Cafeteria Noodles are a nostalgic, creamy comfort food dish made with tender egg noodles simmered in a savory blend of chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, this simple dish is perfect as a side or a quick, satisfying meal on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a throwback to old-fashioned cafeteria-style cooking—simple, budget-friendly, and packed with comforting flavors. It’s quick to prepare and made in one pot, making cleanup easy. Whether served as a side with roast chicken or enjoyed on its own, it’s a cozy classic that’s sure to satisfy.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
12 oz egg noodles
-
4 tablespoons butter
-
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
-
2 cups chicken broth
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
directions
-
In a large pot, combine the butter, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and garlic powder. Stir and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
-
Add the uncooked egg noodles and stir to coat evenly in the liquid.
-
Reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.
-
Remove from heat and let sit for 3–5 minutes to allow the sauce to set.
-
Serve warm as a side dish or main course.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4–6 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: Around 20 minutes
Variations
-
Cheesy Version: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella before serving.
-
Chicken Add-In: Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier, protein-packed meal.
-
Creamier Option: Use ½ cup of heavy cream for extra richness.
-
Veggie Boost: Add peas, corn, or steamed broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking.
-
Herb Flavor: Sprinkle with dried thyme, parsley, or a pinch of black pepper for added depth.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring in between. Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cream of chicken soup?
Yes, homemade versions work well and may offer lower sodium and fresher flavor.
Do I need to cook the noodles separately?
No, the noodles cook directly in the sauce, making this a true one-pot recipe.
Can I use different noodles?
Egg noodles are best for texture, but rotini or small pasta shapes can be substituted.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s mild, creamy, and typically loved by kids.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking or clumping.
Can I add cooked meat to this recipe?
Yes, cooked chicken, turkey, or even ham can be added for a complete meal.
Is this dish vegetarian?
No, but you can use cream of mushroom soup and vegetable broth as alternatives.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but the noodles may absorb more sauce over time. Add extra broth when reheating.
What sides pair well with cafeteria noodles?
Serve with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or baked chicken for a full meal.
Can I use low-sodium soup and broth?
Absolutely, and it helps control the overall salt content of the dish.
Conclusion
Cafeteria Noodles are a timeless, comforting dish that’s easy to make and always satisfying. Whether you’re reminiscing about school lunches or just looking for a quick side dish, this creamy noodle recipe brings hearty, homestyle flavor to your table in under 30 minutes.
Print
Cafeteria Noodles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
Cafeteria Noodles are a nostalgic comfort food favorite—tender egg noodles simmered in a rich, buttery sauce made with cream of chicken soup and savory broth. Quick, creamy, and perfect as a cozy side or simple main dish.
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
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
-
Add egg noodles and cook until tender (follow package instructions), but do not drain.
-
Reduce heat to low and stir in butter, cream of chicken soup, and garlic powder.
-
Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and well combined.
-
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm as a side or main dish.
Notes
-
Add shredded chicken or diced veggies to make it a full meal.
-
Use homemade broth for extra flavor.
-
Leftovers reheat well—add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish / Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
