Cafeteria Noodles Recipe – glassika recipes

Cafeteria Noodles Recipe: Creamy, Comforting, and Easy to Make

If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, then you’ll love this Cafeteria Noodles recipe. This dish is a nostalgic favorite that reminds many of warm, hearty meals from classic school cafeterias. With buttery egg noodles coated in a savory, creamy sauce, it’s the perfect side dish or even a simple main course.

Made with just a few pantry staples, including egg noodles, butter, cream of chicken soup, and broth, this dish comes together quickly, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights. Whether you pair it with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or serve it as a stand-alone meal, these flavor-packed noodles are guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Introduction

Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. These Cafeteria Noodles are a classic comfort food, perfect for when you need a warm and hearty meal with minimal prep. With a silky, creamy texture and savory seasoning, this dish is incredibly rich and indulgent yet easy to make in under 30 minutes.

Unlike traditional pasta dishes, Cafeteria Noodles use egg noodles, which have a softer, chewier texture that soaks up the buttery, flavorful sauce. This recipe is budget-friendly, uses basic ingredients, and is perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re serving it as a quick family dinner, a comforting lunch, or a holiday side dish, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

To make this delicious and creamy Cafeteria Noodles recipe, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

Essential Ingredients:

12 oz egg noodles
4 tbsp butter
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper

How to Make Cafeteria Noodles

1. Cook the Egg Noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are tender but not mushy (usually about 6-8 minutes). Once done, drain and set aside.

2. Melt the Butter

In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn, allowing it to turn golden and fragrant.

3. Create the Creamy Sauce

To the melted butter, add the condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. The mixture should become smooth and creamy.

4. Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the sauce.

5. Combine the Noodles and Sauce

Add the cooked egg noodles to the sauce and gently stir to coat them in the rich, creamy mixture. Let the noodles simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat and serve immediately. For an extra indulgent touch, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Helpful Tips

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Egg noodles cook quickly, so be sure to drain them once they are tender to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Use High-Quality Butter: Since butter is a key ingredient, using real, high-quality butter will give your dish the best flavor.
Season to Taste: Taste the sauce before adding the noodles and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add more garlic, onion powder, or black pepper for extra flavor.
Make It Extra Creamy: For an even richer texture, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or sour cream before adding the noodles.
Upgrade with Protein: Turn this dish into a full meal by adding shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or sautéed mushrooms.

Cooking Tips

To make this recipe even better, consider these extra cooking tips:

Try Different Broths: If you prefer a different flavor, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth or beef broth for a deeper, richer taste.
Make It Cheesy: Add shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella to the sauce for an extra cheesy version.
Enhance the Flavor: A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce can add extra depth and spice.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy, buttery dish pairs well with many other recipes. Here are some delicious serving ideas:

Serve as a Side Dish – Pair it with grilled chicken, turkey, or meatloaf for a classic comfort meal.
Make it a Full Meal – Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or shredded chicken to turn it into a hearty entrée.
Pair with Vegetables – Serve with a side of roasted broccoli, green beans, or a fresh garden salad.
Holiday Favorite – This dish is an excellent Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish, complementing ham, turkey, or roasted meats beautifully.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Sodium: 450mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or butter to maintain the creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may dry out the sauce.
Freezing: While possible, freezing can change the texture of the noodles. If you do freeze it, reheat slowly with additional liquid to restore the creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it in advance and reheat before serving. Just add a little broth to bring back the creamy consistency.

Can I use homemade cream of chicken soup?
Absolutely! If you prefer to avoid canned soup, make a homemade version using chicken broth, flour, butter, and milk.

What can I substitute for egg noodles?
If you don’t have egg noodles, use fettuccine, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.

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Conclusion

Cafeteria Noodles are the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich, creamy, and buttery taste with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or a main meal, these easy and satisfying noodles will quickly become a family favorite. Try them today and enjoy a nostalgic, home-cooked meal that everyone will love! 🍜