This Supported Image is a perfect template to create your Node.js Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Golden Images from.

This image contains Node.js v12 on Ubuntu LTS (Xenial Xerus) and includes support.

Minimal Ubuntu optimized for automated use at scale, with a tiny package set and minimal security cross-section. It is designed for completely automated operations, with none of the usual human-friendly utilities for comfortable interactive usage. Editors, documentation, locales and other user-oriented features of Ubuntu Server have been removed. What remains are only the vital components of the boot sequence. Images still contain ssh, apt and snapd so you can connect and install any package you're missing.