In Defense of Canned Soup…

I try to cook with fresh ingredients. Usually. But sometimes–you know those times when you’ve been working and suddenly you’re faced with a hungry family without a dinner plan–you’re tempted to order pizza. Again. Been there, my friend. So without apology, I present the emergency one-dish meal using (gasp!) canned condensed cream of whatever soup. 

All you need in addition to the soup is pasta or rice, some leftover (or canned) meat and/or vegetables, and cheese. There are endless combinations, and any combo produces a reasonably healthy meal in a short time. If you make it in one pot, cleanup isn’t overwhelming, either. One-pot meals are a great use-up of leftovers, too, like that one serving of green beans or that half cup of corn kernels you just couldn’t bear to put down the disposal.

I use a pressure cooker, but I’ve also made this dish in an electric skillet. Whatever works best for you. 

Here’s an example, but feel free to substitute ingredients you have available.

RECIPE

Chicken and Mushroom Pasta

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken
• 1 10½ oz. can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 10 oz. chicken broth or water
• 1 cup dried cavatappi or similar size pasta
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ cup fresh asparagus, sliced in 2″ pieces
• ½ cup mushrooms
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• (optional) fresh basil, chopped

Directions:

1. Layer the cooked chicken in the bottom of the pot of a pressure cooker. Spread pasta on top the chicken.
2. Pour the soup and broth or water over so that all pasta is submerged in liquid. Scatter the minced garlic on top.
3. Close lid, bring to pressure, and cook 4 minutes. Immediately remove from heat (or hit Cancel on electric models) and release pressure. Carefully open lid and stir in the vegetables.
4. Cover and let the vegetables cook in the residual heat. There’s no need to return to heat.
5. After about 10 minutes, open and sprinkle cheeses over the top. Cover for another 3-5 minutes or until cheeses have melted.
6. Serve garnished with optional fresh basil.

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