Cream Of Chicken Soup Recipes Pasta

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. And your cupboard has… cream of chicken soup? Don’t look at it like it’s a sad, lonely can. We’re about to make it legendary with pasta. Trust me, your taste buds are gonna thank you, and your effort meter will barely budge.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay, let’s be real. This recipe is awesome because it’s basically **culinary magic for the time-strapped**. Got 20 minutes? You’ve got dinner. It’s also **idiot-proof**, I swear. Even I didn’t mess it up, and my kitchen skills sometimes peak at toast. Plus, it’s cozy, comforting, and uses up that can of soup that’s been judging you from the back of the pantry. Win-win-win!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Chicken Soup: The star of our show, obvs. Don’t grab the “low sodium” unless you’re into bland.
• 1/2 cup milk or chicken broth: To thin things out a bit. Milk for creamier, broth for chicken-ier. Your call, boss.
• 2 cups cooked pasta: Any shape! Penne, rotini, elbow mac – whatever’s lurking in your pantry.
• 1 cup cooked shredded chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken is your best friend here. Or quickly boil a breast, whatever.
• 1/2 cup frozen peas: Or corn, or mixed veggies. For a pop of color and, you know, some actual vegetables. Don’t skip the veggies, your mom would be proud.
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Or more! Never enough cheese, IMO.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Because flavor, darling.
• Optional: 1/2 onion, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced: If you’re feeling fancy and have an extra 5 minutes. They add depth, like a good therapist.
• Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil or butter: For sautéing if you go the onion/garlic route.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook Your Pasta: Boil your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain it and set it aside. While that’s happening, you can do step 2. Multi-tasking queen/king!
2. Sauté (If You Dare): If you’re using onion and garlic, heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until softened (about 3-5 mins), then add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t burn the garlic, it gets bitter!
3. Whip Up the Sauce: Pour the can of cream of chicken soup into the skillet (or a separate pot if you skipped the sauté). Stir in the milk or chicken broth. Heat it gently, stirring occasionally, until it’s smooth and bubbly.
4. Combine the Goodness: Add the cooked shredded chicken and frozen peas (or other veggies) to the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the veggies are heated through.
5. Pasta Party! Gently fold in the cooked pasta. Make sure everything is well coated in that creamy, dreamy sauce.
6. Cheese Please: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and glorious. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the soup is already salty, so **taste before you add a ton**!
7. Serve It Up: Ladle into bowls and devour immediately. Maybe sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta: Nobody wants mushy pasta, seriously. **Al dente is your friend.** It means it still has a little bite.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic goes from fragrant to burnt horror show in seconds. Keep an eye on it!
• Adding too much salt initially: Cream of chicken soup already packs a salty punch. **Always taste first**, then season. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out (unless you’re a magician, which… are you?).
• Not stirring the sauce: Let it sit undisturbed, and you might end up with a weird skin or lumpy bits. Give it a gentle stir now and then.
• Thinking this is diet food: It’s delicious comfort food, not a kale salad. Embrace the creamy goodness!

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling adventurous? This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to play around!

• Different Canned Soups: Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even cheddar cheese soup would totally work! Just adjust seasoning accordingly.
• Veggies Galore: Don’t like peas? Throw in some broccoli florets, diced carrots, or spinach. Just add spinach at the very end so it wilts nicely.
• Protein Swap: No chicken? Cooked ham, crumbled sausage, or even canned tuna (drained, of course) could step in. For a vegetarian twist, try chickpeas or white beans!
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add a nice kick if you’re feeling bold.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Skip the chicken (duh) and use cream of mushroom soup with veggie broth instead of milk. Add extra veggies or beans. Voila!
• What kind of pasta works best? Honestly, anything short! Penne, rotini, farfalle, elbow macaroni. Long spaghetti can be a bit awkward to coat, but hey, if that’s all you got, it’ll still taste good!
• Can I freeze leftovers? You can, but pasta tends to get a bit soft when reheated. It’s best eaten fresh. But if you must, freeze in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.
• Is this a healthy meal? Well, it’s hearty and comforting! We’re not claiming it’s a superfood, but it hits the spot and has protein and veggies. Everything in moderation, right?
• My sauce is too thick/thin. Help! Too thick? Add a splash more milk or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce, or stir in a tiny bit of cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water) and simmer until thickened.
• Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked? Yes, FYI, just make sure to cook it fully before adding it to the sauce. Dice it up and sauté it in the pan before you add the soup.

Final Thoughts

See? I told you it was easy! You just whipped up a genuinely delicious, super comforting meal with minimal effort. Go ahead, pat yourself on the back. You’ve earned it. Now go impress someone—or just yourself, because let’s be honest, that’s who truly matters here—with your new culinary skills. Enjoy every creamy, chicken-y, pasta-y bite! And maybe keep this recipe handy for your next ‘I’m hungry but lazy’ moment. 😉