11 instant noodle recipes that actually make a decent dinner

Instant noodles are one of those cupboard staples you've probably always got in your cupboard, or have recently bought.

This collection of instant noodle recipes is the perfect solution to your question of what to make with all those instant noodle packets in your cupboard (opens in new tab). There's no need to resort to basic, boring recipes either as we've got over ten fantastically delicious and nutritious recipes for you to try out.

Each one is customisable, so you can swap out any veggies or flavourings with whatever you've got in the cupboards. So why not have a play around in the kitchen and whip up a delicious dish for the whole family (opens in new tab), using this collection?

You can make all these recipes with instant noodles...

1. Vegetable ramen noodle bowl

This vegetable ramen noodle bowl from Slimming World (opens in new tab) is packed with nutritious veggies and can be made (even easier!) with instant noodles. One of the reasons we love it is because it's so versatile. For example, if you're looking to make it vegetarian, swap out the chicken stock for vegetable!

Get the recipe: Slimming World's vegetable ramen noodle bowl (opens in new tab)

2. Hairy Bikers' chicken noodle soup recipe

Another one of our great instant noodle recipes, this chicken noodle recipe is a classic tummy warmer for weeknight dinners. Light and tasty, you can use the instant noodles in your cupboard along with any leftover chicken (opens in new tab) carcasses to create this delicious recipe for you and the whole family.

Get the recipe: Hairy Bikers' chicken noodle soup (opens in new tab)

3. Homemade pot noodle

Every child loves a Pot Noodle, but we all know that with all those flavourings that they're not the healthiest option. So why not make your own? Perfect for those instant noodles that you've got in the cupboard and completely adaptable to use with whatever vegetables you've got in the fridge and freezer.

Get the recipe: Homemade pot noodle (opens in new tab)

4. Tuna and noodle recipe

This one is perfect for those pesky tins of tuna (opens in new tab) in the cupboard that you just can't seem to find a use for! It's a nutritious and tasty, so good that will be a hit with the whole family.

Get the recipe: Tuna and noodle recipe (opens in new tab)

5. Singapore noodles recipe

Our favourite thing about this Singapore noodles recipe is that all of the ingredients can be found in your freezer like sweetcorn, onions and mushrooms. If you're already a connoisseur of the stir-fry, you'll probably have the other ingredients like peanut oil in your cupboards. If not, sesame oil works just as well.

Get the recipe: Singapore noodles (opens in new tab)

6. Chinese vegetable chow mein

This simple classic can be made in about 20 minutes, even less if you're using instant noodles! With high-vitamin vegetables like pepper, broccoli and mushroom an integral part of the recipe, it's a great one for making sure you're getting those essential health-boosting (opens in new tab) supplements into your diet.

Get the recipe: Chinese vegetable chow mein (opens in new tab)

7. Wagamama chilli chicken ramen recipe

With this long time fan-favourite Wagamama recipe, even if you're stuck inside there's no reason why you can't enjoy delicious noodles. With this recipe, you can use the vegetables you have in your freezer  as well as cupboard essentials like chicken stock cubes and instant noodles. Sriracha Hot Chilli Sauce? Optional.

Get the recipe: Gousto's Wagamama chilli chicken ramen (opens in new tab)

8. Pan-fried cod with noodles

This weeknight meal staple has got all the protein (opens in new tab) and omega-3 minerals you'll need to stay healthy, happy and fuller for longer. Make with instant noodles for an even quicker fix and add spinach for a dose of iron.

Get the recipe: Pan-fried cod with noodles (opens in new tab)

9. Chinese-style chicken with vegetables

This Chinese-inspired dish is not only super easy to make but coming in at £4.75 with egg noodles, with instant noodles it works out to almost £4. We reckon it will soon be a staple in your recipe collection.

Get the recipe: Chinese-style chicken with vegetables and noodles (opens in new tab)

10. Pork satay noodles

Pork is often one of those meats that you can buy in the supermarket for slightly cheaper, and it's often one of the last ones that people buy online. Some think that it's not as easy to use in recipes as chicken for example, but that's definitely not the case. With this pork satay recipe, you can use up any pork that you've got in your fridge as well as cupboard staples like peanut butter (opens in new tab).

11. Quick chilli beef noodles

Another one that can be used for any leftover steaks or beef you've got in the fridge - it doesn't last long in there, so it's important to use it up ASAP. Whether you're using garlic and chilli powder or fresher alternatives, it doesn't matter as this recipe is customisable depending on what you've got in the cupboards.

Get the recipe: Quick chilli beef noodles (opens in new tab)

These instant noodle recipes are all so quick and easy to make, they're the perfect solution for your supply.