Best Cafeteria Noodles Recipe

Cafeteria noodles recipe bring back the taste of home like nothing else — soft egg noodles simmered in buttery broth until they’re thick, tender, and comforting.

I grew up eating them in a tiny Georgia school cafeteria where the lunch ladies swore by “a can of soup and a stick of butter.” Turns out, they knew exactly what they were doing.

These noodles are pure Southern comfort — humble, hearty, and made with pantry staples. Like my slow cooking carne asada, they prove that the best food doesn’t need to be fancy — just made with care.

What Are Cafeteria Noodles Recipe And How Do You Make Them?

Cafeteria noodles are a Southern-style comfort dish made with wide egg noodles simmered low and slow in broth, butter, and cream of chicken soup. They’re soft, creamy, and deeply nostalgic — perfect as a side or a meal on their own.

This simple cafeteria noodles recipe is a one-pot wonder, done in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Want to skip the canned soup? Try a from-scratch base like our sunshine soup instead — it’s light, vibrant, and customizable.

Directions:

1. In a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in garlic powder and let it bloom for 30 seconds.
3. Add broth and soup, whisking until smooth and combined.
4. Bring to a simmer. Stir in egg noodles.
5. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are soft and sauce is thickened.
6. Uncover, let sit 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

Tools You’ll Need:

• Large Dutch oven or stock pot
• Whisk
• Measuring cups + spoons
• Wooden spoon

For People with Diabetes: Sugar Substitutes

Skip the canned soup. Use homemade sauce with unsweetened almond milk, cornstarch, and spices. Avoid condensed or sweetened soups.

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Why Are Cafeteria Noodles Recipe Still so Loved Today?

Yes — because comfort never goes out of style.
Cafeteria noodles aren’t just a recipe; they’re a memory. Whether or not you grew up eating them from a school lunch tray, there’s something universal about a bowl of soft, buttery noodles. They don’t demand attention — they simply deliver comfort. No frills, no fuss. Just warmth and familiarity in every bite.

Who This Recipe Is For

• New cooks learning to make simple, soulful meals
• Parents looking for fast, satisfying sides
• Anyone craving childhood nostalgia on a plate

When to Make It

• Sunday dinners alongside roasted meats
• Potluck gatherings where comfort food is key
• Weeknights when you need a low-effort meal that still feels special

A Kitchen Memory from Tiffany

I’ll never forget my first morning helping in the school kitchen — apron tied too tight, hairnet slipping, and me questioning everything. I asked Miss Lila, the head cook, why they always used canned soup and margarine. She didn’t miss a beat: “Because we’ve got 400 kids to feed before noon, honey.” Then she handed me a spoonful of cafeteria noodles, and I understood. Creamy, savory, and oddly soothing — it was the first time I truly tasted what it meant to cook for comfort, not applause.

If you love this kind of creamy, no-fuss cooking, you might also enjoy our chicken and cheese jalousie recipe — buttery, savory, and perfect for family meals.

Cafeteria Noodles Recipe With Garlic Butter Chicken

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn cafeteria noodles into a complete meal, yes — garlic butter chicken is the answer. The richness of the noodles practically begs for something golden, garlicky, and a little crisp on the edges. Sear up some chicken thighs, let the butter do its thing, and spoon those creamy noodles right underneath. It’s comfort layered on comfort.

How to Make It a Meal

For the chicken:

• Season boneless skinless thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
• Sear in butter and olive oil until golden and cooked through
• Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or lemon juice for extra flavor

To serve:
Plate your cafeteria noodles, top with sliced chicken, and spoon any garlic butter pan drippings over everything. Add a sprinkle of parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

This combination feels like the best kind of Sunday supper — easy enough for a weeknight, satisfying enough for company. If bold, comforting meals are your thing, don’t miss our jerk chicken pasta recipe — it brings the same soul, just with a little more fire.

Cafeteria Noodles Crock Pot Version

Yes — you can absolutely make cafeteria noodles in a crock pot. It’s one of the easiest ways to get that same soft, creamy texture with even less hands-on time. This method works especially well if you’re doubling the recipe or need to keep the noodles warm for a potluck or church dinner.

Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Add the following to your crock pot:
   • 12 oz wide egg noodles (uncooked)
   • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
   • 2 cups chicken broth
   • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • Salt and pepper to taste
2. Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 2.5 to 3 hours. Stir once about halfway through.
3. In the last 15 minutes, remove the lid to let the sauce thicken slightly.
4. Give it one final stir before serving.

Add-Ins and Variations

This version is especially flexible. You can stir in:

• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Steamed peas or sautéed mushrooms
• A splash of heavy cream for extra richness
• Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley just before serving

For another low-effort, full-flavor dinner, check out our slow cooking carne asada — it’s another favorite that proves how good “hands-off” cooking can be.

FAQs

Conclusion

Cafeteria noodles remind us that simple food can be deeply soulful. Whether you serve them solo, with chicken, or from a crock pot, they’re the kind of dish that brings people back to the table.

Tried this recipe your own way? Let us know in the comments — did you add beef, garlic, or go meatless?

And if you love comfort like this, you’ll want to make our steak mashed potatoes next — another classic that never goes out of style.

Come hang out with me on Facebook and Pinterest—I’d love to see your creations!