These healthy homemade instant noodles are made with whole wheat spaghetti, rotisserie chicken, and veggies, and taste just as good as ramen! Just add water for a delicious, hot lunch.
When I'm craving noodles for lunch, I prep these Cold Sesame Noodle Meal Prep Bowls or these Spicy Instant Pot Peanut Noodles, and sometimes...these healthy homemade instant noodles hit the spot!
These instant noodles really take me back to my childhood, because who didn't love a cup of noodles? (truth be told we got them maybe once a year since the packaging was utterly horrible)
Not only are they simple to prepare, but they taste just as good as instant ramen, without the styrofoam and with healthier ingredients.
You can customize these noodles a ton of different ways! I have three ideas for you here today.
Reasons youโll โก these homemade instant noodles
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Let's talk ingredients
To make DIY homemade instant noodles you will need:
- Flavor base- You will need a chicken stock concentrate, not a powdered bouillon (I use Better Than Bouillon brand), as it dissolves quickly when hot water is added. You can add other flavor enhancers in including sesame oil, ginger, soy sauce, curry paste and more.
- Noodles- I love using whole wheat spaghetti noodles that are cooked al dente, but any pasta will work. You can use veggie noodles or rice noodles without pre-cooking.
- Protein- I recommend pre-cooked chicken or chickpeas.
- Veggies- I use frozen vegetables that have been thawed. This way they have already been cooked most of the way through when you add the hot water.
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Meal prep tips
Endless cup of noodle variations!
There are endless ways you can customize these instant noodle cups. Here are some options for you:
Flavor base
- chicken stock concentrate
- vegetable stock concentrate
- Thai curry paste
- soy sauce/tamari/coconut aminos
- hoisin sauce
Noodles
- pasta cooked al dente
- cooked ramen
- zucchini noodles (uncooked)
- carrot noodles (uncooked; retains some crunch)
- vermicelli (uncooked)
Protein
- cooked chicken
- leftover pork tenderloin
- chickpeas
- tofu
Veggies
- frozen vegetable blend
- chopped tomatoes
- salsa
- fresh or frozen spinach
- spiralized zucchini & carrot
More noodle recipes
- Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai
- How to Cook Zucchini Noodles
- Spicy Tofu Noodle Meal Prep
- Soba Noodle Salad
Homemade Instant Noodle Cups Video
Watch the video below to see exactly how I prepped these instant noodle cups. Itโs so easy! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel.
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Healthy Homemade Instant Noodles (3 flavors)
Ingredients
Sesame Ginger (serves 1)
- 2 teaspoons chicken stock concentrate (I recommend Better Than Bouillon)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- ยฝ teaspoon ginger finely grated
- 1 cup whole wheat spaghetti cooked al dente and cooled (2 oz of dry pasta)
- ยฝ cup frozen vegetables
- ยผ cup shredded chicken
- sesame seeds (to garnish)
Chickpea Zoodle (serves 1)
- 2 teaspoons chicken stock concentrate (I recommend Better Than Bouillon)
- ยฝ cup chickpeas
- 1 cup whole wheat spaghetti cooked al dente and cooled (2 oz of dry pasta)
- ยฝ cup frozen vegetables
- sesame seeds (to garnish)
Thai Chicken Curry (serves 1)
- ยผ cup full fat coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons chicken stock concentrate
- 1 teaspoon Thai curry paste (red or green)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ยฝ teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 cup whole wheat spaghetti (cooked al dente and cooled; 2 oz dry pasta)
- ยฝ cup frozen vegetables
- ยฝ cup shredded chicken
Instructions
- Add ingredients to a portable stoneware mug with lid in the order listed above.
- When you are ready to enjoy, fill with boiling water up to an inch below the top of the mug.
- Put the lid back on and steep for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir for a few minutes to ensure that all stock concentrate has dissolved.
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Tips:
Video
Nutrition Information
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Daniele says
Hi Denise. I made the Thai curry instant noodles and it was amazing. I put a whole tablespoon of the green curry in to increase the zing and it was perfect. I love your recipes!
Denise says
Yay! So happy to hear this, Danielle! Thank you so much for coming back to leave a review. Hope you are safe and well <3
Amy Branconnier says
Hi Denise,
I was just wondering what size mason jar I should use?
Denise says
Hi Amy! I used a 1 pint jar.
Noelle says
Would it work to add (non-boiling) water to the mixture and then microwave the whole thing?
Denise says
You could probably try that without the lid? I have actually just been adding the boiling water to the jars since writing this post and it has been OK for me so far...
Sadie Kiley says
When you make the thai coconut curry version, how is the recipe different?
Denise says
Here's the link to the Thai curry version! https://sweetpeasandsaffron.com/2016/08/thai-coconut-healthy-homemade-instant-noodles.html It has curry paste and coconut milk ๐
Luna says
Any suggestions for making these vegan?
