How to Cook Egg Noodles: Stove, Instant pot, Microwave and Slow cooker

Cooking Tips and Techniques

By John Barrett

Stovetop Instructions

Cooking egg noodles on a stovetop

  1. When I make egg noodles on the stove, I start with 2-3 quarts of either chicken or beef broth and bring it to a boil.
  2. Once it’s bubbling, I drop the egg noodles in.
  3. For the best taste, cooking them until they are just slightly firm, or al dente, works great.
  4. I keep the heat on a gentle boil for about 20 minutes, stirring sometimes to prevent them from clumping.
  5. If the noodles are for a casserole, I drain them; if for a soup or side, I leave them soaking in the broth.

Instant Pot Instructions

Cooking egg noodles in an instant pot

When I’m preparing egg noodles in an Instant Pot, I find it quick and efficient.

  1. First, I pour about 32 ounces of chicken broth into the pot. This is usually a single box or a couple of cans.
  2. For noodles, I grab a bag of noodles. You can pick any flavor, though I like matching the noodles with the broth.
  3. Once that’s in, I make sure to secure the Instant Pot lid firmly.
  4. I set the cooking time to 5 minutes. After that, I follow the steps to slowly release the pressure.
  5. It’s important to wait until the lid isn’t pressurized anymore before opening it.
  6. Depending on what I’m making, I’ll either drain the noodles for casseroles or keep them in the broth for soups or as a side.

Note: If I’m adding noodles to a complete dish in the Instant Pot, I often wait until the last 5 minutes to put them in. A full bag of dry noodles can take up a lot of space, so sometimes I can’t fit them all in at once.

Quick tip: I cook them first, then set them aside. When nearly done with the dish, I add them back in. This approach has been a hit with others!

Microwave Cooking Instructions

Cooking egg noodles in a microwave

When I’m in a hurry, using the microwave to cook egg noodles is my go-to method. Here’s how I do it:

  1. Add enough water or broth to a microwave-safe bowl to cover the noodles.
  2. Heat the liquid until it gently boils. Microwave settings can vary, so it’s a good idea to check your manual.
  3. Drop in the noodles and let them soak for up to 20 minutes, or until they’re just how I like them.
  4. Every now and then, I take the bowl out to stir and separate any noodles sticking together.
  5. If I’m adding them to casseroles, I drain them. For soups or side dishes, I leave them in the broth.

Slow Cooker Instructions

Cooking egg noodles in a slow cooker

I find using a slow cooker is perfect for recipes that require gentle, extended cooking. Whether I’m making chicken noodle soup or beef stroganoff, timing is key.

For soups with plenty of broth, I generally add the noodles about an hour before I plan to eat. This helps them absorb the delicious flavors.

In dishes like chicken Alfredo or recipes with less liquid, I prefer to prepare the noodles separately, then mix them in during the last 15 minutes.

When making homemade egg noodles, I’ve learned they hold up well. Yet, even these can turn out better if they aren’t left soaking for too long.

Dish Facts
Author
John Barrett