Description
This Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe combines creamy Parmesan-coated ramen noodles with tender, flavorful garlic butter chicken bites. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner, featuring a rich sauce and a hint of honey-sweetened garlic chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles and Sauce
- 2 packs of ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook ramen noodles according to the package directions, omitting the seasoning packets. Once cooked, drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Season Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika evenly on all sides.
- Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Garlic Butter to Chicken: Reduce heat to low. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the chicken in the skillet. Stir continuously until the garlic is fragrant and the chicken is well coated. If using, stir in the honey to add a slight sweetness.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the milk or heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt to taste. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly while stirring occasionally.
- Toss Noodles in Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the cream sauce pan. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Plate and Garnish: Serve the creamy noodles on plates or bowls, then top with the garlic butter chicken bites. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use heavy cream for a richer sauce, or milk for a lighter version.
- Honey is optional but adds a nice balance to the garlic butter taste on the chicken.
- For extra flavor, garnish with freshly ground black pepper or additional Parmesan cheese.
- Ensure not to overcook the garlic when sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
