The dish debuted in Colorado in December and will reach menus nationwide this spring. It is the first new noodle dish the company added to the core menu since 2004.

The Spaghetti & Meatballs, $5.25 for small, $7.25 for regular, features marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese. But Executive Chef Ross Kamens says the meatballs—a blend of pork, beef, garlic, Parmesan and Italian herbs—make the dish.

The five meatballs are served over a bed of spaghetti noodles with a crushed-tomato marinara sauce, available in regular or spicy, and are garnished with Parmesan cheese. Meatballs also can be added to any of Noodles & Company's 18 menu items and are recommended with Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, Penne Rosa or Mushroom Stroganoff.

Other old-is-new items recently added to chain menus:

• Family-dining giant Denny's brought its holiday pies out for the season. The traditional favorites, pumpkin, pecan and apple, are priced from $6.99 to $9.99.

• Not a new item, but Southern California regional concept Farmer Boys is offering the classic egg dishes that make up its breakfast menu all day.

• Add San Diego-based Jack in the Box to the list of quick-service chains now offering breaded chicken on a biscuit. This one, the Homestyle Chicken Fillet ($2.99), also is available in “ranch,” with bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and ranch sauce ($4.29).

• In fall, T.G.I. Friday's added Prime Rib Stroganoff—prime rib sauteed with red onions, mushrooms and lasagna noodles in creamy brown sauce, topped with sour cream and green onions—to the Right Portion, Right Price menu of items between $5.99 and $9.99.

• And IHOP brought mozzarella sticks out the mothballs and updated them as Monster Mozza Sticks, extra-thick cheese sticks coated with Italian breadcrumbs, fried and served with marinara sauce.