The Creamy Canned Soup You Can Use For A DIY Pasta Sauce Packed With Garlic
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The pasta aisle of your local supermarket is jam-packed with jarred sauces sold under countless labels, from Bertolli to Rao's Homemade (the winner of Tasting Table's popular pasta sauce brand ranking). But another fitting noodle accompaniment is hiding right next door in the canned section: A 10.5-ounce container of condensed soup, more specifically Campbell's Garlic Parmesan with Herbs. The basil and oregano in this versatile, savory base offer peppery warmth and a subtle sweetness that bolster its pungent allium notes and rich, nutty cheese flavors. It's transformed in an instant, too.
To turn this condensed soup into a smooth sauce that clings to pasta with ease, simply dilute it with your chosen liquid — such as water, milk, or stock — and then place it over medium-high heat until it reduces to your desired consistency. Acidic additions like lemon juice or even a dash of vinegar will enhance the velvety texture while lending nuance to the cream's richness, leaving you with a satisfying yet layered take on a classic cheesy garlic pasta pairing. Those with food sensitivities should note, however, that this conveniently canned DIY shortcut contains dairy (of course), as well as wheat and soy.
Why Campbell's Garlic Parmesan with Herbs soup is a pasta sauce waiting to happen
There are nearly as many reasons why this Campbell's item makes an excellent fettuccine or farfalle accompaniment as there are jars of pasta sauce in the grocery store (or cans of condensed soup, for that matter). Garlic and Parmesan often appear together in classic cream sauces like Alfredo — as do basil and oregano — and the soup's dairy content sets up your sauce's texture for silky success. The product's thick out-of-the-can consistency, courtesy of ingredients like cornstarch and wheat flour, make it ultra customizable too. Just dilute it as much or as little as you like with the liquid of your choice.
Additional dairy will maximize creaminess — ideal for those who prefer noodles with sauce-catching nooks and crannies, like fusilli. On the other hand, thinner liquids like stock or chicken broth (already an easy route to a more robust Alfredo sauce) will amp up savoriness and provide a runnier but still-velvety result, perfect for strand-shaped pasta like bucatini. Not satisfied with noodles alone? Turn your cheesy, herbaceous pasta into a heartier dish by mixing in mild but filling proteins like chicken, lentils, or chickpeas so the soup's garlic-forward flavor remains the star of the show.
Freshly chopped basil and oregano will draw out the herbs, while veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts will deepen the garlic's earthiness while upgrading this entrée to a whole meal. For more herbal complexity, take a cue from Simon & Garfunkel and sprinkle on some fresh parsley, sage, rosemary, or thyme.
@campbells 30-Min Lemon Garlic Parmesan & Herbs Shrimp Pasta: dinner in a flash when you need a quick weeknight win.