Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken & Noodles Recipe

Table of Contents

Introduction
Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Notes
Variations
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion

Looking for a quick, comforting dinner that’s packed with flavor and loved by the whole family? Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken & Noodles is just the recipe you need! Tender, juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a rich and savory garlic butter sauce and served over perfectly cooked noodles. This dish combines simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering meal that’s creamy, garlicky, and oh-so-delicious.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a meal for guests, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to be a hit. The garlic butter sauce adds the perfect depth of flavor to the chicken and noodles, making it a hearty, satisfying dish that everyone will love. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible meal!

Ingredients

For the Garlic Butter Chicken & Noodles:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
8 oz egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles

Start by cooking the egg noodles (or pasta of your choice) according to the package directions. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Be sure to reserve a bit of pasta water (about 1/4 cup) in case you need to adjust the consistency of the sauce later.

2. Prepare the Chicken

While the noodles are cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Add the Cream and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you like your sauce a little thinner, you can add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

5. Combine Chicken, Noodles, and Sauce

Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or cubes. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce to coat them evenly. Add the sliced chicken on top and toss everything together until well combined.

6. Serve

Serve the garlic butter chicken and noodles hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor. Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad to round out the meal.

Cooking Notes

Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
Pasta: Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer—penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work well with this garlic butter sauce.
Cream: For a richer flavor, use heavy cream. If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and a little extra butter.

Variations

Add Veggies: To make the dish more colorful and nutritious, toss in some sautéed spinach, peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers. These vegetables complement the garlic butter sauce and add extra texture and flavor.
Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce. You can also drizzle some sriracha or hot sauce over the finished dish.
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Noodles: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with the garlic butter sauce.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

To make this dish keto-friendly or low-carb, follow these easy swaps:

Pasta Substitute: Replace the egg noodles with zucchini noodles (zoodles), shirataki noodles, or spaghetti squash to keep it low-carb.
Heavy Cream: Stick with heavy cream, as it is low in carbs. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Use Chicken Breasts with Bone in This Recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken typically takes longer to cook, so be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

You can prepare the garlic butter sauce and cook the chicken in advance. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken, toss the noodles in the sauce, and combine everything together. It’s a great meal prep idea!

Can I Make the Sauce Without Heavy Cream?

Yes, you can make the sauce with milk or a non-dairy milk alternative (such as almond milk or oat milk). However, the sauce may not be as creamy, so consider adding a little extra butter or a tablespoon of cream cheese for richness.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover Garlic Butter Chicken & Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I Freeze This Dish?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. To freeze, store the chicken and noodles in a freezer-safe container. When ready to reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream or broth to revive the sauce.

This Irresistible Garlic Butter Chicken & Noodles recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It’s creamy, garlicky, and packed with flavor—everything you need in a satisfying dinner. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and rich garlic butter sauce combine to create a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something to impress guests, this recipe delivers every time. Make it tonight, and enjoy the comfort of a home-cooked, restaurant-quality meal that everyone will love!