Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Tender Noodles (Print Version)

Make creamy garlic butter chicken with egg noodles! A comforting, rich dinner perfect for cozy nights. My easy recipe, including all my kitchen mishaps.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten

# Ingredients:

→ Main Stars

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 12 oz egg noodles

→ Flavor Foundation

03 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 6-8 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or more, if you're like me!)

→ Creamy Finish

06 - 1 cup chicken broth, low sodium
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Optional Enhancements

10 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
11 - Pinch of red pepper flakes, for a subtle kick

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. I like to pat my chicken breasts super dry with paper towels—this helps them get a lovely sear, which means more flavor! Then, I cut them into bite-sized pieces, about an inch or so. Season them generously with salt and pepper; honestly, this is where I always forget and then have to add more later. Don't be like me! You want to see that seasoning coating every piece.
02 - Now, get a large skillet or Dutch oven heating over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, and once it’s shimmering, toss in your chicken. Don't overcrowd the pan, hon, otherwise, it’ll steam instead of sear. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust on all sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s cooked through, remove the chicken to a plate and set it aside. See those browned bits in the pan? That’s flavor gold for our sauce!
03 - Reduce the heat to medium, and melt the butter in the same pan. All those browned bits from the chicken? They’ll loosen up and infuse into the butter – pure deliciousness! Add your minced garlic and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. You want it fragrant and slightly golden, not burnt! I’ve definitely burned garlic before, and let me tell you, that bitter smell is hard to get rid of. Keep an eye on it!
04 - Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together until it’s smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. This is where the magic of our **creamy garlic butter chicken sauce** really comes alive! I love watching it transform into this luscious, velvety pool. Season with a little more salt and pepper to taste here; remember, you’re building layers of flavor.
05 - Return the seared chicken back to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat every piece in that glorious **creamy garlic butter chicken** goodness. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, just so the chicken can warm through and really soak up all those amazing flavors. While this is happening, I usually get my egg noodles boiling in a separate pot of salted water. Remember, this is where I always forget to salt the water, oops!
06 - Once your egg noodles are cooked to al dente perfection, drain them and add them directly to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are thoroughly coated. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it even more decadent. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. The aroma at this point? Honestly, it’s heavenly!

# Notes:

01 - Always reserve some pasta water; it’s liquid gold for loosening up the sauce if it gets too thick.
02 - Reheating on the stovetop over low heat is best for leftovers; microwaving can separate the sauce, learned that the hard way!
03 - If you're out of heavy cream, half-and-half can work in a pinch, but the sauce won't be quite as rich.
04 - A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette really balances the richness of this dish.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 - large pot for noodles
03 - cutting board
04 - knife
05 - whisk

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 650 Calories
Total Fat: 45g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 30g