There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that combines tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and buttery noodles. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to a little indulgence, this Creamy Garlic Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a must-try. Trust me, you’re going to love this. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this dish it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breasts: The star of the show. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts become melt-in-your-mouth tender as they soak up all those dreamy flavors.
Garlic: A key player in this dish, adding a punch of flavor that’s irresistible.
Heavy Cream: The base of the creamy sauce, providing a rich and velvety texture.
Butter: Adds richness and depth to both the sauce and the noodles.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty flavor that complements the creaminess perfectly.
Egg Noodles: The perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Cook the Noodles: While the sauce is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and toss with a bit of butter.
Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate the buttered noodles and top with the creamy garlic chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Preparation Time
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken with Buttered Noodles
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.
Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic makes all the difference in this recipe. If you must use garlic powder, reduce the quantity to 1 teaspoon.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of chicken broth.
Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and add extra juiciness.
2. How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti would work well with this dish.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
The dish itself is gluten-free if you use gluten-free noodles. Just make sure to check the labels on your ingredients.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would be delicious additions.
6. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.
7. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less rich. Heavy cream is recommended for the best texture.
8. Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate when reheated.
9. What other herbs can I use?
Feel free to experiment with thyme, oregano, or basil for a different flavor profile.
10. Can I add lemon juice?
Yes, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Conclusion
There you have it a simple, flavorful, and versatile Creamy Garlic Chicken with Buttered Noodles that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it on a quiet night in, this dish is all about bringing people together and creating delicious memories. So grab your favorite skillet, whip up a batch, and get ready to fall in love with every bite. Happy cooking!
Creamy Garlic Chicken with Buttered Noodles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Description
This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a comforting, restaurant-quality dish made with tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic cream sauce, served over buttery, perfectly cooked noodles. A quick and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknights!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Buttered Noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles or fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and lightly coat with flour.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Return chicken to the pan and coat with sauce.
- Prepare the Buttered Noodles:
- Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with butter, garlic powder, salt, and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve:
- Plate the buttered noodles and top with the creamy garlic chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless thighs instead of breasts for juicier chicken.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg