Easy Cheesy Noodle Dinner
A quick, cheesy noodle dish featuring tender pasta, turkey or chicken, and peas, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with rich flavors and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package directions.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté chopped onion until translucent.
- Stir in all-purpose flour until smooth, then gradually add evaporated milk and water, stirring constantly.
- Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the mixture boils and thickens.
- Add shredded Cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Stir in salt, pepper, cooked noodles, cubed turkey or chicken, and thawed peas.
- Heat thoroughly and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs like thyme to the onion while sautéing. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with a blend of your favorites or use a lower-fat cheese for a lighter version. If you don’t have turkey or chicken, cooked sausage can also be a tasty alternative, similar to what you might find in Sausage And Cheese Appetizers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Cheesy Noodle Dinner with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a light dessert like Raspberry Yogurt Pie to balance the richness. For a more filling spread, consider offering Something Simple Casserole as a side dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of milk if the mixture is too thick. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Cheesy Noodle Dinner contains roughly 1130 calories, with 13g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1973mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While extra wide noodles work well, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the turkey or chicken and using vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
How can I make this dish creamier?
To enhance creaminess, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using a combination of evaporated milk and cream cheese. This will give the sauce a velvety texture, perfect for a comforting meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).