Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and works beautifully with the butter sauce. Just warm it up with the sauce before mixing with the noodles.

What’s the best pasta shape for buttered noodles?

Small shells are classic, but you can also use egg noodles, bowtie (farfalle), or even rotini. Just make sure the pasta holds onto the buttery sauce well.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap in gluten-free pasta and ensure your bouillon and seasonings are gluten-free certified. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely. The mild, buttery flavor and tender chicken make it a hit with even the pickiest eaters. You can leave out garlic or paprika for a milder version.

Chicken and Buttered Noodles – Best 30-Min Dinner Recipe

Name: Chicken and Buttered Noodles
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 8 oz small pasta shells; 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder (for pasta); 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter; 2 tsp chicken bouillon powder (for sauce); 2 tsp minced garlic; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; Chopped parsley, for garnish; Salt and pepper, to taste

Description

Chicken and Buttered Noodles is a quick and comforting dinner recipe featuring tender, seasoned chicken served over buttery, garlic-parmesan pasta shells. A perfect weeknight meal ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
8 oz small pasta shells
1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder (for pasta)
1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter
2 tsp chicken bouillon powder (for sauce)
2 tsp minced garlic
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley, for garnish
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss cubed chicken in the seasoning mix.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bouillon powder and pasta. Cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
In the same pot, melt butter and stir in bouillon powder and garlic. Cook for 1 minute.
Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the pot and stir to combine.
Add drained noodles and parmesan cheese. Toss to coat. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Fold in cooked chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with parsley and additional parmesan. Serve warm.

Notes

Use rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time.
Try different pasta shapes like bowtie or egg noodles for variation.
Add vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
Store chicken and noodles separately to maintain texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 578
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 120mg