Cafeteria Noodles: Old-School Pantry Favorite

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Creamy Cafeteria Noodles is a no-fuss, old-school favorite made with pantry staples and rich, buttery flavor. The perfect side for feeding a hungry family on a budget. This simple, one-pot side dish is ready in under 30 minutes and guaranteed to please even picky eaters.

Whether you remember these from school lunches or you’re just craving something cozy, this recipe is always family favorite! If a recipe passes the test in my house, I know it will work for other busy families too.

A bowl of creamy fettuccine Alfredo noodles garnished with chopped parsley, served with a piece of bread on a wooden board. A butter dish, fresh parsley, and a striped towel complete this inviting cafeteria-style setup on a white surface.

Why You’ll Love Cafeteria Noodles!

A woman with long dark hair, wearing earrings and a burgundy top, smiles at the camera in front of a textured, beige background.

As a busy mom, I’m always looking for simple, satisfying meals that my whole family will actually eat and without breaking the bank.

These Cafeteria Noodles remind me of the cozy, no-fuss dishes I grew up with, and they’ve quickly become one of our go-to comfort food dinners. They’re creamy, buttery, and made with affordable pantry staples. Proof that feeding your family well doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

We love serving them with Grilled Steak, Baked Chicken Legs, Roast Chicken and Blackened Salmon with a side of Roasted Zucchini for a complete meal idea.

Recipe Snapshot

Budget-Friendly: Made with 6 simple ingredients
Family-Tested: Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly
Real-Life Prep: One pot, no chopping, no draining
Freezer-Friendly: Can be portioned and frozen
Best For: Easy weeknight sides, no-fuss meals, or cozy comfort food

Ingredients (Budget Notes Included)

Overhead view of measured ingredients on a marble surface: cafeteria-style glass measuring cup with broth, a bowl of uncooked noodles, a bowl of creamy yellow soup, a stick of butter, and a bouillon cube.

Chicken Broth – Use store-bought or homemade. Buying in bulk or using bouillon to make broth cuts costs.
Chicken Bouillon Cube – Boosts the broth flavor without needing extra seasoning.
Egg Noodles – Wide or medium egg noodles work great. A pantry staple that’s super filling.
Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds creamy richness and ties it all together. Store brands work just fine here!
Salted Butter – For that signature cafeteria-style richness. You can reduce slightly if preferred.
Fresh Parsley – A pop of color and freshness if you have it.

How to Make Cafeteria Noodles

A white pot filled with golden brown broth and tender noodles sits on a white marble surface next to a blue and white striped kitchen towel, reminiscent of a cozy cafeteria meal.

Step 1 – Add the chicken broth and bouillon cube to a large pot or deep skillet with a lid. Heat over medium-high heat until the broth comes to a rolling boil.

A white pot filled with cooked cafeteria noodles sits on a white surface, with a wooden spoon resting inside. A blue and white striped kitchen towel is draped nearby.

Step 2 – Stir in the egg noodles and allow the liquid to return to a boil, stirring occasionally so the noodles don’t stick.

A white pot filled with Cafeteria Noodles sits on a white surface. A wooden spoon holds a portion of melted cheese sauce above the noodles. A blue and white striped towel rests beside this nostalgic cafeteria food classic.

Step 3 – Add the cream of chicken soup and stir until fully combined. Let the mixture boil for about 2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.

A white pot filled with cooked noodles topped with a block of butter, with a wooden spoon resting inside. Reminiscent of classic cafeteria comfort food, a blue and white striped towel sits beside the pot on a white surface.

Step 4 – Remove the pot from the heat and add the butter. Cover with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes, until the butter is completely melted.

Step 5 – Stir well to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. Garnish with parsley if desired, then serve warm in a bowl. Enjoy!

A bowl of creamy fettuccine, reminiscent of classic Cafeteria Noodles, garnished with chopped parsley and served with a metal fork. Slices of crusty bread and fresh parsley rest on a wooden board beside a striped cloth napkin.

Tips for Success

Don’t drain the noodles– They cook directly in the broth, which gives them flavor and keeps cleanup easy.
Adjust for Taste – Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or cracked pepper to taste if you like extra flavor.
Stir Gently to avoid breaking the noodles after they soften.

Variations & Substitutions

Add cooked shredded chicken or shrimp to turn this side into a full meal.
Swap the soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery if preferred.
Use unsalted butter and adjust the seasoning if needed for so much flavor.
Try with different pasta shapes like rotini or shells if you don’t have egg noodles (adjust cooking time).
Add vegetables such as peas, carrots or bell peppers.

A white bowl filled with creamy fettuccine noodles Alfredo, garnished with chopped parsley, sits on a wooden board. Nearby are slices of crusty bread, fresh parsley, a butter dish, and a blue-striped napkin.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen.
Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

FAQs

Can I double this recipe for a larger group?

Yes! This classic side dish recipe doubles well. Just use a larger pot and be sure the noodles stay covered in liquid during cooking.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely. Cook and store in the fridge, then reheat when ready to serve. It tastes even better the next day!

Is this a side dish or a main dish?

It can be either! Serve alongside chicken or pork chops, or add rotisserie chicken for a quick main.

Review Pin Print

A bowl of creamy fettuccine alfredo noodles garnished with chopped parsley, served with a fork. Fresh bread and a striped napkin sit nearby on a light tabletop, capturing the comfort of a classic cafeteria meal.

Cafeteria Noodles

5 from 1 vote

These Creamy Cafeteria Noodles are an old-school favorite made with pantry staples, rich flavor, and no fuss. Perfect for feeding a hungry family on a budget! This simple, one-pot side dish is ready in under 30 minutes and guaranteed to please even picky eaters.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings 6

Cuisine American

Course Main Course

Calories 484

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

▢ 4 cups chicken broth
▢ 1 chicken bouillon cube
▢ 16 ounces egg noodles
▢ 1 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup
▢ ½ cup salted butter
▢ Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Add the chicken broth and bouillon cube to a large pot or deep skillet with a lid. Heat over medium-high heat until the broth comes to a rolling boil.
Stir in the egg noodles and allow the liquid to return to a boil, stirring occasionally so the noodles don’t stick.
Add the cream of chicken soup and stir until fully combined. Let the mixture boil for about 2 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove the pot from the heat and add the butter. Cover with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes, until the butter is completely melted.
Stir well to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. Garnish with parsley if desired, then serve warm. Enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in a microwave.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 484kcal, Carbohydrates 58g, Protein 13g, Fat 22g, Saturated Fat 12g, Polyunsaturated Fat 2g, Monounsaturated Fat 6g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 112mg, Sodium 1243mg, Potassium 245mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 3g, Vitamin A 617IU, Vitamin C 0.1mg, Calcium 46mg, Iron 2mg

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