🥣 Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites Recipe 🍗
Servings: 4 |
Calories: 450 (per serving)
✨ Introduction: The Ultimate Comfort Plate
Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is a delicious, comforting dish that evokes the nostalgic flavors of simple, wholesome cooking, often reminiscent of school or work cafeteria favorites—but elevated. It combines tender egg noodles enveloped in a rich, creamy, and savory sauce with perfectly sautéed chicken pieces seasoned with garlic butter and Italian herbs. Quick to prepare and universally loved, this recipe is a weeknight dinner champion.
📜 History and Origin
This recipe is a modern fusion rooted in two traditions: Creamy Noodles/Casseroles (popularized in the mid-20th century using condensed soup) and Garlic Butter Chicken (a timeless flavor combination). The “Cafeteria Noodle” name refers to simple, creamy pasta dishes, which are here transformed into a richer, more complex dinner by adding the savory chicken bites.
🥕 Ingredients
| Category | Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noodles & Sauce Base | Egg Noodles | 8 oz | |
| Butter (for sauce) | 3 Tbsp | ||
| Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) | ||
| Chicken Broth | 1 cup | ||
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp | ||
| Onion Powder | 1 tsp | ||
| Black Pepper (for sauce) | 1/2 tsp | ||
| Salt (for sauce) | To taste | ||
| Garlic Butter Chicken Bites | Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast | 1 lb | Cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces. |
| Butter (for chicken) | 2 Tbsp | ||
| Italian Seasoning | 1 tsp | ||
| Salt (for chicken) | 1/2 tsp | ||
| Black Pepper (for chicken) | 1/4 tsp | ||
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
👩🍳 Instructions and Methods (Formation)
-
Noodle Preparation
Cook the 8 oz egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
-
Sauce Formation
In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until well combined and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
-
Chicken Formation and Sauté
While the sauce simmers, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 6–7 minutes, until fully cooked. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 1-2 minutes more until fragrant.
-
Combining and Serving
Add the cooked egg noodles to the simmering sauce in the large skillet and toss to coat. Heat through for 2-3 minutes. Combine the garlic butter chicken bites and their pan juices with the creamy noodles, toss to combine, and serve hot.
💪 Benefits & 💖 Lovers
- Speed & Convenience: Ideal for busy weeknights with a **25-minute cooking time**.
- High Palatability: The creamy sauce and savory chicken are simple, family-friendly flavors.
- Loved By: Families with Children and Comfort Food Enthusiasts.
🥳 Conclusion
This recipe delivers a hearty, delicious meal that is quick to prepare and deeply satisfying. The creamy noodles, combined with the rich garlic butter chicken, make this a new weeknight staple.