These Cafeteria Noodles are the ultimate comfort food—rich, buttery, and packed with creamy, savory goodness. Made with egg noodles, creamy soup, and chicken broth, this dish is simple, affordable, and nostalgic, just like the ones served in school cafeterias, church potlucks, and cozy Southern kitchens.

Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main meal with shredded chicken or veggies, these creamy, buttery noodles are easy, quick, and absolutely delicious!

Let’s get cooking! 🍜💛

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with simple pantry staples.
✔️ Creamy & Buttery: The perfect rich and comforting texture.
✔️ Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients for a family-friendly meal.
✔️ Versatile: Serve as a side dish or add chicken to make it a meal!

What Do They Taste Like? 🤤

These noodles are soft, buttery, and coated in a rich, creamy sauce with a savory chicken flavor. The garlic and onion powder add depth, while the butter and broth make them silky smooth. It’s like a hug in a bowl!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 oz egg noodles 🍜 (wide or extra-wide for the best texture)
• 4 tbsp butter 🧈 (for rich, creamy flavor)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup 🍲 (thickens the sauce)
• 2 cups chicken broth 🍗 (adds deep savory flavor)
• ½ tsp garlic powder 🧄 (for extra depth)
• ½ tsp onion powder 🧅 (adds a subtle sweetness)
• ½ tsp black pepper 🌿 (adds warmth)
• ½ tsp salt 🧂 (adjust to taste)

Optional Add-Ins & Variations:

• 1 cup shredded chicken 🍗 (to turn this into a full meal)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀 (for a cheesy twist)
• ¼ cup heavy cream 🥛 (for an even richer texture)
• 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables 🥕 (for added nutrition)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika 🌶️ (for a slightly smoky flavor)

Tools You’ll Need

✔️ Large pot for boiling noodles
✔️ Skillet or saucepan for the sauce
✔️ Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Cafeteria Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2️⃣ Add the egg noodles and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
3️⃣ Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

1️⃣ In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2️⃣ Stir in the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3️⃣ Whisk together until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine & Simmer

1️⃣ Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and stir gently to coat.
2️⃣ Let the noodles simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
3️⃣ If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of extra chicken broth or milk.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

• Remove from heat and serve warm and creamy!
• Garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, or a pinch of paprika if desired.

What to Serve with Cafeteria Noodles

🍗 Rotisserie Chicken or Meatloaf – A perfect pairing for a classic Southern meal.
🥗 Simple Side Salad – Adds a fresh contrast to the creamy noodles.
🍞 Buttery Dinner Rolls – Great for soaking up the extra sauce!
🥕 Roasted Veggies – Carrots, green beans, or peas make a great side.

Tips for the Best Cafeteria Noodles

✔️ Don’t Overcook the Noodles: They will continue to absorb the sauce, so cook them just until al dente.
✔️ Adjust the Thickness: Add extra broth for a thinner sauce or a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
✔️ Use a Good Butter: High-quality butter makes a difference in flavor and texture.
✔️ Want More Protein? Add shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even ground beef.

Variations & Fun Twists

🧀 Cheesy Noodles: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a cheesy version.
🌽 Southern-Style Noodles: Add corn, peas, or bacon bits for extra texture.
🔥 Spicy Kick: Stir in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a little heat.
🥒 Lightened-Up Version: Swap cream of chicken soup for Greek yogurt for a healthier take.

How to Store & Reheat

❄️ Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
🧊 Freeze: Not recommended, as the noodles can become mushy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes! Rotini, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work well, but egg noodles have the best texture for this dish.

2. Can I make this without cream of chicken soup?
Yes! Replace it with a homemade roux (butter + flour + broth + milk) for a from-scratch version.

3. How do I make this vegetarian?
Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

4. Can I add chicken to make it a full meal?
Absolutely! Add shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken for a heartier dish.

5. How can I make it extra creamy?
Use heavy cream instead of some of the broth and add extra butter for a silkier texture.

Wrapping It Up 🍜✨

These Cafeteria Noodles are buttery, creamy, and packed with simple, comforting flavors—just like the ones served at school cafeterias and Southern diners. Whether you’re making them as a quick side dish or turning them into a full meal, this recipe is easy, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a favorite!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your photos and tag me on Pinterest or Instagram—I can’t wait to see your creamy, delicious noodles! 😍✨

More Comfort Food Recipes to Try:

🍗 Chicken & Dumplings – A classic Southern favorite!
🧀 Homemade Mac & Cheese – Ultra creamy and cheesy.
🥔 Loaded Baked Potato Casserole – The ultimate side dish.

Happy cooking, and enjoy every buttery, creamy bite! 😊🍜✨