Introduction
Cafeteria noodles are a simple, creamy, comforting dish that has been enjoyed for decades in school cafeterias, home kitchens, and community gatherings. Their nostalgic flavor comes from tender egg noodles coated in a buttery, savory sauce made from condensed soup and broth. This recipe is quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy days when you want warm food with minimal effort.
Ingredients
12 oz egg noodles
4 tbsp butter
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until tender, then drain. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth and heated through. Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Simmer on low for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the noodles. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Method
The method relies on combining a starch base with a simple roux-style sauce created from soup and broth. Butter provides richness, while the condensed soup adds body and creaminess. Low simmering helps the sauce tighten and develop flavor. Keeping the noodles slightly undercooked before simmering ensures they stay tender without becoming mushy.
History
This dish became popular in American cafeterias from the 1950s onward because it was inexpensive, filling, and easy to prepare in large batches. Its comforting familiarity led to home versions becoming common in family cookbooks and community recipe cards.
Benefits
The recipe is quick, uses pantry ingredients, is economical, and adapts well to additions such as shredded chicken, vegetables, or herbs. It is also a good option for beginner cooks because it requires minimal technique.
Nutrition
A serving contains carbohydrates from the noodles, fats from the butter, and moderate protein from the soup and broth. Exact values vary depending on ingredients used.
Conclusion
Cafeteria noodles remain a classic comfort dish because of their simplicity, warmth, and nostalgic taste. They offer an easy way to create a satisfying meal in minutes.
For lovers
Anyone who enjoys creamy, buttery pasta dishes will appreciate this recipe, especially fans of simple old-fashioned comfort food.
If you want the recipe rewritten differently or in French, tell me.
