These Cafeteria Noodles are tender egg noodles cooked right in savory chicken broth with dried herbs, then finished with a simple cornstarch slurry and a splash of cream. They’re rich, cozy, and creamy without any canned soup—an easy side dish that tastes like the cafeteria noodles you remember, only better.
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There are some days when you just need a big bowl of cozy, creamy noodles. Nothing fancy. Nothing complicated. Just comfort food in its simplest form.
Serve them alongside chicken, pork chops, or pot roast, or do what I do and eat a big bowl all by itself when only comforting noodles will do. You cannot go wrong.
Why You'll Love These Cafeteria Noodles
- Pure comfort food: Creamy, savory noodles that hit the spot every time.
- Quick and easy: Simple ingredients and very little prep make these perfect for busy nights.
- No canned soup: A cornstarch slurry and touch of cream give you that classic creamy texture from scratch.
- Perfect side dish: They go with just about any chicken, beef, or pork dinner.
- Or make them the meal: Sometimes a big bowl of cozy noodles is all you need.
What You'll Need & Why
- Egg noodles: The classic choice that cook quickly and soak up all that savory broth.
- Chicken broth: The noodles cook right in the broth for flavor from the start.
- Seasonings + herbs: Granulated garlic, granulated onion, and dried thyme give the broth plenty of savory flavor.
- Mushroom powder: Optional, but so good for adding extra savory depth without making the noodles taste like mushrooms.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the broth into that classic creamy, almost gravy-like sauce.
- Heavy cream: Just a splash at the end makes everything silky and rich.
The Recipe Rundown
These cafeteria noodles could not be easier to make. Here's a brief overview of how to do it!
- Cook the noodles: Simmer the egg noodles right in the chicken broth with the seasonings and herbs until tender.
- Thicken: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer until the broth thickens and coats the noodles.
- Finish: Stir in the heavy cream, then season with salt and fresh black pepper to taste.
Quick Recipe Video
Swaps & Variations
These Cafeteria Noodles are simple by design, but there are a few easy ways to make them work with what you have.
- Broth: Chicken broth gives these the classic flavor, but turkey or vegetable broth will work, too.
- Herbs: Swap the thyme for poultry seasoning or use a combination of dried herbs you love.
- Add protein: Cook the noodles in chicken bone broth and stir in shredded rotisserie chicken at the end to turn these comforting noodles into an easy meal.
Tips For The Best Cafeteria Noodles
These noodles couldn’t be easier, but a few little things will help you get that perfectly creamy, savory finish every time.
- Stir the slurry again: Cornstarch settles quickly, so give the slurry a good stir immediately before adding it to the noodles.
- Keep an eye on the liquid: Egg noodles will continue soaking up the broth as they sit. If they get thicker than you like, loosen them with a splash of chicken broth.
- Add the cream last: Stir the heavy cream in after the slurry has thickened the broth for a smooth, creamy finish.
Cafeteria Noodles Recipe
Equipment
- braiser or heavy-bottomed pot
Ingredients
- 16 oz egg noodles
- 6 cups chicken broth see note below
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon mushroom powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch plus equal amount of water
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the broth. Add the chicken broth, granulated garlic, granulated onion, dried thyme, and mushroom powder, if using, to a large braiser or heavy-bottomed pot.
- Add the noodles. Add the egg noodles and bring to a gentle boil. Cook according to package directions until tender, stirring often to prevent the noodles from sticking to each other or the bottom of the pot. Do not drain.
- Make the slurry and thicken the noodles. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a little cold water until completely smooth. Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir the cornstarch slurry into the noodles. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the remaining broth thickens into a creamy sauce that coats the noodles.
- Finish. Remove noodles from the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
- Serve. Remove from the heat and serve warm. The sauce will continue to thicken as the noodles sit; stir in a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen it back up.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Storage
Store leftover Cafeteria Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The noodles will continue to soak up the sauce as they sit, so add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to loosen them back up.
To reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra liquid as needed.
Recipe Testing Notes & Troubleshooting
- Other noodles will work: You can use another pasta shape, but the cooking time and amount of chicken broth needed may change. Egg noodles cook quickly and absorb quite a bit of liquid.
- Stir the noodles often: Because they cook directly in the broth, give them a good stir every so often to keep them from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
- The noodles thicken as they sit: The cornstarch slurry thickens the broth quickly, and the noodles will continue absorbing liquid after cooking. If they get too thick, simply stir in a splash of chicken broth.
- The broth level matters: Add enough chicken broth to come just barely to the top of the noodles without completely submerging them. This gives the noodles enough liquid to cook while leaving you with the right amount of broth to thicken into that creamy sauce.
Other Comforting Recipes You'll Love
If a big bowl of cozy carbs is calling your name, try these easy comfort-food favorites next:
- Quick and Easy Pastina: Tiny pasta cooked until creamy and cozy—the ultimate simple comfort food.
- Buttered Noodles: Simple buttery noodles for an easy side dish or quick meal.
- Creamy Polenta: Rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to serve alongside just about anything.
- Boursin Mashed Potatoes: Extra-creamy mashed potatoes with plenty of savory garlic and herb flavor.
- Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese: A classic cheesy comfort-food side that always hits the spot.
Who’s Stirring the Pot?
Hi, I’m Ruth—the recipe developer and comfort-food enthusiast behind Rufus For Real. I believe dinner should be the best part of your day, not the most stressful one. That’s why I focus on meals that are simple, satisfying, and impossible to mess up in a real-life kitchen.
I want to hear from you! How did you like these Cafeteria Noodles?! Let me know in the comments below—I read every single one!
You’ll find me sharing even more comfort-food goodness, kitchen tips, and behind-the-scenes chaos over on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube (@rufusforreal everywhere).
If you love approachable recipes with a whole lot of personality, pull up a chair—there’s always room at this table.
Happy Cooking!
-Ruth aka Rufus
