Cafeteria Noodles Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz egg noodles
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

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Construction (How to Make Cafeteria Noodles):

1. Cook the Noodles:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a separate large pan or pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together, making sure it’s fully combined and smooth.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine the Noodles and Sauce:
   • Once the sauce is heated through, add the cooked egg noodles to the pan. Toss the noodles in the sauce, ensuring they are well-coated.
4. Simmer:
   • Let the noodles simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes to absorb the flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the noodles hot as a comforting side dish or a main dish.

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Variations:

1. Vegetarian Version:
   • Replace the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom soup or a plant-based cream soup.
   • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2. Add Protein:
   • Add cooked shredded chicken, turkey, or ground beef for a heartier meal.
   • You can also add cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor.
3. Spicy Version:
   • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for some heat.
4. Cheesy Version:
   • Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese into the sauce to make it creamy and cheesy.
5. Vegetable Add-ins:
   • Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrition and color.

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Tips:

1. Creamier Texture:
   • For a creamier sauce, you can replace half of the chicken broth with heavy cream or half-and-half.
2. Thickening the Sauce:
   • If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mixing in a small amount of cornstarch or flour (about 1 tsp). Make sure to stir well.
3. Flavor Boost:
   • To boost the flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the sauce mixture.
4. Storing Leftovers:
   • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a bit of extra chicken broth or water to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
5. For a Crispy Topping:
   • After mixing the noodles with the sauce, transfer them to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs or more cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes for a crispy top.

Enjoy your delicious cafeteria-style noodles!