20 Noodles & Company Copycat Recipes That’ll Let You Skip the Drive-Thru
Updated: Mar. 12, 2024
What's harder: skipping Noodles & Company takeout or sticking to your budget? With these copycat recipes, you don't have to choose! Whether you're in the mood for Noodles & Company Pad Thai, Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, Japanese Pan Noodles or a giant rice crispy treat, these budget-friendly recipes will satisfy any craving.
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Inspired By: Pad Thai
This is a simple pad thai loaded with crisp vegetables and zesty flavor. It’s quick, simple, and fresh-tasting. —Colleen Doucette, Truro, Nova Scotia
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Inspired By: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese
I like to serve this mac & cheese with a salad and crusty bread. It's a satisfying meal that feels upscale, but will fit just about any budget. And because the Gorgonzola is so mild in this dish, even the kiddos will go for it. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, Arizona
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Inspired By: Steak Stroganoff
No more standing and stirring at the stove. This creamy Stroganoff preps in a skillet, then cooks all day while you’re away. —Sarah C. Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire
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Inspired By: Spaghetti & Meatballs
I’ve been cooking for 50 years, and this dish is still one that guests request frequently. It is my No. 1 standby recipe and also makes amazing meatball sandwiches. The sauce works for any type of pasta. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
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Inspired By: Thai Green Curry
Thai cuisine has such wonderfully intense flavors, but the dishes can be heavy and time-consuming. My answer is a refreshing salad with mango, gingerroot and a pop of jalapeno. —Melanie Stevenson, Reading, Pennsylvania
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Inspired By: Cheesy Garlic Bread
You can't go wrong with this cheese bread recipe. The cheesy, butter bread is so simple to make but the taste is sinful. Plus it looks fantastic, and people just flock to it! It's better than the usual garlic bread with pasta, too. —Karen Grant, Tulare, California
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Inspired By: Tomato Basil Bisque
My husband, Patrick Maas, makes this wonderful, creamy bisque. Sweet red pepper enhances the lovely tomato-basil flavor. —Veronique Deblois, Mine Hill, New Jersey
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Inspired By: Chicken Veracruz Salad
We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love to help measure the seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington
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Inspired By: Penne Rosa
I reworked this recipe from an original that called for vodka and heavy whipping cream. My friends and family had a hard time believing a sauce this rich, flavorful and creamy could be light. —Margaret Wilson, Hemet, California
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Inspired By: Korean BBQ Meatballs
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Inspired By: Grilled Chicken Caesar
My Caesar with grilled chicken is a healthier alternative to heavy meat and potatoes dishes. After grilling the kabobs, we serve them family style. —Melissa Adams, Tooele, Utah
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Inspired By: Alfredo MontAmore®
When I want a lighter dinner, I use lean turkey bacon in this recipe. It gives the pasta that richness you want without all the extra fat. —Courtney Harris, Denton, Texas
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Inspired By: Rice Crispy
A friend shared with me this fresh take on traditional crispy treats. My husband loves them, and I feel so efficient with their quick prep time. —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
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Inspired By: Chicken Noodle Soup
When I was sick, my mom would make me this heartwarming chicken noodle soup. It was soothing when I had a cold, but this soup is a bowlful of comfort on any chilly day. —Anthony Graham, Ottawa, lllinois
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Inspired By: Potstickers
Chicken and mushrooms make up the filling in these pot stickers, a traditional Chinese dumpling. Greasing the steamer rack makes it easier to remove them once they're steamed. —Jacquelynne Stine, Las Vegas, Nevada
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Inspired By: Pesto Cavatappi
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Inspired By: The Med Salad
This salad is my standard—I always make sure I have the ingredients on hand so I can whip up this easy salad anytime. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
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Inspired By: Spicy Korean Beef Noodles
We've raised beef the majority of our lives, so I like to try new recipes that feature it. This beef noodles recipe is different and absolutely delicious. —Margery Bryan, Royal City, Washington
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Inspired By: Pasta Fresca
Flavor-packed sausage and sun-dried tomatoes are sure to liven up any simple pasta dish. I have a feeling that once you've tried it, it'll become a family favorite!—Dawn Singleton, Eighty Four, Pennsylvania
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Inspired By: Japanese Pan Noodles
A little peanut butter and a sprinkling of peanuts give this side dish plenty of flavor. While red pepper flakes offer a little kick, brown sugar balances it out with a hint of sweet. —Mitzi Sentiff of Annapolis, MarylandOriginally Published: August 16, 2018
