This creamy chicken buttered noodles recipe isn’t just about the taste, though. It’s about the connection it creates. It’s a dish we make together, a dish we share stories over, a dish that just feels like home. I remember one time, I accidentally added way too much garlic (oops!), and we all laughed so hard our stomachs hurt.
Even my husband, who claims he’s not a “noodle guy,” always goes back for seconds. I’ve even adapted it into a creamy chicken noodle casserole for potlucks, and it’s always a hit! One time I messed up a bit and the dish came out tasting like butter chicken noodles! It didn’t taste bad, but it wasn’t the creamy chicken buttered noodles I was aiming for! It just goes to show how easy it is to make mistakes in the kitchen.
Honestly, perfecting this creamy chicken buttered noodles was one of those “aha” moments where I felt like I was finally figuring out this whole cooking thing. It’s become my go-to, my foolproof recipe that I can always count on. This creamy chicken buttered noodles is perfect for busy families. I discovered it when my kids were small. I perfected it over time!
Trust me, once you try this creamy chicken buttered noodles recipe, it’ll become a staple in your house, too. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and comfort, and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 pound egg noodles (I always use the wide ones; they just seem to hold the sauce better for my creamy chicken buttered noodles!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth (I prefer low sodium, so I can control the salt level in my creamy chicken buttered noodles.)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Adds a nice little kick to the creamy chicken buttered noodles.)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish – optional, but pretty!)
When making creamy chicken buttered noodles, you can find the best deals on chicken breasts at your local butcher or grocery store. Keep an eye out for sales! Here’s a creamy chicken buttered noodles trick I learned from my mom: she always adds a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. It’s subtle, but it adds a lovely warmth!
For ingredient prep shortcuts when making creamy chicken buttered noodles for a busy family, pre-cut the chicken the night before, or buy pre-cut chicken if you can find it. It’s a real time-saver! To save money on creamy chicken buttered noodles ingredients, buy chicken in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it in portions. You can also substitute dried parsley for fresh, although the fresh is definitely better if you can get it. Store any leftover chicken broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
How to Make – Step-by-Step
- Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll get mushy when you add them to the sauce! Set the noodles aside for later.
- While the noodles are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Set the chicken aside with the noodles, keeping both aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. This is your roux, and it’s the base for the creamy sauce in your creamy chicken buttered noodles, so don’t skip this step!
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Don’t worry if your creamy chicken buttered noodles sauce seems a little thin at first; it will thicken up as it simmers.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. This is where the “creamy” in creamy chicken buttered noodles really comes to life! I learned the hard way with creamy chicken buttered noodles that if you add the cream too soon, it can curdle. So, make sure the sauce is nice and hot first.
- Add the cooked chicken and noodles to the skillet and stir to coat. Simmer for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld together. In my kitchen, creamy chicken buttered noodles usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. While the creamy chicken buttered noodles is cooking, I usually set the table and throw together a quick salad.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. Your creamy chicken buttered noodles should smell like pure comfort! It smells so good!
I always make sure the sauce is thick enough to cling to the noodles, but not so thick that it’s gloppy. It’s a delicate balance! A family-tested creamy chicken buttered noodles shortcut: use a rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken. Just shred it and add it to the sauce!
Serving
My family loves this creamy chicken buttered noodles dish! The kids love our creamy chicken buttered noodles when I serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
My go-to side dishes that pair with creamy chicken buttered noodles are a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or some garlic bread. The salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the noodles, and the garlic bread is just plain delicious! This creamy chicken buttered noodles is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or even a casual get-together with friends. I also make it for holiday gatherings!
For creamy chicken buttered noodles presentation tips, I like to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese and parsley on top before serving. It makes it look extra fancy! If you have extra creamy chicken buttered noodles, it’s even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
You can even add a little extra chicken broth if it seems too thick. For seasonal creamy chicken buttered noodles variations, I’ve added roasted vegetables like butternut squash or Brussels sprouts in the fall, or fresh tomatoes and basil in the summer. My friends always ask for this creamy chicken buttered noodles recipe whenever I make it! They always say it’s the best easy chicken noodle recipe they have ever tried.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! While I prefer egg noodles for my creamy chicken buttered noodles, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti would work well. You know what I do when my creamy chicken buttered noodles craving hits, and I’m out of egg noodles? I use whatever I have in the pantry!
- Can I make this creamy chicken buttered noodles with pre-cooked chicken?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred it and add it to the sauce. It is such an easy chicken noodle recipe when you don’t have time to cook!
- How can I make this creamy chicken buttered noodles lighter?
You can use skim milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Another option is to use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, but add it at the very end, off the heat, to prevent it from curdling. I find this makes the creamy chicken buttered noodles a bit tangy, but some people like it that way!
- Can I add vegetables to this creamy chicken buttered noodles?
Of course! Peas, carrots, broccoli, or spinach would all be great additions. Just add them to the skillet along with the chicken. I have had feedback about my creamy chicken buttered noodles from blog readers who say they add mushrooms for a heartier dish!
- How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Make sure to cook the noodles al dente, and rinse them with cold water after draining. This will remove some of the starch and prevent them from sticking. Also, don’t add the noodles to the sauce until you’re ready to serve. I sometimes add a drizzle of olive oil to my noodles to keep them from sticking!
- Can I freeze this creamy chicken buttered noodles?
While you can freeze it, the noodles may become a bit mushy upon thawing. If you do freeze it, make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, add a little extra chicken broth to loosen up the sauce. I have made creamy chicken buttered noodles and froze it only to find that it tasted like creamy chicken pasta with a grainy texture. I do not recommend this!
- My sauce is too thick! What do I do?
No problem! Just add a little more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. This happens to me all the time!
- What can I use instead of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth will work as a substitute for chicken broth, but it will alter the flavor slightly. Water can be used in a pinch, but the sauce will be less flavorful. I sometimes add a bouillon cube to water if I don’t have chicken broth on hand.
My Final Thoughts
This creamy chicken buttered noodles recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s a reminder of simple times, family dinners, and the joy of sharing good food with the people you love. This creamy chicken buttered noodles recipe is definitely one that holds a special place in my heart.
Pro Tips:
- Don’t overcook the noodles! Al dente is the way to go.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Salt and pepper are your friends!
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. A little garlic powder or onion powder can add a nice depth of flavor.
I’ve tried so many different creamy chicken buttered noodles variations over the years. One time, I added a splash of white wine to the sauce for a more sophisticated flavor. My husband loved that version! I tried a creamy chicken noodle casserole version as well. The kids prefer the classic version, while my husband and I like to get a little more creative. Creamy chicken buttered noodles is versatile!
I hope you try this creamy chicken buttered noodles recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to tweak it to your liking and add your own personal touch.
So, go ahead, grab your ingredients, and get cooking! I have a feeling this creamy chicken buttered noodles will become a new family favorite. Happy cooking, friend! You can also try my creamy broccoli and chicken penne recipe. And you may also love my chicken shawarma with creamy garlic sauce! Don’t forget to check out the USDA FoodData Central for nutritional information on chicken. The National Institutes of Health also have useful information, like this Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Consumers.
PrintEasy Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles
This Easy Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe is a family favorite! Tender chicken and buttered egg noodles are coated in a luscious creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound egg noodles
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
- Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Heat through, but do not boil.
- Add shredded chicken and cooked noodles to the sauce. Toss to coat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken breasts and simmer in the chicken broth for 30 minutes before shredding. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the sauce.