A Bowl of Happy Memories
This recipe is my kitchen hug in a bowl. I have made it for years. It is simple, warm, and always satisfying.
My grandson calls it “sunshine pasta.” The golden chicken and buttery noodles just make you feel good. Doesn’t that sound nice on a busy night?
The Little Secret in the Pot
Do not pour all the pasta water away. This is the big trick. Save a cup of that cloudy, starchy water.
When you add it to the butter and cheese, magic happens. It makes the sauce creamy and silky. It clings to every single noodle. This matters because it turns simple ingredients into something special.
A Story from My Kitchen
I once made this for my neighbor’s little girl. She was having a sad day. I brought over a big bowl of these noodles.
She smiled after the first bite. Her mom said it was the first time she ate all her dinner that week. Food can be a comfort when words are not enough. I still think of that.
Why This Simple Meal Matters
You do not need fancy things to cook a great meal. You just need a few good basics. This recipe shows you how.
It teaches you to taste as you go. You learn how to make a sauce from pan drippings and pasta water. This matters because these skills will help you cook a thousand other meals.
What is your favorite simple meal to cook? I would love to know.
Let’s Talk About Flavor
The paprika gives the chicken a warm, gentle color. It is not spicy, just cozy. The garlic butter sauce is the real star here.
When that butter melts with the bouillon, the smell is amazing. It fills the whole house with a happy aroma. Fun fact: The parmesan cheese melts right into the sauce, making it rich and a little salty.
Do you like a lot of garlic, or just a little? It is your kitchen, so you decide.
Your Turn in the Kitchen
Cooking is like a fun experiment. Do not be afraid to make this recipe your own. That is how you learn.
Maybe you will add some peas to the noodles. Or use a different shaped pasta. The best meals are the ones you create with love. What is the first meal you ever learned to cook?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1 pound | Pat dry with a paper towel, cubed |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon | |
| Kosher salt | ½ teaspoon | For chicken seasoning |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon | |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Small pasta shells | 8 ounces | |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon | For pasta water |
| Chicken bouillon powder | 1 tablespoon | For pasta water |
| Salted butter | ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) | |
| Chicken bouillon powder | 2 teaspoons | For garlic butter sauce |
| Garlic, minced | 2 teaspoons | |
| Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup (25 g) | Plus more for garnish (optional) |
| Parsley | For garnish | |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
A Bowl of Golden Comfort
This recipe feels like a warm hug from my own grandma. She taught me this on a rainy afternoon. The smell of buttery noodles and garlic filled her tiny kitchen. It was pure magic. I make it now when my own grandkids visit. Their faces light up every single time. It is our special meal. It always brings us together.
Let’s Get Cooking
Let’s get our chicken ready first. The secret is in the little sprinkle of paprika. It gives the chicken such a lovely, golden color. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It reminds me of summer picnics. Cooking it just right makes all the difference. You want it tender and juicy inside.
Step 1: Mix your onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl. Toss the chicken cubes in there. Make sure each piece gets a nice coat. I use my hands for this. It feels more loving.
Step 2: Heat the oil in your skillet. Carefully add the chicken. Let it cook without moving it for a few minutes. This gives it a beautiful sear. Flip the pieces and cook until done. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t crowd the pan! The chicken will steam, not brown.)
Step 3: Now for the noodles. Boil your water with the salt and bouillon. This makes the pasta tasty from the inside out. Add the shells and cook until they are just tender. Save a cup of that starchy water! It is liquid gold for our sauce later.
Step 4: Time for the best part, the garlic butter sauce. Use the same pot you cooked the noodles in. Melt the butter and bouillon together. The smell is incredible. Add the garlic and cook for just a minute. You just want to wake it up, not burn it.
Step 5: Pour in some of that saved pasta water. It will sizzle and bubble. This helps the sauce cling to the noodles. Add the noodles and parmesan back to the pot. Toss it all together until it is glossy and perfect.
Now, plate those beautiful buttered noodles. Top them with the golden chicken. A little sprinkle of parsley makes it pretty. What is your favorite cozy meal to share? Share below! I love hearing your stories.
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Make It Your Own
This recipe is a wonderful friend. It loves to be dressed up in new ways. You can change it with the seasons. I still laugh at the time my grandson added a mountain of peas. He declared it the best version ever. Feel free to play in your kitchen. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Spring Pea & Lemon: Stir in a cup of sweet peas and a big squeeze of lemon juice at the end. It tastes so fresh and bright.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. It gives it a little warmth that is just lovely.
Creamy Mushroom: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the chicken. Use a splash of cream in the sauce for extra richness.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
The Perfect Plate
This dish is a full meal all by itself. But I love to add a little something on the side. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. It cuts through the richness of the butter. Some buttery steamed green beans are wonderful too. They were my grandpa’s favorite.
For a drink, a cold glass of apple cider is just right. The sweetness dances with the savory chicken. For the grown-ups, a crisp Chardonnay pairs beautifully. It feels a little fancy. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Chicken and Noodles Tasty for Later
This meal keeps well in the fridge for three days. Just put it in a sealed container. You can also freeze it for a month.
I love making a double batch for busy weeks. It saves so much time. I remember my first time freezing it. I was so happy to have a homemade meal ready. This matters because good food should make life easier. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth. Warm it in a pan on the stove. This keeps the noodles from drying out.
Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
Is your sauce too thin? Do not worry. Just let it simmer for a few more minutes. It will thicken up nicely.
I once added too much salt to my chicken. It taught me to taste as I cook. This matters because tasting builds your confidence.
Are your noodles sticky after draining? Rinse them with a little warm water. Or toss them with a tiny bit of butter. This helps keep them separate. Which of these problems have you run into before? Getting it right makes the flavor perfect.
Your Quick Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. It works just as well.
Q: Can I make it ahead? A: You can cook the chicken and noodles a day before. Keep them separate in the fridge.
Q: What if I don’t have bouillon? A: You can use a splash of soy sauce instead. It adds a nice savory flavor.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course. Just use a bigger pot for the noodles. It feeds a crowd.
Q: Is the parsley necessary? A: It is optional but pretty. It adds a fresh little pop of color. Which tip will you try first?
A Note From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this cozy recipe. It always makes my kitchen smell wonderful. I love hearing from you all. Sharing food is one of life’s great joys. *Fun fact: The first known noodles were eaten in China over 4,000 years ago!*
Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I would love to see your beautiful creations. Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.
Chicken and Buttered Noodles
Description
A simple and comforting meal featuring seasoned chicken and pasta tossed in a savory garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss the chicken cubes in the seasoning mix, coating all sides.
- To a medium skillet over medium heat, add oil. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken cubes into the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the pan and tent to keep warm.
- Fill a large pot halfway with water. Add salt and bring to a boil. Add bouillon powder and small pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set noodles aside while you prepare the garlic butter sauce.
- In the same pot you used to make the noodles, melt the butter and chicken bouillon powder. Stir to mix together. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and stir to combine.
- Add noodles and parmesan to the pot, tossing to combine. Add more pasta water, a little at a time, if needed, until the buttered noodles reach your desired consistency.
- Plate the noodles and serve topped with chicken. Top with parsley and additional parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, you can use heavy cream or add more parmesan cheese. Adjust the saltiness by tasting before adding extra salt, as the bouillon powder is already salty.