Growing up, cafeteria meals had a special place in my heart those warm, comforting dishes that always hit the spot after a long school day. One dish that stood out among the rest was a simple, yet oh-so-satisfying noodle casserole. It was the kind of meal that felt like a hug in a bowl: creamy, savory, and always filling. This recipe for Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is my homage to those nostalgic school lunches, with a few personal twists to elevate the flavors.
This dish takes the humble cafeteria noodle bowl to a whole new level with rich, buttery garlic chicken bites and a creamy sauce that coats each strand of noodle perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or craving some comfort food, this recipe fits every occasion. It’s quick, easy, and affordable, making it a perfect choice for busy nights when you want something hearty and satisfying. The best part? It’s customizable to your taste add extra veggies, swap the chicken for another protein, or throw in some cheese for an extra creamy touch. This is one of those dishes that’s perfect for creating lasting memories around the dinner table.
Now, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of classic comfort food, you’ll fall head over heels for this Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. This dish combines everything you love about home-cooked meals: tender chicken, flavorful garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked egg noodles all wrapped in a creamy, velvety sauce. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to make, but the end result feels like a gourmet dinner.
What makes this recipe extra special is the simplicity. The chicken, seasoned with Italian herbs and cooked to golden perfection in butter, brings a rich flavor that complements the noodles and creamy sauce. Garlic and onion powder are added for depth, while a touch of pepper adds just the right amount of kick. The egg noodles soak up the creamy sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.
But it doesn’t stop there this recipe is versatile enough to fit any occasion. Looking for a quick weeknight meal? This is your answer. Need something to serve at a family dinner? It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure. And if you’re meal prepping for the week, it’s easy to make in large batches and reheat later. So if you’re searching for a recipe that brings back memories of school days while adding a modern twist, look no further!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients to create a delicious plate of Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
- For the noodles and sauce:
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- For the garlic butter chicken bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter (for chicken)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not only flavorful but also super easy to prepare. The creamy sauce combined with the garlic butter chicken bites will have your taste buds dancing!
Preparation
Preparing this dish is straightforward and quick. Here’s how you can put it all together:
- Cook the noodles: Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once boiling, add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 7-8 minutes). Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Make the sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine, ensuring the sauce is smooth and creamy. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the chicken: While the sauce is simmering, heat another tablespoon of butter in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breast pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Combine the chicken and noodles: Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine, then gently fold in the cooked egg noodles. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve and enjoy: Transfer the noodles and chicken to a serving dish. Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch, if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy!
Variation
This Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, but if you’re looking to mix things up or cater to dietary preferences, here are some creative variations and substitutions:
- Vegetarian version: If you’re looking to skip the meat, you can easily substitute the chicken with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Simply sauté the tofu cubes until crispy and golden before adding them to the sauce.
- Gluten-free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. You can also check the label of your cream of chicken soup to ensure it’s gluten-free, or make a homemade version using gluten-free flour.
- Add veggies: If you want to incorporate some healthy veggies into the dish, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas. These veggies will blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce and add extra flavor and texture.
- Cheesy garlic butter version: For an even richer flavor, stir in some shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella would work beautifully. The cheese will melt into the creamy sauce and add an extra layer of indulgence.
- Spicy kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some hot sauce over the chicken bites for a spicy twist.
These variations make the recipe flexible enough for different dietary needs or personal preferences, while still delivering the same comforting, delicious flavors.
How to Serve
Serving this dish is just as easy and rewarding as preparing it! Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is a hearty, one-dish meal that works beautifully on its own, but you can easily pair it with complementary sides to round out the meal. Here are some great serving suggestions:
- Garlic bread: You can’t go wrong with a slice of warm, crispy garlic bread to mop up that creamy sauce. It’s the perfect side to enjoy alongside the noodles and chicken, adding a little extra crunch and flavor.
- Fresh salad: To balance the richness of the dish, serve a light, refreshing salad on the side. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette would provide a nice contrast to the creamy noodles.
- Steamed veggies: If you want to sneak in more veggies, pair the dish with some steamed broccoli, green beans, or peas. They’ll complement the garlic butter chicken without overpowering the main dish.
