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When my family wants pure comfort food, I turn to my Chicken with Buttery Noodles. The way soft pasta soaks up the creamy butter sauce next to well-seasoned chicken creates something truly special. This meal has saved so many hectic weeknights at my house and always brings happy faces around my dinner table.
Simple Food, Amazing Results
Through making this dish countless times, I've found that basic ingredients handled right make the most incredible flavors. The butter transforms into something wonderful while the chicken adds just enough substance. This has become the comfort food everyone asks for, whether I'm feeding my children or having pals over.
What You'll Need
- Chicken: I grab boneless skinless breasts though thighs give you more moisture if you prefer.
- Seasonings: My go-to mix of salt, pepper, paprika and onion powder brings out amazing chicken flavor.
- Pasta: I love little shells because they hold every bit of that buttery goodness.
- Chicken Bouillon: This gives amazing richness to both the pasta and the sauce.
- Butter Sauce: Real salted butter, fresh garlic and genuine parmesan come together beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese: I never use pre-grated stuff, freshly grated melts so much better.
Let's Get Cooking
- Cook Your Pasta Right
- Boil your noodles in water with a bit of bouillon for flavor. Don't forget to keep some cooking water before you drain.
- Get Your Chicken Ready
- Put all your seasonings on the chicken then cook it until it's golden outside and juicy inside.
- Make Your Amazing Sauce
- Using the same pan, melt butter, toss in garlic and make that incredible sauce with a splash of the pasta water.
- Combine Everything
- Mix your hot noodles into the sauce until they're all coated and shiny, then sprinkle plenty of parmesan.
- Ready to Eat
- Put your buttery noodles on plates with the tasty chicken on top and watch everyone rush to the table.
Try Different Meats
I often switch things up with plump shrimp or slices of steak for something different. My friends who don't eat meat love it with crispy tofu, and sometimes I'll throw in bacon as a treat. The butter sauce works wonderfully with any protein you like.
Saving Leftovers
I keep my leftover noodles and chicken in different containers and they stay good for a few days. When warming them up, I add a bit of butter or water to make the sauce creamy again and heat the chicken slowly so it doesn't dry out.
Water Makes Magic
That pasta cooking water is so valuable in my cooking. Just a little bit makes the smoothest sauce that sticks to every noodle perfectly. It's crazy how such a tiny trick makes such a big difference in how the dish turns out.
Round Out Your Dinner
We enjoy this with some easy oven-roasted veggies or a fresh green salad on the side. Sometimes I'll throw together some quick garlic bread to soak up all that sauce. You can pair it with so many things and it's always tasty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
- Absolutely, try any small pasta you like. Bowties, rotini, or medium shells all work great. Just cook them according to the package directions until they're al dente.
- → Why save the pasta water?
- The starchy water makes the sauce smooth and helps it stick to your pasta. Just add a little at a time until you get the sauce just right.
- → Can I use chicken thighs?
- Definitely! Boneless thighs turn out even juicier than breast meat. Just cut them into bite-sized chunks and cook until they're done through.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Pop them in an airtight container and keep in your fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a tiny splash of water to bring back the creamy texture.
- → What can I serve with this?
- Try some steamed broccoli or a simple green salad on the side. The yummy garlic butter sauce is also perfect for dipping some crusty bread.