Cafeteria Noodles Recipe
Introduction
Cafeteria Noodles are a comforting, creamy dish that’s simple to make and full of familiar flavors. With tender egg noodles simmered in a rich chicken broth and creamy sauce, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal that satisfies everyone.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon zero salt chicken bouillon (or 1 chicken bouillon cube)
- 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup (low-sodium or regular)
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium-high heat, whisk together chicken broth, chicken bouillon, and condensed cream of chicken soup until fully combined and smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 2: Add the egg noodles to the boiling broth, stirring to coat them well. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 3: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the salted butter until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Step 4: If you like, stir in dried or fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding cooked shredded chicken or sautéed mushrooms before adding the butter.
- Use fresh parsley if available for a brighter herb flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the noodles simmer a little longer to reduce the liquid.
- Swap egg noodles for wide pasta like pappardelle or fettuccine if you want a different texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir well before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth will work well as a substitute, making this dish suitable for vegetarians with some ingredient adjustments.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free egg noodles or pasta and ensure your chicken bouillon and soup are gluten-free labelled to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Print
Cafeteria Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cafeteria Noodles is a comforting and creamy noodle dish made with egg noodles simmered in a savory chicken broth and soup mixture. This easy stovetop recipe combines condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and butter for a rich, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the tender noodles. Finished with a touch of parsley, it’s a nostalgic and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or cozy lunch.
Ingredients
Bouillon and Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth or chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon zero salt chicken bouillon (or 1 chicken bouillon cube)
Soup Base
- 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup (low-sodium or regular)
Pasta and Seasoning
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare broth mixture: In a large pot over medium-high heat, whisk together the chicken broth or stock, chicken bouillon, and condensed cream of chicken soup until fully incorporated and smooth. Bring this mixture to a boil to prepare the cooking base for the noodles.
- Cook the noodles: Add the egg noodles to the boiling broth mixture, stirring to coat them evenly. Reduce the heat to medium and allow the noodles to cook, stirring occasionally, until they become tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add butter for creaminess: Once the noodles are cooked through, stir in the salted butter until it melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, thoroughly coating the noodles.
- Season and serve: If desired, stir in the dried parsley for a hint of herbaceous flavor. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the noodles hot for the best comforting experience.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute chicken broth with homemade stock.
- Low-sodium chicken broth and condensed soup can be used to control salt content.
- If fresh parsley is available, it can replace dried parsley for a fresher taste.
- Egg noodles can be substituted with any other pasta of similar size, like rotini or penne.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute chicken broth and bouillon with vegetable broth and vegetarian bouillon.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cafeteria noodles, creamy noodles, chicken noodle recipe, easy stovetop noodles, comfort food, egg noodles, chicken soup noodles