Denise says
Hi Luna! You could swap the chicken stock for a veggie version, and switch up the chicken for chickpeas. I also think some zucchini noodles would be awesome in this soup!
Ashley says
Can you freeze this for later use?
Denise says
Hi Ashley! I'm not sure if you can freeze the stock base...maybe? But I definitely wouldn't freeze the pasta, you would probably end up with some really mushy noodles.
Susan says
Ashley & Denise: Freeze your noodles separate in a zip bag by individual serving. Then you can add them in when your broth / soup is hot. You should be able to add the noodles when reheating without a problem. They'll soak up the liquid in your container if you freeze them with the soup.
Mary says
Hi,
I just stumbled upon your blog the other day while looking for some healthy lunch ideas. I had weight loss surgery a couple years ago and really need to jump back on my cleaner eating. I took this to work with me and oh my gosh was it delicious! I added some hot water from our water bubbler at work and let it steep about 5 mins and it was perfect ๐ and not to mention delicious! No more spilling soups in my bag! Thank you so much for sharing this ๐
Denise says
Hi Mary! I'm so glad you liked these! Isn't it nice having an easy hot lunch?
Andrew says
This sounds incredibly awesome! I'm totally doing this, but substituting spiralized zucchini "noodles".
Denise says
Andrew, I LOVE that idea! Then you don't have to cook the pasta...even easier! Let me know how you like it!
Terry says
Hi Denise,
When making individual pasta salads in mason jars in the summer, I always have a jar of glop if I layer the noodles directly on the dressing. It works a lot better if you follow the dressing layer with the veggies and then the noodles. Do you have that problem with these?
Denise says
Hi Terry! Well I made these the day before and they were fine. I guess if you are storing them for longer you may wish to put the veggies directly on top of the sauces?
Denise says
Ha ha! Thanks so much, Jessica!
Danielle says
I absolutely love this idea, Denise! I'm always looking for easy and healthy lunch ideas, so this sounds perfect!
Denise says
Thanks, Danielle! This is definitely easy ๐ ๐
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
This is such a great idea, Denise! And I totally want to guy and buy an adult coloring book. I hear they are all the rage now!
Denise says
Yes! I am going to get one soon, I've heard that they are just as good as meditation! And my brain needs a break these days ๐
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
What an AWESOME idea. My "treat" to myself after I finished midterms in college was always some bad tv show, in bed, with instant ramen. Love this more adult and a bajillion times more healthy take!
Denise says
Your treat sounds like my perfect day! I will admit that I still have a huge soft spot for ramen...but this is definitely a much healthier alternative ๐ Thanks, Dani!
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen says
This is a brilliant idea, Denise. I'm going to have to swap a few things to veggie-fy it but that should be easy. What a great, healthy twist on instant noodles!
Denise says
Oh you can totally use veggie stock, I tested it with some veggie stock concentrate and it was good! And I guess ditch the chicken ๐ Thanks, Geraldine!
marcie says
When my boys were little I loved coloring with them -- they were such a great excuse to color without people looking at me funny. lol And the Paperbag Princess is such a great book!
Denise, this is the absolute best idea ever! I loved cup 'o noodles but never eat them anymore because yes -- they're so bad! These are so good and I can't wait to try them!
Denise says
I love the Paperbag Princess! We do all the huffing and puffing and knocking sounds and Kai loves it ๐ Thanks, Marcie!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Holy cow! These cups are absolutely nothing short of GENIUS, Denise! Often times I come home from school starving and craving exactly this kind of comfort food, so you can bet that these cups are gonna happen this week! ๐
Denise says
Oh thanks, Sarah! Sometimes you just need to EAT! I hope you like them!
Catherine says
Dear Denise, I absolutely love, love, LOVE this idea. How creative. This is a must try...it would be great to have these on hand throughout the winter. I have to pick up some of those stoneware mugs and give this go. Thank you for the wonderful idea! xo, Catherine
Denise says
Thank-you so much, Catherine ๐ They are definitely nice in the cold weather!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Oh my gosh, I love these healthier instant noodles cups! They look incredible and such a great idea for a perfectly portable and comforting lunch at work! ๐
Denise says
Thanks so much, Kelly! They are so portable, and make me feel like I'm a cool kid with cool instant noodle cups ๐ ๐
Rachel @ Bakerita says
This is seriously BRILLIANT Denise!! I need to whip a few of these to keep in the fridge for those days when my kitchen is filled with baked goods and I can't be bothered to make a real meal. Instant perfection ๐ pinned!
Denise says
Thank-you, Rachel! I hear you...there have been so many nights after I've cooked all day when I'm like....Ben, you're up! Nice to have a back-up plan ๐
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
These "instant" Noodles are fabulous! Love the asian flavors and how super quick and convenient this is! Plus I adore that it's well balanced, healthy, light, yet substantial and filling! Perfect anytime! Pinned! Cheers to a beautiful weekend!! ๐
Denise says
Oh thank you, Cheyanne! I am an instant noodle junkie ๐