If you’re searching for a comforting yet bright and flavorful meal, this Chicken with Buttered Lemon Parmesan Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. It balances tender, juicy chicken breasts with rich, buttery noodles that are kissed by zesty lemon and sharp Parmesan cheese. Every bite offers a delicious harmony of creamy textures and vibrant tang that feels both indulgent and fresh, perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward but plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the juicy chicken to the luscious buttered noodles with their hint of lemon and Parmesan.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized breasts for consistent cooking and juicy results.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the chicken beautifully and adding subtle fruitiness.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the skillet sauce, perfect for deglazing.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Provides a bright, acidic kick that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and lovely color contrast.
- 1 package (12 ounces) egg noodles: The perfect tender base to soak up buttery, cheesy goodness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates that rich, silky coating on the noodles everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty sharpness that pairs beautifully with butter and lemon.
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced: Infuses the noodles with aromatic flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
How to Make Chicken with Buttered Lemon Parmesan Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step boosts their natural flavors and ensures every bite is juicy and savory.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook them until they develop a gorgeous golden crust, about 6-7 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and builds the foundation for your delicious sauce.
Step 3: Create the Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
After removing the chicken, pour chicken broth and lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom—those bits pack incredible flavor! Let the mixture simmer and reduce slightly for roughly 3 minutes, concentrating the tangy, savory sauce you’ll coat the chicken with.
Step 4: Return Chicken to the Pan
Place the chicken back in the skillet and spoon the sauce over the breasts. Cover the pan and keep it on low heat to stay warm and allow the chicken to soak up those bright flavors.
Step 5: Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles following package instructions until just al dente. This ensures the noodles have a slight bite and aren’t mushy, making them perfect for tossing with butter and cheese.
Step 6: Butter the Noodles
Drain the noodles and return them to the pot while still hot. Immediately add the unsalted butter, tossing until melted and the noodles get evenly coated in a glossy butter layer that enhances every forkful.
Step 7: Add Parmesan and Garlic
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic thoroughly. The cheese melts into the noodles, creating creamy, cheesy strands scented with the warm, inviting aroma of garlic that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
Step 8: Plate and Garnish
Serve the buttered noodles on each plate, topping them with the golden chicken breasts. Drizzle any remaining lemony sauce over the chicken and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley to add color and a fresh pop.
How to Serve Chicken with Buttered Lemon Parmesan Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is key for a bright, herbaceous garnish that keeps things lively on the plate. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan or a lemon wedge on the side to emphasize the dish’s zesty highlights and invite guests to customize their flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp greens like a simple arugula salad with olive oil and lemon or steamed green beans for crunch and color contrast without overpowering the main flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, twirl the noodles onto the center of the plate with tongs to create a neat nest, then place the chicken on top. Adding a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and extra parmesan will give it a restaurant-quality vibe that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days and maintain their flavors well if kept chilled properly.
Freezing
This Chicken with Buttered Lemon Parmesan Noodles Recipe doesn’t freeze as well due to the delicate texture of the noodles and sauce, which can become watery or soggy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to revive the noodles’ moisture and prevent drying out. Cover the pan to warm the chicken through evenly without overcooking it.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta with this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and perfect for soaking up butter and cheese, fettuccine, linguine, or even small shells can work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep your noodles al dente.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil, and swap Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. The lemon and garlic flavors still shine bright without dairy.
Is it possible to cook this in one pan?
Yes, with some multitasking you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce in the same skillet, but the noodles are best cooked separately to ensure they don’t stick or overcook in the sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Chicken thighs can be a delicious alternative, offering extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked thoroughly and tender.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays moist?
Don’t overcook the chicken during the searing step and be sure to cover it in the sauce over low heat to keep it juicy and tender. Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F can help.
Final Thoughts
There is something so reassuring and delightful about this Chicken with Buttered Lemon Parmesan Noodles Recipe. It’s a cozy, flavorful meal that feels special yet effortless, perfect for any night of the week. I encourage you to give it a try—you might find it quickly becoming one of your favorite go-to dinners that never fails to satisfy!
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Chicken with Buttered Lemon Parmesan Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe combines tender, pan-seared chicken breasts cooked in a savory lemon and chicken broth sauce, served atop rich and creamy buttered egg noodles mixed with Parmesan and garlic. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners with a simple yet elegant presentation.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
For the Buttered Noodles
- 1 package (12 ounces) egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their flavor and prepare them for cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.
- Make Sauce: Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer for about 3 minutes until slightly reduced and concentrated.
- Coat Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and coat them with the sauce. Cover the skillet and keep warm over low heat to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook Noodles: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return noodles to the pot.
- Butter the Noodles: Add butter to the hot noodles, tossing until fully melted and noodles are evenly coated for a rich texture.
- Add Parmesan and Garlic: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic thoroughly to infuse the noodles with savory flavors.
- Serve: Plate the buttered noodles and top with the cooked chicken breasts. Drizzle remaining sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
- You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley if unavailable.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best taste and texture.
- Serve immediately to enjoy noodles at their creamiest texture.
