These Classic Cafeteria Noodles are taking TikTok by storm, and for good reason! This nostalgic recipe brings back memories of comforting school lunches from our childhood. Incredibly easy to prepare with just a few basic ingredients, these creamy, flavorful cafeteria noodles are ready in less than 20 minutes. Perfect as a side dish or as a main course with a few additions, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
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CAFETERIA NOODLES: A CLASSIC, FLAVORFUL SIDE DISH
Don’t be fooled by their simple appearance – these noodles are packed with flavor! The combination of chicken bouillon, cream soup, and butter creates a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta. What makes this recipe so special is precisely its simplicity which takes nothing away from its exquisite taste.
I discovered this recipe years ago during a meal at my grandmother’s house, and it’s become a staple in our home. These creamy cafeteria noodles pair perfectly with virtually any protein – roast chicken, meatballs, or even a simple steak. They’ve become our go-to solution on evenings when time is short but we still want a hearty, comforting meal.
What’s fascinating about this noodles recipe is that it spans generations. Many people immediately recognize it from their school cafeterias growing up, hence the evocative name “Cafeteria Noodles.” But unlike some school culinary memories, this one is positively delicious!
INGREDIENTS BREAKDOWN
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of what you’ll need to make authentic cafeteria noodles at home:
| Essential Ingredients | Quantity | Substitution Options |
|---|---|---|
| Egg noodles | 8 oz | Penne, farfalle, rotini |
| Cream of chicken soup | 1 can | Cream of mushroom or celery soup |
| Butter | 4 Tbsp | Margarine or olive oil |
| Chicken bouillon cube | 1 cube | 2 Tbsp powdered bouillon or broth |
| Water | 2 cups | Chicken broth (omit bouillon if using) |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Garlic salt, herbs |
| Fresh parsley (garnish) | Optional | Chives or green onions |
These simple ingredients combine to create that unmistakable cafeteria noodles flavor that’s been beloved for generations. The best part? You probably already have most of these items in your pantry!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I add meat or vegetables to these noodles?
Absolutely! This cafeteria noodles recipe is extremely versatile. To make it a complete dish, add cooked shredded chicken, diced ham, or even drained tuna. For vegetables, peas, diced carrots, or sautéed mushrooms integrate perfectly with the creamy texture.
Can I use other types of noodles for noodles?
Yes! While egg noodles give the most authentic texture for traditional cafeteria noodles, you can use short pasta like farfalle, penne, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta chosen.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup for my noodles?
Cream of mushroom soup is an excellent substitute in cafeteria noodles. You can also use cream of celery soup or even a mixture of half sour cream, half broth for a homemade alternative.
Where does the name ” Noodles” come from?
This name comes from the fact that this recipe was (and still is) commonly served in American school cafeterias. Its popularity stems from its ease of preparation in large quantities and its taste appreciated by most children.
How can I make these noodles less salty?
Opt for reduced-sodium ingredients: low-sodium cream of chicken soup, low-sodium chicken broth, and unsalted butter will make your cafeteria noodles healthier without sacrificing flavor.
What proteins can I add to make noodles a complete meal?
Diced grilled chicken, ham, turkey, tuna, or even chopped hard-boiled eggs are excellent options to enhance your cafeteria noodles. For a vegetarian version, try roasted chickpeas or sautéed tofu.
What goes well?
They pair perfectly with simple grilled meat, such as chicken, pork chops, or beef. Add a green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal alongside your cafeteria noodles.
Can I add garlic to cafeteria noodles?
Definitely! One or two minced garlic cloves, sautéed in butter before adding the other ingredients, bring an additional depth of flavor to your cafeteria noodles.
How do I store leftover cafeteria noodles?
Store cafeteria noodles in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a little water or milk to restore the original creamy consistency.
HOW TO MAKE PERFECT CAFETERIA NOODLES
Making these cafeteria noodles is child’s play, which explains why they’re so popular for quick weeknight meals!
Start by bringing the water to a boil in a large pot. Add the chicken bouillon cube and stir until completely dissolved. This step is crucial for infusing all the water with that rich chicken flavor that characterizes cafeteria noodles.
Next, add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until tender but still slightly firm. The secret to perfect cafeteria noodles is cooking them al dente, as they’ll continue to absorb some liquid once the sauce is added.
While the noodles cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, incorporate the cream of chicken soup and whisk until smooth. This combination creates the creamy base that will coat your cafeteria noodles.
When the noodles are cooked, drain them while reserving about 1/4 cup of cooking water. This water, loaded with pasta starch and bouillon, helps bind the sauce to the cafeteria noodles. Return the noodles to the pot.
Pour the butter and cream sauce over the drained noodles and gently mix to coat each strand well. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved cooking water until you reach the desired consistency for your cafeteria noodles.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, tasting first because the cafeteria noodles already contain plenty of flavor from the bouillon and soup.
Serve immediately, garnished with a little fresh chopped parsley if desired, to add a touch of color and freshness to this comforting dish of cafeteria noodles.
PERFECT PAIRINGS
Here’s what to serve with your cafeteria noodles for a complete, satisfying meal:
| Main Dishes | Side Dishes | Vegetables |
|---|---|---|
| Baked chicken | Garlic bread | Steamed broccoli |
| Meatloaf | Dinner rolls | Green beans |
| Pork chops | Cornbread | Roasted carrots |
| Beef stew | Biscuits | Sautéed spinach |
| Grilled salmon | Garlic toast | Asparagus |
| Chicken tenders | Breadsticks | Corn on the cob |
These combinations will help you create a meal that’s both balanced and delicious, with cafeteria noodles as the star side dish!
Classic Cafeteria Noodles Recipe
These creamy and flavorful cafeteria noodles are a comforting side dish reminiscent of school cafeteria lunches, but much better! Simple and quick to prepare.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 2 cups water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the bouillon cube and stir until dissolved.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until tender but still slightly firm.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Incorporate the cream of chicken soup and whisk until smooth.
- Drain the noodles, reserving about 1/4 cup of cooking water. Return the noodles to the pot.
- Pour the butter and cream sauce over the noodles and gently mix to coat them well.
- If necessary, add some of the reserved cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Video
Watch the video on how to prepare Cafeteria Noodles
Notes
- For more flavor, try adding 1-2 minced garlic cloves, sautéed in butter before incorporating the soup.
- See the FAQ section for ideas on variations and substitutions for your cafeteria noodles.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 320 kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 890mg | Potassium: 110mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only.
Have you tried this cafeteria noodles recipe? Share your creations on Instagram and tag us @blog_name!
About the Author
Passionate about cooking since I was young, I love sharing simple yet delicious recipes that bring families together around the table. When I’m not testing new recipes in my kitchen, you’ll probably find me gardening or exploring local markets in search of fresh ingredients.
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