Cafeteria Noodles
Cafeteria Noodles are tender, buttery noodles cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor. Ready in about 20 minutes with simple ingredients that create a dish that reminds me of chicken noodle soup with out the soup. This viral TikTok recipe is budget friendly, filling, and perfect for busy weeknights. Toss in cooked shredded chicken for a full meal or serve alongside you favorite dish and a salad.
Do you watch TikTok recipe videos? I admit, I love to scroll them on weekends. If you haven’t seen this recent one, you’re missing out.
Cafeteria noodles are huge hit with my family right now so I just had to share the recipe!
Think chicken noodle soup but without the soup. Similar to cheesy noodles, which my boys ate by the bucket when they were at their Mimi’s house.
These take be back to the days when the lunch ladies actually cooked real food and not just reheating frozen chicken tenders. And I miss those days for sure!
Because I love pasta so much, I add noodles to just about everything. Check out my creamy chicken noodle casserole, busy day soup, and spicy lasagna soup, to name just a few!
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See recipe card for complete information on ingredients and their quantities.
Ingredient Notes
- Pasta noodles: I prefer to use the No Yolks Dumplings because I like my noodles wide. If you want to change up the shape, just be sure that the noodles are on the thinner side or you will need to increase the amount of broth and the cooking time.
- Chicken base: Use a chicken bouillon cube or granules and powder work well but I prefer the chicken base that is a paste. (Better Than Bouillon has a richer flavor in my opinion)
- Chicken broth: Use low sodium for best results as the chicken base has a lot of salt.
- Condensed soup: Cream of chicken is my favorite to use but a cream of onion or cream of mushroom can add extra flavor without any extra fuss.
- Parmesan cheese: Fresh grated works best but you can use your favorite cheese blend also.
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How To Make Cafeteria Noodles
- In a large pot over high heat, bring the broth to a boil. Stir in the chicken base and return to a boil. Add the egg noodles and stir to keep them from sticking. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in the cream of chicken soup and bring back to a boil. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the pats of butter. Cover the pot with the lid and let sit for 15-20 minutes or until almost all of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir occasionally during the resting time but be sure to return the lid quickly each time. When ready, stir in the parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley.
For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in the fridge in airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the with a drizzle of olive oil, a pat of butter, or a splash of chicken broth. This refreshes the noodles and brings back moisture they absorbed while sitting and brings back that buttery sauce.
Microwave: Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring between them, adding butter or broth as needed.
Stovetop: Warm them in a pan over medium heat with splash of broth or butter until heated through. I like to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top!
Variations
- Add chicken or shrimp to add some protein.
- Make it vegetarian but swapping out all the chicken stock and base.
- Stir in some roasted garlic to make it more flavorful
- Some leftover vegetables are a great addition and add color.
- Stir in some crispy bacon at the end for texture.
- Switch up the cheese and add Asiago, Romano, or even Gruyere cheese.
The Viral TikTok Recipe
This recipe went viral on social media for good reason. It’s budget friendly, filling, and packed with flavor. And it only takes roughly 20 minutes from start to finish.
It’s made with simple ingredients that you probably have in the pantry right now. Chicken broth, butter, bouillon, and noodles. That’s all!
No wonder it’s at top of my family’s favorites list. It’s on mine too because it’s an easy dish for a busy weeknight and everyone actually eats it.
Why This Works
- The noodles absorb the broth. They soak up all that chicken and butter flavor while they’re cooking. It’s not soupy, and the tender noodles are perfectly seasoned.
- Minimal ingredients. Chicken broth, bouillon, butter, noodles, salt, and pepper. And that’s it! Maybe some parmesan if you love cheese like I do!
- Quick cooking. Roughly 20 minutes total which is perfect when you’re busy or stressed.
- Budget friendly. Affordable, accessible ingredients, and feeds a large family.
- Nostalgic. They taste like the school cafeteria in best possible way. Back when they actually cooked food from scratch which brings back memories.
- Versatile. Add chicken, vegetables, bacon, extra cheese and make it your own.
Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?
While you can make cafeteria noodles in a crockpot, I don’t like to. They only take 20 minutes so I don’t see the need to.
If you want to try this method, add everything and cook on low for 2-3 hours.
But I will admit, that for a large family gathering, I have placed cooked noodles in the slow cooker on the warm setting and added a little broth so they don’t dry it.
It works great if you’re serving a buffet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Cook the noodles al dente so they have some texture. They will continue to absorb broth as they sit.
You sure can! Substitute the chicken broth and base for a vegetarian broth or stock and a vegetable base. Here is a good one!
You sure can! Just double everything in the recipe and cook as usual. Great for a large family dinner!
I haven’t tested this with homemade noodles but I’m sure they will work. Just keep an eye on the time and check the noodle texture often.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Al dente noodles: Slightly undercook them so they have some texture. They will continue to soften as they absorb the broth.
- Add bacon: Toss in some crispy bacon pieces at end for extra flavor and crunch.
- Parmesan cheese: My favorite way to enjoy these are with a ton of Parmesan on top
- Refresh leftovers: Add a little butter or broth when reheating so they don’t dry out.
This easy cafeteria noodles recipe is perfect for picky eaters and super quick to make.
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please leave us a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ five-star review in the comment section below. Thanks!
Cafeteria Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces wide egg noodles I like the no yolks dumplings
- 1 tablespoon chicken base granules better than bouillon or 1 cube
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the broth up to a boil.
- Add the chicken base and stir to incorporate. Bring back to a boil.
- Stir in the egg noodles, stirring a few times so they don’t stick.
- Bring to a boil again and add the cream of chicken soup.
- Bring to a boil for one last time and boil for 3 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, add the butter. Stir to mix.
- Cover the pot and let sit for 15-20 minutes or until most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally but be sure to return the lid quickly each time.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Al dente noodles: Slightly undercook them so they have some texture. They will continue to soften as they absorb the broth.
- Add bacon: Toss in some crispy bacon pieces at end for extra flavor and crunch.
- Parmesan cheese: My favorite way to enjoy these are with a ton of Parmesan on top
- Refresh leftovers: Add a little butter or broth when reheating so they don’t dry out.
Nutrition
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