Copycat Knorr’s Creamy Chicken Noodles

It’s always a win to make over a convenience product and whip it together at home, especially when it’s fast and easy, not to mention cheaper than the original. You can bring this little quickie to the table at about 1/3 of the cost of the original.

 

 

Since the Knorr’s noodles are already pretty cheap (about $1.30 a packet), it might seem like copycatting isn’t worth the effort. But think about it: Knorr’s packets are just 4.2 ounces and make one serving, while a whole pound of dry pasta — costing only $1.00 to $1.50 — makes about eight servings. That alone makes it worth crunching the numbers (more on that, below.)

About Copycat Knorr’s Creamy Noodles:

I’ll be honest — after all the noodling around (pun intended), I’m a little over creamy noodles. But after all the experimenting, I can definitely say I had a blast putting this easy copycat together and love having some copycat packets stashed away.

That’s coz you can whip this up as a one-time deal, or be extra clever: mix up a big batch, divide and stash your own homemade copycat Knorr’s Creamy Noodle “packet” mixes in the pantry. Perfect for those nights when you want something cozy and comforting without lifting more than a finger or two.

As a convenience food, these noodles are kind of a dream — no thinking, no chopping, no prep, no stress. Just throw it together for a quick side, a lazy dinner, or hand it off to the kids and let them feel like gourmet chefs. And hey, in a pinch? You can even make it with just water and skip the butter (not that I would recommend skipping the butter…but desperate times, desperate measures, right?).

Knorr’s creamy chicken noodles are crazy popular, and they’ve spun off a few versions. I tested this one with both egg noodles and fettuccine — although all the glamour shots you’ll see are egg noodles, because…well, they’re cuter.

Ingredients:

I feel better about homemade versions of many convenience products – I like to have control over additives and know what’s in them. If it’s a concern, check the ingredients on the chicken bouillon you’re using – some brands don’t even read as English!

This recipe gets a little help from Nutritional Yeast — it adds a tasty zip that makes the noodles taste even closer to the real deal. It’s got a mild, cheesy vibe going on (without actually being cheese), and if you’re new to it, you might want to check out Bragg’s website for all the ways it can jazz up popcorn, salads, and veggies. No worries if you don’t have any. You can leave it out in a pinch and still have some seriously good noodles.

Both the cornstarch and powdered milk work a little magic here, thickening the noodles into something rich and creamy — all without reaching for expensive cream, sour cream, cream cheese, or any of those fancier ingredients. The cooking instructions suggest using a bit of milk and butter to bring everything together, but you’ll still want to keep the powdered milk and cornstarch in the mix. They’re the secret behind that perfect, velvety sauce!

Making Copycat Knorr’s Creamy Noodles:

Make this recipe as a single serving (it’s a little more generous than the Knorr’s) or use the recipe multiplier to mix up the dry ingredients and divide into packets.

The key to cooking the noodles is to make sure the saucepan is the right size so all the noodles are covered and to simmer gently. Stir now and then – think more of lifting the noodles off the bottom (a spatula works great), but don’t overdo! The sauce will thicken as the noodles sit.

Knorr’s says theirs can be made in the microwave. I have not tested the homemade version.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers:

• If you have to save, reheat in the microwave (or on the stovetop). Heat very gently to barely warm, then add a little water or milk, maybe a tablespoon or so, and stir. Continue to heat to the desired temperature.
• I would not recommend freezing.

Fully made with butter and milk: Knorr’s is $1.60 for 1 3/4 cups ($1.70 per pound). Homemade is 75 cents for 3 cups (55 cents per pound).

• Knorrs: A packet of Knorr’s Creamy Chicken Noodles runs from $1.28 at Walmart or Lydl to $1.33 at Kroger’s. So I’ll use $1.30 to make the math easy. Add in the milk and butter and cook, and you’ll end up with $1.60 for 15 ounces (1 3/4 cup), which is $1.70 a pound.
• Homemade: makes 3 cups, or 1 pound 6 ounces, and was 75 cents to make with milk and butter. Adjust per pound, and it’s 55 cents per pound. Note: that’s made with fettuccine; wide egg noodles are a few pennies more.

Save Money on Groceries:

There will be an initial outlay on the ingredients, which isn’t dirt cheap. Make best use by multiplying the recipe and package.

I shopped around looking for the best deals in reasonable amounts. If you’d like to make this without powdered milk, an alternative would be to add a tablespoon or two of sour cream to your cooked noodles.

The amount of milk & butter in the recipe came to 30 cents.

• Noodles: Egg noodles are $1.48 (Kroger brand, 1 pound). Our portion, 1/4 pound, 4 ounces, which is about 3 cups, is 37 cents. Fettuccine goes on sale often for $1.00 a pound, 4 ounces is 1/4 package, 25 cents. (Egg noodles that are other widths will vary in the number of cups and don’t cook up as nicely.)
• Powdered Milk: $3.43 (Walmart Great Value 9.6 ounces at 36 cents an ounce) our portion is 2 tablespoons at 3/8th oz, 10 cents
• Cornstarch: $1.99 (Walmart Great Value, 1 pound or 12 cents an ounce). Our portion is 2 teaspoons at 1/8 oz, 2 cents
• Chicken Bullion Powder: $5.98 (Walmart Knorr 32 ounces at 19 cents an ounce). Our portion, 1 1/2 teaspoons, is 1/8 oz, 2 cents
• Onion Powder: (Lidl 2 ounces $.79). Our portion, 1/4 teaspoon, is negligible.
• Nutritional yeast: (Bragg’s at Kroger or Walmart, 4.5 ounces $6.49.) Our portion, one tablespoon, is 1/8 of an ounce or 18 cents, and we used 1 teaspoon or 1/3 of that. The final amount is 6 cents. It can be left out in a pinch.

I hope you guys enjoy this simple, little recipe!!

Mollie

 

Print

Related