Cafeteria Noodles Recipe
Introduction
Cafeteria Noodles are a comforting and creamy classic that brings nostalgia to the dinner table. Made with simple ingredients like chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and egg noodles, this dish is both easy and satisfying for any night of the week.
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 the chicken broth or stock, chicken bouillon, and condensed cream of chicken soup until fully incorporated and smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 2: Add the egg noodles, stirring to coat them evenly in the broth mixture. Reduce the heat to medium and let the noodles cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Step 3: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the salted butter until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: If desired, stir in dried or fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, substitute half of the chicken broth with milk or cream.
- You can swap egg noodles for other pasta shapes like rotini or bowties if preferred.
- Add cooked shredded chicken or vegetables like peas or carrots to make it a heartier meal.
- Fresh parsley can brighten the dish more than dried parsley if you have it on hand.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chicken broth for this recipe?
Yes, homemade chicken broth works wonderfully and adds more depth of flavor to the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of Cafeteria Noodles?
You can make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and a vegetarian-friendly bouillon, along with a creamy mushroom soup or a dairy-based alternative to cream of chicken soup.
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Cafeteria Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and creamy cafeteria-style noodle dish made with tender egg noodles simmered in a rich chicken broth and condensed cream of chicken soup. This easy-to-make recipe yields hearty noodles coated in a velvety butter sauce, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Broth Mixture
- 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)
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the 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.
- Cook the noodles: Add the egg noodles to the boiling broth, stirring well to coat them evenly in the mixture. Reduce the heat to medium and let the noodles cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender, which should take about 10-12 minutes.
- Add butter for creaminess: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the salted butter until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season and serve: If desired, stir in dried or fresh parsley for added flavor and color. Adjust salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the noodles hot for the best experience.
Notes
- For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium chicken broth and low-sodium cream of chicken soup.
- Egg noodles can be substituted with any pasta of your choice, but cooking times may vary.
- Adding fresh parsley instead of dried yields a brighter herb flavor.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cafeteria noodles, creamy noodles, egg noodles, chicken broth noodles, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy chicken noodles
