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Mom’s Creamy Cafeteria Noodles

Mom's Creamy Cafeteria Noodles: A Cozy One-Pot Delight

Mom’s Creamy Cafeteria Noodles bring nostalgic flavors and comfort in a quick one-pot meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Noodles
  • 12 oz Wide Egg Noodles The perfect base that holds the creamy sauce beautifully; opt for a sturdy brand to avoid breakage.
For the Broth & Seasoning
  • 32 oz Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Adds moisture and umami depth; swap for vegetable broth if you’re going meatless.
  • 2 tsp Chicken Bouillon Intensifies the broth's flavor; choose granules or paste for convenience.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper Season to taste; this elevates the dish’s overall flavor profile.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 10.5 oz Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup The secret ingredient for a rich, velvety sauce; feel free to substitute with cream of mushroom for variety.
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter Creates a luxurious, creamy texture; using unsalted helps manage your dish's sodium levels.
For Garnishing
  • Fresh Parsley A delightful sprinkle of green for freshness and color.

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, pour in 32 oz of low-sodium chicken broth and warm it over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and bring the broth to a gentle simmer, which should take about 3–4 minutes.
  2. Once the broth is simmering, whisk in 2 teaspoons of chicken bouillon and a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Continue whisking until the bouillon is completely dissolved, which should take about 1–2 minutes.
  3. Next, stir in a 10.5 oz can of condensed cream of chicken soup along with 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Use a whisk or a wooden spoon to blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Add 12 oz of wide egg noodles to the pot, pressing them down gently to submerge them in the creamy sauce. Stir them lightly to ensure they are evenly coated.
  5. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and cook the noodles uncovered while stirring occasionally for exactly 2 minutes.
  6. Turn off the heat, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and allow it to rest for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. After the resting period, remove the lid and gently stir the noodles to coat them evenly in the sauce. Let the dish sit for an additional 2–3 minutes to thicken the sauce further. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.

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