These creamy, buttery egg noodles are reminiscent of the comforting cafeteria meals we all know and love. Cafeteria Noodles a simple, flavorful, and quick to whip up, this dish brings a nostalgic twist to any mealtime. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, these noodles are sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
12 oz egg noodles
4 tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, mixing until smooth.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine.
Return the cooked noodles to the pot and toss them in the sauce until fully coated.
Let the noodles sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Storage/Reheating
To store any leftover cafeteria noodles, I recommend placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a quick 1-2 minutes, or heat them on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to loosen up the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! While egg noodles work wonderfully in this recipe, you can swap them for any type of pasta you prefer, such as rotini, fettuccine, or penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free egg noodles and checking that your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free. There are many great gluten-free pasta options available that will work perfectly here.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply swap the cream of chicken soup for a vegetarian or plant-based version and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the ingredients should work just as well!
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! I like to add frozen peas, carrots, or even some sautéed mushrooms to make this dish a bit heartier. Just toss them in with the noodles for a delicious addition.
Is there a way to make the sauce creamier?
For an even creamier texture, you can stir in a little heavy cream or sour cream when mixing the soup and broth. This will give the sauce an extra rich and velvety texture.
Conclusion
Cafeteria noodles are one of those recipes that I turn to when I want something comforting and simple. The creamy, buttery sauce perfectly coats the noodles, and it's a dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but tasty enough to feel like a treat. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, I can make a bowl of nostalgic goodness in no time. Whether you’re looking to relive childhood memories or just need a cozy meal, these noodles are sure to satisfy.
Recipe:
Cafeteria Noodles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cafeteria Noodles are a nostalgic, creamy, and buttery dish made with egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. It’s an easy, flavorful comfort food that brings back memories of school cafeteria lunches. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, whether for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
12 oz egg noodles
4 tbsp butter
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups chicken broth
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, mixing until smooth.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Return the cooked noodles to the pot and toss them in the sauce until fully coated.
- Let the noodles sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free egg noodles and check that the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
You can swap in different types of pasta, such as rotini, penne, or fettuccine, instead of egg noodles.
For a creamier sauce, stir in heavy cream or sour cream.
Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms for extra flavor and heartiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
