Cafeteria Noodles
This easy recipe for buttery, creamy cafeteria noodles uses simple pantry staples for a quick, nostalgic side dish.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 800kcal
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 16 ounces egg noodles
- 10.5 ounce (1 can) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Add the chicken stock to a large pot and stir in the chicken bouillon cube. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the bouillon cube.4 cups chicken stock, 1 chicken bouillon cube
- Once boiling, add the egg noodles to the pot. Reduce heat slightly to maintain a steady boil and cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.16 ounces egg noodles
- When the noodles are cooked through, stir in the cream of chicken soup until fully combined. Bring the mixture back to a boil, stirring frequently.10.5 ounce (1 can) cream of chicken soup
- Lower the heat to low and stir in the unsalted butter until it melts and blends into the sauce.½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- Add the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well and taste, adjusting the seasonings as needed.1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Remove the pot from the heat and serve the noodles warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy!Fresh parsley
Notes
Storage:
- Store: Cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken stock or water to restore the creamy texture.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Make Ahead: Cook the noodles, stir in the soup and butter, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat with a bit of broth to loosen the sauce and finish with seasonings if needed.
- Add protein like chicken, ground beef, turkey or ham. Toss in veggies such as mushrooms, peas, broccoli or spinach for a complete meal.
- Too thick? Add a splash of warm chicken stock or water. Too thin? Simmer a bit longer after adding the soup.
- Stir in shredded cheddar, parmesan or mozzarella for an extra creamy, cheesy noodle dish.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce adds a subtle kick if you like a little heat.
Nutrition
Calories: 800kcal | Carbohydrates: 96g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 170mg | Sodium: 1714mg | Potassium: 592mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 923IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 4mg
