Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Buttered Noodles:
- 12 oz fettuccine or egg noodles
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Fettuccine and egg noodles both work beautifully for this dish, so use whichever you prefer. Boil them in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the noodles are cooking, season your chicken tenders generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You want to make sure every bite of the chicken is flavorful. If you’re using larger chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces or strips to make them easier to cook.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as tenders can dry out quickly.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat slightly and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan. As the butter melts, add the minced garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. You want the garlic to infuse the butter without burning, so keep a close eye on it.
Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Noodles
Toss the cooked chicken in the garlic butter sauce to coat it well, then set the chicken aside. In the same pan, add the drained noodles, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the noodles are coated with butter and the cheese has melted into the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Plate the noodles first, then top them with the garlic butter chicken. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve the dish hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken tenders cook quickly, so keep an eye on them while they’re in the pan. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, which would take away from the dish’s overall flavor.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to getting that rich, aromatic flavor in the sauce. Pre-minced garlic from a jar just doesn’t compare, so take the extra few minutes to chop it yourself.
- Butter is Important: Since butter is a central flavor in this dish, I recommend using unsalted, high-quality butter. It really makes a difference in the richness of the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 620
- Sodium: 850
- Protein: 38