Tik Tok Cafeteria Noodles
If you’ve been on TikTok, you’ve seen these cafeteria-style noodles everywhere. They’re creamy, buttery, and cheesy, but the best part? They’re an easy, one pot dish made with simple ingredients!
Why you’ll love these tik tok cafeteria noodles
We love these one-pot noodles because it means less mess and less stress—exactly what we all need after a long day. It comes together with simple pantry staples, but the flavor is anything but basic. Plus, you can switch it up easily by adding a protein or some fresh steamed veggies for a more well rounded meal.
We also love that this dish works equally as well served as a side dish. It’s so easy to throw some chicken on the grill, or serve them alongside some pan seared shrimp. Pair it with a fresh salad for balance, or spoon it next to a crispy piece of fish for a delicious contrast.
TikTok really got this one right. These cafeteria-style noodles are simple, delicious, and bound to become a family favorite. So, if you haven’t hopped on the trend yet, now’s the time. Give them a try and let us know how they turn out!
Searching for more pantry staple recipes? Thai peanut noodles / tuna spaghetti / pasta fazool / red wine pasta
Ingredients:
- Egg noodles – Egg noodles contain more egg than dry pasta, giving them a richer flavor and a softer, chewier texture. They tend to cook faster than a typical dried pasta, and they will get chewy if they are over cooked – so keep an eye on them.
- Parmesan cheese – If you’re using pre-grated Parmesan, be mindful that it may not melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative if needed.
- Chicken stock – This is the base of the dish’s flavor, infusing the noodles with a rich, savory flavor. Using a high-quality or homemade stock will make a noticeable difference.
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed below are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.
Tips for making this recipe:
Use good-quality parmesan – Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties.
Don’t overcook the noodles – They’ll continue absorbing liquid after cooking, so keep them slightly firm.
The Pasta Twins always say save a little pasta water before draining your pasta. It helps your sauce bind to the pasta and it can help thicken or thin the sauce to your liking – thanks to the magic starches!
Searching for more simple & creamy recipes? spinach and artichoke pasta / sour cream pasta / lemon ricotta pasta / creamy broccoli pasta
Tik Tok Cafeteria Noodles
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 5 cups water
- 16 ounces egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken stock
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles – In a large stockpot, combine chicken stock, water, and salt. Bring to a boil and stir in the noodles. Cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce – In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Whisk in the heavy cream, additional chicken stock, and onion powder. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
- Bring it all together – Whisk in the parmesan cheese until smooth, then stir in the cooked noodles. Toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve and enjoy – Dish it up warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