By adding a few sides or beverages, you can elevate this dish and create a complete, satisfying meal for any occasion.
Recipe Tips
Here are a few helpful tips to make sure your Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites turn out perfectly every time:
- Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh chicken breasts and high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. Fresh chicken will have a more tender texture, and homemade or low-sodium chicken broth can add a depth of flavor that makes the sauce even richer.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste: The beauty of this recipe is in the seasoning, so feel free to adjust the garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning according to your personal preferences. Taste as you go and add more of your favorite spices if you want to enhance the flavor.
- Make ahead: This dish is great for meal prep! You can cook the noodles and sauce in advance, then store them separately in airtight containers. The chicken can be cooked ahead of time too. Just reheat everything together when you’re ready to serve, and you’ll have a hot meal in no time.
- Reheat leftovers: Leftovers are just as good the next day. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to the noodles and gently warm them over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together, and you’ll have a delicious meal in minutes.
- Make it even creamier: If you like your sauce extra creamy, you can add a bit of heavy cream or sour cream to the sauce. This will give it a silky smooth texture and a rich flavor that takes the dish to another level.
Cooking Notes
Here are some important cooking notes to ensure your Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites turns out just right:
- Avoid overcooking the chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken while sautéing. It should be golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside. Overcooked chicken can become dry, so keep an eye on it and check for doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F is the perfect internal temperature).
- Don’t rush the sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken properly. If you cook it too fast, the sauce may separate or become too thin. Low and slow is the key to a creamy, smooth consistency.
- Don’t skip the garlic: Garlic is a major flavor booster in this dish. Make sure to cook it in the butter for a couple of minutes to release its fragrance before adding it to the chicken. It’s what adds that irresistible garlic butter flavor to the chicken bites.
- Stir the noodles gently: After combining the noodles and sauce, stir them gently to avoid breaking up the noodles. You want the noodles to stay intact and absorb the creamy sauce, not turn into mush.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (this is an estimate and can vary depending on the exact ingredients used):
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Protein: 30-35g
- Sodium: 700-800mg
Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While egg noodles are traditional for this dish, you can easily swap them for any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh chicken breast?
You can, but I recommend thawing the chicken thoroughly before cooking. If using frozen chicken, be sure to follow proper thawing instructions and cook it thoroughly to ensure it’s safe to eat.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or seasoning the chicken with chili powder or cayenne pepper. You can also drizzle some hot sauce on top for an extra kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. For extra flavor, sauté the tofu with some garlic and a bit of soy sauce for a savory taste that complements the creamy sauce.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, and gently warm the dish in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Conclusion
Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is the perfect combination of comfort and flavor, making it an ideal dish for family dinners, weeknight meals, or even meal prep for busy days. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken bites, and hearty noodles, it’s a dish that will please everyone around the table, whether they’re kids or adults. Plus, it’s simple to make and doesn’t require a lot of time or fancy ingredients just straightforward, wholesome flavors that come together effortlessly.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own. Whether you’re sticking to the classic version or adding your personal twist, you’ll have a meal that’s not only delicious but also comforting and satisfying. And don’t forget to share your experience with me! Let me know how you customized the recipe or how it turned out for you in the comments. I love hearing from fellow food lovers and seeing the creative ways you bring your dishes to life.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to explore other similar dishes on my site. There’s always something new to discover whether you’re in the mood for pasta, chicken, or comforting casseroles, I’ve got you covered. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see your version of this nostalgic dish!
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Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the noodles and sauce:
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the garlic butter chicken bites:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons butter (for chicken)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Preparation
Preparing this dish is straightforward and quick. Here’s how you can put it all together:
- Cook the noodles: Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once boiling, add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 7-8 minutes). Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Make the sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine, ensuring the sauce is smooth and creamy. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the chicken: While the sauce is simmering, heat another tablespoon of butter in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breast pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Combine the chicken and noodles: Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to combine, then gently fold in the cooked egg noodles. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve and enjoy: Transfer the noodles and chicken to a serving dish. Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch, if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 700
- Protein: 30