Reames Noodles Recipe: Homestyle Creamy Egg Noodle Dish

Reames Noodles Recipe: Homestyle Creamy Egg Noodle Dish

This homestyle dish transforms simple egg noodles into a creamy, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The rich, velvety sauce clings to every strand, creating a satisfying bite in every forkful.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and depth of flavor. With just a few pantry staples and a little patience, you’ll achieve a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. The key is in the slow build of flavors.

You’ll end up with tender noodles bathed in a luscious sauce that’s hearty enough to satisfy but light enough to feel fresh. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth to the table without weighing you down.

Ready in under an hour, this dish proves that creamy comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s walk through the steps.

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Difficulty
Medium
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Diet
Poultry
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Total Time
30 min
🔥
Calories
High Cal

Ingredients for Reames Noodles

Frozen noodles plus pantry staples transform into creamy, comforting perfection in minutes.

Ingredient Amount Notes
Reames Egg Noodles 🍜 12 oz Uncooked, frozen preferred
Unsalted Butter 🧈 ½ cup For rich, creamy base
All-Purpose Flour 🌾 ¼ cup For thickening sauce
Whole Milk 🥛 2 cups Full-fat for creaminess
Chicken Broth 🍲 2 cups Low-sodium preferred
Yellow Onion 🧅 1 whole Medium, finely diced
Garlic Cloves 🧄 3 cloves Minced for depth
Salt 🧂 1 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher preferred
Black Pepper 🌶️ ½ tsp Freshly ground for best flavor
Dried Thyme 🌿 ½ tsp For subtle earthiness
Bay Leaf 🍃 1 whole For aromatic depth
Heavy Cream 🥣 ½ cup For velvety finish
Grated Parmesan Cheese 🧀 ½ cup Freshly grated for best texture
Fresh Parsley 🌿 ¼ cup Chopped, for garnish

The Reames noodles are non-negotiable here—they hold their chewy texture through slow cooking (the good stuff, not those mushy instant kinds). Most grocery stores stock them in the freezer aisle near frozen veggies. I grab the 12 oz bags and always keep a few on hand for lazy dinners. The milk and cream are key for that velvety sauce, so skip the low-fat versions (trust me on the full-fat version).

No heavy cream? Half-and-half or whole milk with an extra pat of butter gets you close. Out of fresh parsley? Dried parsley at half the amount works in a pinch (frozen works in a pinch too). Chicken broth can be swapped for vegetable broth if that’s what’s open. The onion can be white or yellow—whatever you’ve got. No thyme? A pinch of poultry seasoning does the trick.

This dish reheats like a dream—actually gets creamier the next day. Keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days, but honestly it never lasts that long. Freeze portions for up to 2 months (don’t skip this part). Leftovers make the best quick lunch.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One Pot Wonder: I love that this comes together in a single pot—just melt the butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and broth while stirring.
  • Rich Homestyle Taste: The butter and whole milk create a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to those thick Reames noodles.
  • Feeds My Crew: Honestly, this stretches easily for a family dinner or reheats beautifully for lunches all week.
  • Pantry Friendly: Between us, I always have these ingredients on hand, and the noodles cook up fast in the creamy broth.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homestyle Creamy Egg Noodle Dish

Here’s my proven method for rich, velvety noodles that comfort with every bite.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles to Al Dente Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 12 oz Reames Egg Noodles and cook according to package directions, but stop 1 minute early—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. You want them slightly firm so they don’t turn mushy later.

Drain the noodles in a colander but don’t rinse them. The surface starch helps the creamy sauce cling better. Give them a quick shake to remove excess water, then set aside while you prepare the sauce base.

Step 2: Build a Flavorful Roux Base

In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, melt the 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter over medium heat. Once foamy, add the 1 whole Yellow Onion, finely diced, and cook for 5-6 minutes until translucent and soft.

Stir in the 3 cloves Garlic Cloves, minced, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste—this creates a smooth, lump-free foundation for your sauce.

Step 3: Develop the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in the 2 cups Whole Milk and 2 cups Chicken Broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Add the 1 tsp Salt, 0.5 tsp Black Pepper, 0.5 tsp Dried Thyme, and 1 whole Bay Leaf.

Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. The mixture should look rich and velvety, with the aromatics fully infused.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Reduce heat to low and stir in the 0.5 cup Heavy Cream and 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and stir gently to coat every strand evenly. The sauce should cling beautifully to the noodles, creating a cohesive, creamy dish.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish for Serving

Let the noodles sit off heat for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further as it absorbs into the pasta. This brief rest ensures each bite is perfectly coated and flavorful.

Discard the bay leaf, then garnish with the 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped. Serve immediately while hot—the sauce will be at its creamiest, with the noodles perfectly tender and every bite bursting with rich, comforting flavor.

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Pro Tips For Making Reames Noodles

  • Cook Noodles Separately: Boil the Reames noodles in salted water first, then drain—adding them raw to the sauce leads to gummy, unevenly cooked noodles. I learned this the hard way after pulling out a clump of doughy centers from my first batch.
  • Use Cold Milk: Whisk the whole milk into the flour-butter roux while it’s still cold to prevent lumps. Warm milk can cause the flour to seize up, and suddenly you’re fishing out little flour balls instead of making a smooth sauce.
  • Skip the Broth Swap: Stick with chicken broth for the liquid base—substituting water or another stock dilutes the flavor, and the dish ends up tasting flat. After trying shortcuts, I finally accepted that the broth is non-negotiable here.
  • Finish with Butter: Stir in an extra tablespoon of unsalted butter at the very end for a silky, rich finish. Sounds simple, but it turns a good pot of noodles into one that disappears fast.

Perfect Pairings for reames noodles

Side Dish Ideas

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. I toss 4 cups baby spinach with 1 tbsp olive oil and ½ tbsp lemon juice for a bright contrast. 🥗

Bread Pairings

Warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. I use a French baguette sliced and toasted with garlic butter for extra flavor.

Vegetable Sides

Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add a fresh, crisp element. Toss asparagus with 1 tbsp olive oil and roast at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until tender.

Wine Pairings

A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc balances the dish’s creaminess. I prefer a buttery California Chardonnay for its smooth finish. Avoid heavy reds that might overwhelm the delicate sauce. 🍷

Protein Additions

Add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for extra heartiness. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then grill for 6-7 minutes per side until reaching 165°F.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories 620kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 36g46%
Saturated Fat 20g100%
Cholesterol 145mg48%
Sodium 850mg37%
Total Carbohydrate 50g18%
Dietary Fiber 2g7%
Sugars 4g
Protein 18g36%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

Do I need to thaw the noodles first?

Nope! Add the 12 oz frozen noodles directly to boiling water. Thawing can make them mushy. They’ll cook evenly straight from the freezer.

2

Can I use a different type of milk?

Whole milk is best for creaminess, but 2% milk works in a pinch. Avoid skim milk—it’ll make the sauce too thin. For extra richness, use half-and-half.

3

How do I fix a lumpy sauce?

Whisk vigorously to break up lumps. If that doesn’t work, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve. To prevent lumps, add milk slowly while whisking constantly.

4

How long can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

★★★★★4.5(5 reviews)
Allison Carter