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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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