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Cafeteria Noodles Will Make You Nostalgic For School Days Recipe

Cafeteria Noodles Will Make You Nostalgic For School Days Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 147 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side-dishes
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cafeteria Noodles are a comforting, nostalgic side dish that takes you right back to school lunches. With buttery noodles and a touch of savory chicken flavor, this quick-and-easy recipe delivers that soft, slurpable goodness you remember. Perfect as a no-fuss weeknight staple or a cozy accompaniment, Cafeteria Noodles are all about simplicity, flavor, and childhood warmth.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz wide egg noodles

Flavor Base

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)

Seasoning

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the wide egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Make the Brothy Butter Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Let the mixture come to a simmer, stirring to ensure everything is well combined.
  3. Toss Together: Add the drained noodles back into the pot with the sauce. Gently toss to coat the noodles thoroughly in the buttery broth. Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes so the noodles absorb the flavor.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm as a side dish or a simple comfort meal on its own.

Notes

  • For even more nostalgia, use extra-wide noodles as served in many cafeterias.
  • You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or water.
  • Add a pinch of paprika or some grated cheese for a fun twist.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg