cafeteria noodles recipe
Craving comfort food? This cafeteria noodles recipe is easy, delicious, and perfect for quick meals your whole family will love
Ingredients
- 16 oz medium egg noodles
- 6 cups water
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder or 1 cube, crushed
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, for richness
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot with 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Cook the egg noodles in boiling water for 6–8 minutes or until al dente.
- While noodles cook, melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in salt, pepper, and chicken bouillon until fully dissolved.
- Drain the noodles (do not rinse), then return them to the pot.
- Pour the butter sauce over the noodles and toss to coat evenly.
- Add parsley and optional cheese or olive oil, if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- Don’t skip salting the pasta water: This is key for building flavor from the beginning. The noodles themselves won’t taste right without it.
- Bouillon matters: For the most authentic cafeteria-style flavor, use a flavorful chicken bouillon powder or a rich soup base like Better Than Bouillon. Adjust quantity based on saltiness.
- Avoid rinsing the noodles: The natural starch helps the butter sauce stick better, making the noodles more flavorful and glossy.
- Customize to taste: Feel free to add steamed vegetables, shredded cheese, or cooked protein like rotisserie chicken or diced ham to make this a full meal.
- Make it ahead: Prepare both the noodles and sauce separately, refrigerate them, then reheat and combine just before serving.
- Great for picky eaters: Its mild, buttery flavor and familiar texture make this a reliable hit with kids and adults alike.
- Want more flavor depth? Add a dash of onion powder or a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to refresh the texture.
