Name: Chicken and Buttered Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Chicken breast (cubed); 1 tsp Onion powder; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Black pepper; 1/2 tsp Paprika; 1 tbsp Cooking oil; 8 oz Pasta shells; 1 tsp Chicken bouillon powder; 4 tbsp Butter; 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

A Bowl of Comfort

My grandkids call this my hug in a bowl meal. It is so simple and warm. The buttery noodles and tender chicken just make everything feel better.

I made this for my daughter when she came home from her first sleepover. She was so tired. One bite and she smiled. That is why this matters. Good food can fix a tired heart.

A Little Secret for the Chicken

Do not skip the paprika. It gives the chicken a pretty golden color. It is not spicy, I promise. It just adds a warm, cozy flavor.

I still laugh at that. The first time I used it, my husband thought I became a fancy chef. Tossing the chicken in the spices is the best part. What is your favorite spice to cook with?

The Magic of Pasta Water

Here is my biggest tip. Always save a cup of the starchy pasta water. It looks cloudy and plain. But it is magic for your sauce.

When you add it to the butter and garlic, the sauce gets creamy. It clings to every single noodle. Fun fact: The starch in the water helps thicken the sauce without using flour. Does that not sound amazing?

Putting It All Together

Now comes the fun part. You get to build your bowl. I like to make a little nest of noodles first. Then I pile the juicy chicken right on top.

A little sprinkle of parsley makes it look special. The smell fills the whole kitchen. That is why this matters. Cooking this meal shows your family you care. Do you like to eat from a bowl or a plate?

Your Turn in the Kitchen

This recipe is perfect for a first-time cook. You can not really mess it up. If the sauce is too thick, just add more pasta water.

I love hearing your stories. Did you try this with a different pasta shape? Tell me all about it. I read every one.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Chicken, cubed	1 lb	Coated with onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika
Oil	1 tbsp	For cooking the chicken
Pasta shells	12 oz	Or pasta of choice
Chicken bouillon powder	1 tsp + 1 tsp	Divided; for the noodles and the sauce
Butter	4 tbsp	For the garlic butter sauce
Garlic, minced	2 cloves
Reserved pasta water	½ – 1 cup	Adjust to reach desired sauce consistency
Parmesan cheese, grated	½ cup	Plus more for garnish
Parsley	For garnish	Optional

A Cozy Bowl of Comfort

This recipe always reminds me of my grandson, Leo. He calls it “Sunshine Pasta.” The golden chicken and buttery noodles just make him smile. I love how simple it is for a busy weeknight. You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen right now. Doesn’t that make life easier? Let’s get cooking together.

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Let’s start with our chicken. Mix your onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl. Toss your cubed chicken in those lovely spices. Make sure each piece gets a little coat. It’s like getting the chicken dressed for dinner. I still laugh at how my apron gets more spice on it than the chicken sometimes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a little oil in a skillet. Cook your chicken for about 10 minutes. Turn it halfway through. You want it golden brown and cooked all the way. (A hard-learned tip: Don’t crowd the pan! The chicken steams instead of browning.) Doesn’t that smell amazing already? It fills the whole house with a warm hug.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Now, for the noodles. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder. This is our secret for extra flavor. Stir in your pasta shells and cook them until they’re tender. Before you drain them, save a cup of that starchy water. We’ll need it for our magic sauce later.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Let’s make the garlic butter sauce. Use the same pot you cooked the noodles in. Melt your butter with another teaspoon of bouillon. Add the minced garlic and cook for just one minute. You’ll know it’s ready by the wonderful smell. Now, pour in half a cup of that pasta water you saved. It will bubble and thicken beautifully.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Time to bring it all together. Put the drained noodles back into the pot. Sprinkle in your parmesan cheese. Give everything a good toss. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more pasta water. This makes it silky and perfect. What’s your favorite pasta shape for holding sauce? Share below! Finally, top those gorgeous noodles with the cooked chicken. A little parsley on top makes it pretty.

Let’s Mix It Up!

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s always welcome, but sometimes it’s fun to change its outfit. Here are a few ways to play with your food. I think it’s wonderful to make a recipe your own. It becomes a little piece of your family’s story.

Veggie Power: Swap the chicken for mushrooms and zucchini. They get so tasty in the garlic butter.
A Little Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It gives you a lovely, warm tingle.
Spring Garden: Stir in a handful of fresh peas and chopped asparagus with the noodles. So fresh and green!

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Plate

Now, how shall we serve our masterpiece? I love using a shallow bowl for this one. It keeps everything cozy. A simple green salad on the side is just perfect. The crisp lettuce is a nice change from the soft noodles. Or try some steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon. So bright and tasty.

For a drink, a cold glass of apple cider is wonderful. It’s sweet and tangy. For the grown-ups, a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio pairs nicely. It’s light and doesn’t overpower our buttery sauce. A happy meal deserves a happy drink, don’t you think?

Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Sunshine Pasta Cozy

This dish stores beautifully for a happy tomorrow. Let your leftovers cool completely first. Then pop them in a sealed container in the fridge. They will stay good for three days. I once sent some home with my neighbor, Jan. She ate it for lunch two days later and said it was still wonderful.

You can also freeze it for a rainy day. Freeze the chicken and noodles in a single layer on a tray. Then transfer them to a freezer bag. This keeps them from sticking together in a big block. Knowing you have a homemade meal ready is a true comfort. It turns a stressful day into a simple one.

To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to a skillet. Warm it over medium-low heat, stirring gently. This brings back the saucy texture perfectly. The microwave works too, just cover the bowl. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Hiccups

We all have little kitchen troubles sometimes. Do not worry. They are easy to fix. I remember when I first cooked chicken. I put too much in the pan. It steamed and did not turn golden brown. Now I cook it in two batches. This gives every piece a beautiful color.

Is your sauce too thick? Just add more of that saved pasta water. A little splash makes it silky again. Is it too thin? Let it cook for one more minute. It will thicken right up. Getting the sauce just right builds your cooking confidence. It shows you are in charge of your meal.

Another common issue is bland flavor. The secret is to season each part. Do not be shy with the salt in the pasta water. And always taste your food before serving. This makes sure every bite is full of flavor. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Check your bouillon powder is gluten-free too.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?

A: You can cook the chicken and noodles a day ahead. Keep them separate in the fridge. Make the sauce fresh when you are ready to eat.

Q: What can I use instead of paprika?

A: A little dried thyme or oregano works nicely. It will taste different, but still delicious.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Of course! Just use a bigger pot for the noodles. You might need to cook the chicken in more batches.

Q: Is the parsley important?

A: It is optional but lovely. It adds a fresh little pop of color and flavor. Which tip will you try first?

Share Your Kitchen Creations

I hope this recipe brings warmth to your table. Cooking for people is one of my greatest joys. It is a way to say I care about you without any words. I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Your little changes become your family’s new traditions.

*Fun fact: The starchy pasta water is a chef’s secret. It helps the sauce stick to every noodle.* Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I would be so delighted to see your Sunshine Pasta. It makes my day to see your photos. Happy cooking!

—Fiona Brooks.