As fall approaches and North Carolina’s infamous summer heat turns to a cool breeze, students can warm up with a traditional comfort food — pasta, without the extensive preparation.

And to create an inexpensive meal, use Oodles of Noodles. It can be found in dorm rooms across campus — and it’s cheap. For about $1, students can buy ten packs of noodles at the local grocery or C-store — and they come in various flavors to satisfy many appetites.

It takes only a few minutes for students to treat themselves to flavorful food. Here are a few quick and simple recipes for spicing up this long-time favorite.

Have ramen for breakfast

Saskatoon Breakfast Ramen

Ingredients1 package of chicken ramen — not crushed2 small eggs, beatenCheddar cheese cut into small cubesChopped up baconChopped tomatoes and green onions

Boil ramen noodles according to instructions. Cook bacon to your desired crispness. Drain all water from the noodles, and chop bacon, cheese, tomato, and onions. Add eggs, bacon, chopped cheese, tomato, and onions, place on medium heat and stir mixture well. Cook for a few minutes — until eggs are done. Cook the onions with the bacon to soften them up.

Try soup for warming up on a fall day

Sesame Chicken Ramen SoupIngredients1 package chicken flavored Top Ramen noodles1/2 package chicken flavored seasoning mix1/2 teaspoon sesame oil1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds1/4 cup roasted chicken, shredded or chopped1 teaspoon finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

Boil ramen noodles according to package, including only half of the seasoning mix. Immediately add the remaining ingredients, stir, adjusting ingredients to taste and enjoy. Serves: 1 (increase ingredients as needed to serve 2 or more)

It may not be mom’s, but try making Mac and Cheese

GI Mac and Cheese1 package any flavor ramenButter or margarineAmerican cheese

Cook ramen, drain it and throw the noodles in a bowl. Now, throw as much butter and cheese on top as preferred and stir.

Shrimp flavor and crab meat make a perfect seafood medley.

Maryland Ramen

Ingredients1 part shrimp ramen flavoring1 1/2 parts Old Bay seasoningPre-steamed or imitation crab meat (optional)

Cook the ramen normally, adding the crab meat to the boil if desired. Add in the shrimp flavoring packet and the Old Bay seasoning. Serve as a soup or on the side with crab legs or other seafood.

Feed your sweet tooth with noodles, sweet sauce and whipped cream

Ryane and Anne’s Cheap and Easy Ramen Dessert1 package top ramen (no seasoning packet)Strawberry sauce Bottle of squeezable honeyDash of cinnamon and sugarWhipped cream from the can

Make ramen as usual, but do not add seasoning packet. Drain noodles and place in fridge until chilled. Take cold ramen and place on a paper plate. Drizzle as much honey on ramen as desired. Sprinkle some cinnamon and sugar on top, and add a little strawberry sauce. Spray whipped cream, then a little more strawberry for a nice presentation. Eat and enjoy!

All recipes are courtesy of The Official Ramen Homepagehttp://www.mattfischer.com/ramen/