Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Noodles

Creamy garlic butter chicken with noodles is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy Sundays, giving you restaurant quality flavor in less than an hour with only 10 minutes of prep time. This easy skillet pasta delivers irresistibly tender chicken in a rich garlic parmesan sauce, all tossed with silky egg noodles for a family meal everyone will crave. Whether you need a quick dinner idea or an easy weeknight meal to impress, this creamy pasta recipe is budget friendly and uses common pantry staples you likely already have at home.

When I first tried making this creamy garlic butter chicken with noodles, it was all about satisfying my craving for something rich and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. My kids devoured it, begging for seconds, which rarely happens on busy weekdays. It quickly became our favorite easy pasta dish for both last minute weeknight meals and special occasions, and I love that the combination of tender chicken, luscious creamy garlic sauce, and silky pasta always feels special yet totally doable with minimal effort and pantry friendly ingredients.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (for creamy garlic butter chicken): Cut into bite sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a tender bite every time, you can substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
• Unsalted butter: Delivers rich, creamy flavor and is essential for creating the decadent garlic butter base; opt for unsalted to control seasoning, or use plant based butter for a dairy free option.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps brown the chicken without burning while adding subtle fruity notes, and it pairs perfectly with the butter for sautéing.
• Fresh garlic cloves (minced): Brings bold, aromatic flavor that infuses both the chicken and sauce; always use fresh for the best results, though jarred garlic will work in a pinch.
• Onion powder and Italian seasoning: These pantry staples give savory depth and classic Italian herb notes; you can substitute with fresh herbs or omit if you prefer a simpler taste.
• Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Enhance all other flavors in the dish; be sure to season in layers for the most balanced taste.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Provides a flavorful, savory base for the sauce without overwhelming the dish with salt, and homemade broth works especially well.
• Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature silky texture and rich mouthfeel, but half and half or coconut cream can be used for a lighter or dairy free twist.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps naturally thicken the sauce; freshly grated is best for melting and taste, but pre grated works for convenience.
• Egg noodles (or substitute pasta): Silky egg noodles soak up every bit of sauce, but linguine, penne, or any gluten free pasta also work well for those with allergies.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Noodles

Sauté the Aromatics for Maximum Flavor:

Heat the olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium high heat until the butter melts and sizzles gently. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until each piece is golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Be sure the chicken develops slightly crispy edges with a juicy interior; then remove to a clean plate and keep warm.

Build the Savory Garlic Base:

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the same skillet. Stir in the minced fresh garlic, cooking for about 1 minute, until the garlic turns light golden and smells fragrant but not burnt. Scrape up any browned bits left from the chicken, as these will enrich the sauce and intensify the flavor profile.

Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any stuck bits. Bring to a gentle boil for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to concentrate slightly. Lower heat to medium low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce turns smooth, pale, and luxurious with no lumps remaining. Small bubbles should form along the edge as it thickens.

Simmer the Pasta to Perfection:

Add the uncooked egg noodles directly into the sauce, making sure they are well coated and mostly submerged. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The noodles should become tender yet slightly firm, and the sauce should thicken enough to coat each strand thoroughly.

Finish and Serve the Dish Warm:

Return the browned chicken along with any plate juices to the skillet. Gently toss to combine the chicken and noodles with the creamy garlic sauce, then heat for an additional 2 minutes over low flame. Check for seasoning, adjusting salt and pepper as needed, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color before serving hot.

I always use extra garlic for a punchier flavor and love how the sauce clings to every noodle strand, making it a favorite with the kids. One memorable evening, we enjoyed this creamy garlic butter chicken with noodles gathered around the table after a long day, and the warm aroma instantly turned the night into something special. With its flexibility for dietary needs and family preferences, it’s a staple in our meal rotation all year round.

Smart Swaps and Variations

If you need a gluten free version of creamy garlic butter chicken with noodles, simply use brown rice pasta or chickpea noodles and always check that your chicken broth is certified gluten free. For dairy free, substitute the cream with coconut cream and use a plant based parmesan or nutritional yeast to keep the sauce rich and flavorful. To lighten up the dish, try half and half instead of heavy cream, or toss in spinach and sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies and nutrition without losing the signature creamy texture.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Noodles

For best results, transfer leftover creamy garlic butter chicken with noodles to airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. The noodles will keep well in the fridge for up to four days and can be frozen for up to three months if you want to prep meals in advance. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to revive the creamy texture and gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each burst to keep the noodles from drying out.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken with Noodles

Pair creamy garlic butter chicken with noodles with a crisp arugula or mixed greens salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh contrast to the rich flavors. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots are excellent sides that bring color and nutrients to the table. For a complete meal, offer warm baguette slices or homemade garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of the velvety sauce, and consider a glass of chilled pinot grigio for special occasions.

Nutritional Benefits

This creamy garlic butter chicken with noodles recipe is high in lean protein from the chicken, which helps with muscle repair and keeps you satisfied. The addition of heavy cream and parmesan delivers a good amount of calcium for bone health, while the egg noodles provide steady energy with complex carbohydrates. Naturally nut free and soy free, you can make it gluten free or dairy free with a few easy ingredient swaps to fit different dietary needs.

Recipe Success Tips

If your sauce turns out too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes so it thickens up nicely without overcooking the noodles. Should cheese clump, always add freshly grated parmesan over low heat and stir continuously for the smoothest results. To prevent the chicken from becoming dry, remove it from the heat as soon as it is just cooked through, and stir the noodles regularly while simmering to ensure an even, velvety consistency throughout the dish.

This creamy garlic butter chicken with noodles is the easy, crowd pleasing dinner that feels restaurant worthy with every comforting bite. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen for delicious weeknight meals or special family moments.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. You can substitute with thighs for extra juiciness.

→ Can I use different noodles?

Yes, egg noodles or any pasta like fettuccine or penne will work well in the creamy sauce.

→ How do I make the sauce creamier?

Add more heavy cream or a splash of milk, and extra Parmesan cheese to enrich the sauce.

→ Is it possible to prepare ahead?

You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then reheat and add noodles just before serving.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Steamed vegetables, a green salad, or crusty bread complement the creamy chicken noodles perfectly.