Creamy Cafeteria Noodles

Featured in Simple, Tasty Pasta for Every Day.

These TikTok-famous noodles bring back childhood comfort with just five ingredients. Egg noodles are simmered in flavorful chicken broth and bouillon, mixed with creamy condensed soup, and melted butter under a covered lid seals the deal. In just 40 minutes, you’ll have a rich, budget-friendly side dish perfect for family meals or gatherings—minimal work with maximum flavor.
Emily Watson
Updated on Sun, 16 Mar 2025 01:28:50 GMT
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Buttery School Noodles stir up fond school lunchtime memories while giving you that rich, comforting taste in every mouthful. This trending dish has won folks over with its quick prep and amazingly tasty outcome, showing that often the simplest ingredients make dishes we can't forget.

I cooked these noodles for my crew during a cold night last week, and seeing them go back for seconds reminded me why we love these old-school dishes. The way those butter and soup flavors blend into that smooth sauce took me straight back to my childhood cafeteria moments.

Key Components

  • Dried Egg Noodles: Go for wider ones as they hold the sauce better
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Makes that smooth base - it's a must-have
  • Chicken Bouillon: Brings that deep taste you can't skip
  • Chicken Stock: Creates the tasty liquid for cooking
  • Real Butter: Gives that shiny finish everyone loves

Step By Step Guide

Getting Your Broth Ready (5 minutes):
Get chicken stock bubbling in a big pot. Toss in bouillon and mix till it's gone. Keep heat up medium-high. Wait for good bubbles before you drop noodles in.
Cooking Your Noodles (8-10 minutes):
Drop egg noodles into the hot broth. Give them a gentle stir so they don't clump. Once boiling again, put in cream of chicken soup. Mix until you can't see soup chunks anymore. Let it bubble exactly 2 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it won't spill over.
Wrapping It Up (5 minutes):
Take pot off the heat right away. Drop in the whole stick of butter. Put lid on tight. Wait till butter's totally melted. Stir everything together softly. Add more liquid if it looks too thick.
Getting It to the Table (2-3 minutes):
Put noodles in your serving dish. Throw some fresh parsley on top if you want. Serve while it's hot and creamy. Keep extra butter nearby. Add salt and pepper to your liking.
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When my kids were being super fussy one night, these noodles saved our dinner. They couldn't stop smiling after their first taste, and just like that, our night got better. It's funny how the easiest meals often bring us closest together.

Tasty Twists

  • Throw in some frozen peas near the end for color and goodness
  • Mix in store-bought rotisserie chicken for a full meal
  • Adding cooked mushrooms gives a nice earthy flavor
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Prep Ahead Ideas

  • Cook up to half an hour early and just leave covered in the pot
  • Pour in a bit of warm broth when heating again
  • Add a touch more butter to get that smooth feel back

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

  • Store what's left in sealed containers up to 3 days
  • Warm up with a splash of chicken broth to thin the sauce
  • Don't try freezing or the texture gets weird

Great Side Matches

  • Eat alongside oven-cooked chicken or pork
  • Try with a side of steamed broccoli or fresh greens
  • Add a simple oil and vinegar dressing on salad

These School Noodles show that comfort food doesn't need fancy steps to taste amazing. Whether you're feeding your family or bringing it to a gathering, it always gets smiles and folks asking how you made it. The best food often takes us back to those simpler days we all miss.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is this dish so popular?
Its simple process, nostalgic taste, and cozy vibes have made it a TikTok hit.
→ Can I substitute salted butter?
Salted butter gives it the best taste, but unsalted works if you add more salt.
→ Why keep the lid on at the end?
The lid traps heat, melting the butter evenly while letting flavors soak in.
→ Do other noodles work too?
Egg noodles give the ideal texture, but you can experiment with other types.
→ Why use both stock and bouillon cubes?
Combining them makes the chicken flavor extra bold and delicious.

Comforting Cafeteria Noodles

This cozy and smooth egg noodle dish has taken TikTok by storm with its nostalgic flavors and simple steps. A must-try comfort food that’s easy to whip up.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 4 cups of chicken broth
02 1 cube of chicken bouillon
03 1 salted butter stick (½ cup)
04 16 oz of egg noodles
05 1 small can (10.5 oz) of creamy chicken soup
06 Parsley for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Heat chicken broth and bouillon cube together in a big pot over medium-high heat until boiling.

Step 02

Drop egg noodles into bubbling broth and give it a stir. Let it hit a boil again.

Step 03

Pour in the creamy chicken soup and stir. Let it bubble for a couple of minutes.

Step 04

Take it off the heat, toss in butter, and cover until melted. Stir again before serving. Add parsley on top if you'd like.

Notes

  1. Popular on TikTok
  2. Comforting, like a classic school lunch
  3. Great for a quick and nostalgic side

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep skillet or large pot with a lid

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Made with dairy (butter)
  • Has eggs (noodles)
  • Includes gluten (noodles)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 297
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~