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If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then you absolutely must try this Creamy Veggie and Egg Noodle Skillet Recipe. It brilliantly combines tender egg noodles with a medley of vibrant veggies, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for those cozy weeknights when you want something filling without hours in the kitchen, this recipe brings out the best in simple ingredients to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re a longtime vegetarian or just looking to add more veggies to your meals, this skillet recipe is going to become a new favorite in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients for this recipe is both simple and essential because each one plays a key role in building the dish’s delicious layers of flavor and texture. Fresh vegetables add color and nutrition, while the seasonings give it depth and warmth, and the egg noodles tie everything together with their tender bite.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon of olive oil creates the perfect base for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a satisfying bite when softened.
- Celery stalks, diced: Brings gentle crunch and a hint of earthiness.
- Carrots, diced: Offers natural sweetness and lovely vibrant color.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with savory warmth and aromatic depth.
- Salt: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient.
- Dried thyme: Delivers subtle herbal notes that brighten the dish.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and rich color.
- Turmeric: Provides a hint of earthiness and beautiful golden hue.
- Vegetable broth: The savory cooking liquid that ties all flavors together; a “not-chicken” style broth works wonderfully.
- Egg noodles: Tender, slightly chewy noodles that soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Corn (canned or frozen): Sweet bursts of corn add texture and bright notes.
- Peas (canned or frozen): A pop of green and a touch of sweetness to balance the dish.
- Evaporated milk: Creates the rich and creamy texture without overwhelming heaviness.
- Additional salt & pepper: To adjust seasoning to your personal taste.
How to Make Creamy Veggie and Egg Noodle Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, celery, and carrots and let them cook gently for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want these veggies to become tender but not mushy. This step softens the vegetables and slowly releases their natural sweetness, creating a flavorful foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Spices
Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic along with salt, dried thyme, paprika, and turmeric. Stir everything together and cook for another minute to toast the spices slightly. This quick step unlocks their fragrant oils and takes the savory notes of the skillet up a notch, ensuring each bite is layered with warmth and complexity.
Step 3: Bring in the Broth and Get it Boiling
Pour in the vegetable broth, and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. The broth will absorb all the previously developed flavors and act as the cooking liquid for the egg noodles. The moment it starts boiling, you’re just a few steps away from that creamy magic.
Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles with Corn and Peas
Add in the egg noodles, along with the corn and peas, carefully stirring to combine. Let everything cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, or until the noodles are just tender but still have a slight bite to them. Slightly undercooking the noodles here is the secret — they’ll continue to soften once combined with the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Stir in Creaminess and Season to Perfection
Remove the pot from heat and gently stir in the evaporated milk. This step creates that signature velvety texture the Creamy Veggie and Egg Noodle Skillet Recipe is known for. Finally, taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. That’s it — your skillet is ready to delight!
How to Serve Creamy Veggie and Egg Noodle Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra brightness and texture on top, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over each serving. A light grating of parmesan or a scattering of toasted breadcrumbs adds a pleasing contrast to the creaminess, making every bite even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This recipe is quite filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or warm, crusty bread for dipping. Simple roasted veggies or a light tomato salad can also complement the creamy richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the skillet straight from the pot for a cozy, family-style feel, or plate individual portions with a drizzle of olive oil and a cracked black pepper garnish. For dinner parties, try layering it in individual mini skillets or pretty bowls to make it look extra special and inviting, guaranteed to spark appetites and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the skillet cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored properly, this Creamy Veggie and Egg Noodle Skillet Recipe will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect dish for easy weekday lunches or second dinners.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to separate the noodles from the broth before freezing if you want the best texture upon reheating. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. When thawed, simply combine and warm gently to revive that creamy goodness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low-medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You might want to add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Alternatively, microwaving in short intervals with stirring works well for a quick meal fix.
FAQs
Can I use other noodles instead of egg noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles have a lovely texture and soak up the sauce beautifully, you can substitute with pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even fettuccine. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is this recipe vegan?
This version uses evaporated milk, so it’s not vegan as is, but swapping in your favorite plant-based milk like oat or cashew milk works wonderfully to keep it creamy and dairy-free.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers depending on what you have on hand. Just add firmer veggies early in the sauté step and delicate ones closer to the end.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper along with the other spices. A splash of hot sauce on top can also add a nice kick without overpowering the flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it holds up very well for meal prep. Make a big batch, store it in portions, and enjoy easy, comforting meals throughout the week. Just remember to reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that’s both nourishing and downright delicious, and this Creamy Veggie and Egg Noodle Skillet Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cared for with every spoonful, combining wholesome ingredients and simple steps into a bowl of pure comfort. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your regular dinner rotation because once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
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Creamy Veggie and Egg Noodle Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Veggies and Noodles is a comforting vegetarian dinner featuring tender egg noodles simmered with a medley of vegetables in a flavorful broth, enriched with evaporated milk for creamy texture. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a hearty and delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- Additional salt & pepper to taste
Liquids & Base
- 4 cups vegetable broth (preferably “not-chicken” style)
- 1 cup evaporated milk
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup peas (canned or frozen)
Instructions
- Heat oil: In a dutch oven or large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat for 30 seconds to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot and cook for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized.
- Add aromatics and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, thyme, paprika, and turmeric, cooking for 1 minute to release the fragrant flavors.
- Add broth and boil: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil, preparing to cook the noodles and vegetables together.
- Cook noodles and veggies: Add the egg noodles, corn, and peas to the boiling broth and cook for 6-7 minutes until the noodles are just tender but slightly undercooked to avoid over-softening.
- Finish with milk and season: Remove the pot from heat, stir in the evaporated milk to add creaminess, and adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Undercook the egg noodles slightly as they will continue to soften in the broth after cooking.
- Use frozen or canned corn and peas for convenience; fresh can be used but may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
- Evaporated milk adds creaminess without making the dish overly heavy; substitute with a plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
- Season to taste at the end to ensure balanced flavors.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American