Viral Cafeteria Noodles Recipe
Sometimes, the internet brings back a dish that feels oddly familiar—and this time, it’s cafeteria noodles. This low-effort, high-comfort, beginner-friendly recipe has been making the rounds online for its simplicity and nostalgic appeal. Built on pantry basics, cafeteria noodles are buttery, starchy, and quietly addictive. They take less than 30 minutes and are perfect for weeknights when dinner needs to happen fast. The name might sound plain, but the flavor isn’t.
Why Is It Called Cafeteria Noodles?
The name “cafeteria noodles” comes from the soft, egg noodle side dishes often served in school cafeterias across the American South. They were a reliable staple: simple, filling, and made to feed a crowd. Today’s version is a throwback to those trays, but with a few upgrades—namely a richer broth and more butter. While not flashy, the dish taps into a kind of comfort that’s hard to fake, which may be why it’s gaining traction again online.
Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) package of wide egg noodles
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder for added flavor
- Chopped parsley for garnish
This short list of ingredients is part of the appeal. It leans on pantry staples and doesn’t require much prep—just boil, mix, and simmer.
Preparation
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside. In the same pot, add the butter, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the cooked noodles back in, stir, and let everything simmer for 5–7 minutes. This lets the noodles soak up the broth and turn velvety. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
Storing Leftovers and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat or the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. The noodles tend to absorb liquid as they sit, so this helps bring back the original texture. It’s not a dish that freezes particularly well, but it’s quick enough to remake fresh when the craving hits.
Cafeteria noodles are the kind of recipe that lives quietly in the background of food culture. They’re simple, unpretentious, and reliably good—especially when you don’t feel like cooking. It’s no surprise they’ve gone viral again, especially with people looking for budget-friendly meals that hit the comfort-food mark. Whether it’s a side dish or the main event, this one’s worth keeping in your weeknight rotation. And chances are, you already have most of what you need in your pantry.
Looking for some more noodle-esqe dishes? Try this viral beginner-friendly pasta recipe.
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