Savory Chicken Topped Buttered Pasta is a comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken cubes served over a bed of creamy, butter-infused noodles. It’s a delightful upgrade from the usual side of buttered noodles, transforming it into a hearty main course that the whole family will adore.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken: The recipe is best with chicken breasts, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative as they lend more juiciness.
- Seasonings: Simple seasonings such as onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika are used to enhance the chicken’s flavor.
- Pasta: Small shell pasta is recommended due to its ability to hold and absorb the butter sauce well. Feel free to use any pasta you have or even homemade shaped noodles.
- Chicken Bouillon: This is used in both the pasta cooking water and the garlic butter sauce for added depth of flavor. You can substitute with crushed bouillon cubes if needed.
- Butter Sauce: A key component, made with a stick of salted butter (unsalted works too), more bouillon powder, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred for its melting quality and flavor, though any Parmesan you have on hand will work. It’s optional, so you can omit it if not available.
Why Reserve Pasta Water?
Reserving pasta water is a culinary trick that enriches the dish by enhancing the flavor and texture of the sauce. The starch-laden water adds a silky consistency to the sauce, ensuring it clings to every noodle, and intensifies the savory notes of the dish.
Protein Variations
If chicken isn’t your preference or you’re looking for variety, consider these alternatives:
- Shrimp: Sautéed and seasoned shrimp make a delightful seafood variation.
- Beef: Add seared slices of seasoned beef for a robust flavor.
- Pork: Cooked with your favorite spices, pork can offer a delicious twist.
- Tofu: A great vegetarian option that can be marinated and sautéed.
- Bacon: Crumbled bacon can add a smoky richness to the dish.
Storing Chicken and Buttered Pasta
To store, allow the dish to cool completely. Store the noodles and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound (453 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (227 g) small pasta shells
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) salted butter
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish (optional)
- Parsley, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, mix onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Coat the chicken cubes evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Tent to keep warm.
Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bouillon powder and pasta, cooking until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water, then drain the rest. Set noodles aside.
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same pot used for noodles, melt butter with bouillon powder. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ½ cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water, stirring to combine.
- Toss in the noodles and Parmesan, adding more pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
To Serve:
- Plate the buttered noodles and top with the cooked chicken.
- Garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
This recipe provides a full-flavored and comforting dish that’s perfect for any family dinner, ensuring a satisfying experience with every bite.
