Parmesan chicken buttered noodles pair seared chicken breasts with wide egg noodles tossed in melted butter and a handful of grated parmesan. They take ten minutes to prepare, cook in twenty, and serve four, using one pot for the noodles and one skillet for the chicken.
The chicken is seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then browned until golden and rested so the juices settle. The noodles are glossy with butter, the parmesan melts into a light coating, and a sprinkle of parsley adds a fresh note to a plain, filling plate.
Table of Contents
Why This Parmesan Chicken Buttered Noodles Dish Works
Seasoned chicken and buttered noodles need only a few pantry ingredients.
The dish cooks in about twenty minutes in two pans.
Children and adults both tend to like the mild, buttery flavor.
What You Need for Parmesan Chicken Buttered Noodles
- The chicken is four boneless, skinless breasts seasoned with one teaspoon each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, and seared in two tablespoons of olive oil.
- The noodles are twelve ounces of egg noodles tossed with four tablespoons of butter, half a cup of parmesan, and two tablespoons of fresh parsley.
Chicken breasts. They give lean protein that cooks fast.
Garlic and onion powder. They season the meat evenly.
Egg noodles. They are soft and absorb butter.
Butter. It makes the noodles glossy and rich.
Parmesan. It adds a salty, nutty finish.
Making Parmesan Chicken Buttered Noodles Step by Step
1. Season. Season the chicken with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Sear. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for six minutes per side until it reaches 165 F, then rest it for five minutes.
3. Boil. Cook the egg noodles in salted boiling water as the package directs and drain.
4. Toss. Return the noodles to the pot, add the butter and parmesan, and toss until melted and glossy.
5. Serve. Slice the chicken, set it over the noodles, and top with parsley.
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning. Dry meat browns instead of steaming, and the seasoning sticks better. Pound thick breasts to an even thickness of about three quarters of an inch so they cook at the same pace and finish together.
Add a ladle of the noodle cooking water to the pot with the butter. The starchy water helps the butter and cheese blend into a smooth, light sauce that clings to the noodles instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl. Toss right away while the noodles are still hot.
Tips for Better Parmesan Chicken Buttered Noodles
Flag the allergens. This dish contains wheat, eggs, and milk, so check every label on the noodles and cheese.
Do not taste raw chicken juices. Do not taste anything that touched raw chicken, and wash your hands, board, and tools after handling it.
Check the temperature. Chicken is safe at 165 F, so use a thermometer in the thickest part.
Rest the chicken. Five minutes keeps the juices in.
Grate fresh parmesan. It melts more smoothly than pre grated.
Salt the water. It seasons the noodles.
Add lemon zest. It brightens the butter.
Check trusted guidance. Read the FDA safe food handling guidance for cooking and storing chicken safely.
For a creamier plate, stir a quarter cup of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese into the pot with the butter. For a lighter plate, use half the butter and finish with a squeeze of lemon. Either change keeps the dish quick to put together and easy to scale for a crowd.
You can swap the egg noodles for penne, linguine, or any pasta you have, and the chicken for thighs, which need a few extra minutes. Sliced mushrooms or frozen peas added to the skillet make it a more complete meal with little extra effort.
Storing Parmesan Chicken Buttered Noodles
Store the chicken and noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat the noodles in a skillet with a splash of water or milk, and warm the chicken in a covered pan or the microwave until it reaches 165 F. Freezing is possible for the chicken only.
Serving Ideas for Parmesan Chicken Buttered Noodles
Serve the chicken and noodles with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple salad. For more pasta and noodle dishes, try creamy garlic mushroom pasta, lemon garlic chicken pasta, garlic parmesan buttered noodles, or honey teriyaki chicken noodles.
FAQ About Parmesan Chicken Buttered Noodles
How long do parmesan chicken buttered noodles take?
About thirty minutes from start to finish.
Can you make parmesan chicken buttered noodles ahead of time?
Yes. Cook both parts a day early and reheat separately.
Can you freeze parmesan chicken buttered noodles?
Freeze only the chicken, since the noodles turn soft.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Cook them eight minutes per side.
Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes. Add a pinch more salt.
Parmesan Chicken Buttered Noodles
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Cooking
- Season. Season the chicken.
- Sear. Cook 6 minutes per side to 165 F and rest 5 minutes.
- Boil. Cook the noodles and drain.
- Toss. Toss the noodles with butter and parmesan.
- Serve. Slice the chicken and top with parsley.
