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You know those viral TikTok cafeteria noodles everyone’s talking about? Well, I finally gave them a whirl, and they’re absolutely scrumptious!

Tender egg noodles are swimming in a rich, creamy chicken-flavored sauce.

Creamy homemade cafeteria noodles garnished with parsley. - 3

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It’s like a cozy throwback to those old-school cafeteria lunches but with a creamy, indulgent twist.

Make them tonight and see what all the hype is about!

Why You’ll Love These Cafeteria Noodles

Quick & Easy: With a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up this dish in a jiff. Perfect for getting a hot meal on the table on busy weeknights. Nostalgic Comfort: This recipe brings back fond memories of grade-school cafeteria lunches. You’ll love sharing this dish with your family! Budget-Friendly: Calling for affordable ingredients like egg noodles and canned soup, this recipe stretches your dollar. Creamy Indulgence: The chicken stock, cream of chicken soup, and butter create a rich, velvety, indulgent flavor. It’s like buttered noodles but elevated!

Ingredients

  • Extra Wide Egg Noodles: You can’t have cafeteria noodles without them! They provide the perfect base for the creamy, savory sauce.
  • Chicken Stock: For cooking the noodles and infusing the dish with an extra savory flavor.
  • Chicken Bouillon Cube: The ideal flavor booster! This concentrated flavor bomb enhances the savory chicken flavor.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: The secret to the creamy texture and rich flavor.
  • Salted Butter: Use salted butter. It adds richness and helps create a velvety sauce.
  • Garlic Powder and Fresh Parsley: They add more savoriness and freshness to the dish.
Cafeteria noodles mixed with a bit of butter and herbs in a deep pot. - 4

How to Make Cafeteria Noodles

This dish is so easy to make. With a few pantry staples and simple steps, you can have it ready in no time.

  1. Prepare the broth. Bring the chicken stock and bouillon cube to a boil. 2. Cook the noodles. Add the egg noodles. Allow the stock to return to a boil. 3. Add the seasonings. Stir in the cream of chicken soup and garlic powder. Boil for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. 4. Stir in the butter. Take the pot off the heat. Add the butter and stir. 5. Rest the noodles. Place a lid on the pot. Let the noodles sit for a few minutes. 6. Garnish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. 7. Serve. Serve hot and enjoy.
Creamy and buttery homemade cafeteria noodles in a white plate. - 5

Tips for the Best Cafeteria Noodles

But before getting started, I recommend checking out these helpful tips.

  • Swap the pasta. Out of egg noodles? Use a different pasta shape. Just note that cooking times may vary.
  • Pack in some protein. For a protein boost, add cooked chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience. You can also add sausage.
  • Go vegetarian. Use vegetable stock, vegetable bouillon, and cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken.
  • Toss in some veggies. For a nutrient boost, add veggies to the pot. Broccoli, peas, bell peppers, and mushrooms all pair well.
  • Boost the flavor. Enhance the flavor with aromatics, spices, and freshly grated cheese. Try Parmesan, fresh garlic, paprika, dried basil, and red pepper chili flakes.
  • Make it a perfect pairing. Serve cafeteria noodles alongside roasted meats, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
A serving of cafeteria noodles with a light gravy sauce, ready to be enjoyed. - 6

How to Store

Here’s how to keep leftover noodles fresh.

To Store: Place cooled leftovers in an air-tight container. Refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To Freeze: Toss the cooled noodles with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To Reheat: Place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or chicken broth, and cover. Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir frequently and add liquid as needed to prevent sticking.

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Cafeteria Noodles

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These cafeteria noodles went viral on TikTok for good reason! They’re easy to make, creamy, and so delicious!

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces extra wide egg noodles
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 chicken bouillon cube
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Pour the chicken stock into a large pot or deep skillet. Add the bouillon cube. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a rolling boil.

  • Once boiling, add the egg noodles to the pot and stir. Allow the stock to return to a boil.

  • Stir in the cream of chicken soup and garlic powder. Let the mixture boil for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Take the pot off the heat and add the butter. Stir until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the noodles.

  • Place a lid on the pot. Let the noodles sit for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

  • Give the noodles one final stir, then transfer them to a serving dish. If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

  • Serve hot and enjoy!

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