttered Noodles. We discussed the main ingredients like chicken, noodles, and a creamy sauce. You learned cooking tips, variations you can try, and storage ideas.
This dish is simple and satisfying. Feel free to customize it to your taste. Remember, cooking is all about exploring flavors. Enjoy making this meal again and again!
