"Souper" Fast Creamy Chicken Pasta Sauce

This is a recipe that I truly think is a MUST in every home.  I'm not saying this because it is my recipe and developed it myself, but it's so fast that every home needs a few recipes that can be on the table in under 20 minutes.

This meal can be made even faster by using "planned over" chicken from either another meal or a baked chicken from the store which you shred (you'll need about 2 1/2 cups).  Almost any vegetable can be used instead of mushrooms and broccoli.  As I have mentioned before - use what you have in your fridge.  Zucchini, cauliflower, carrots, leeks, peas and beans work a treat!  I tried this with sweet potato, not a good.  Frozen veggie mixes can be used when vegetables are either $$ or not looking so fabulous in the bottom of the fridge (freeze and save those for a soup).

This can be made ahead of time and baked in the oven with mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top.  I make this dish about once a month in winter and the colder times of the year.  The kids love it, its cheap, fast and delicious.  A real winner for any family who are time poor and on a budget.  This recipe feeds 7-8


3 tablespoons butter - not margarine or oil
1/2 kilo (1 pound)  chicken breast fillets, chopped into bite sized chunks
1 large onion, diced fine
2 garlic cloves, minced
10-12 button mushrooms, sliced
1 large head of broccoli, each floweret cut in half
3 tablespoons water
1 tin Cream of mushroom soup (any "cream of soup" will work, but this is my fave)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
500g (1 pound) pasta, what ever shape you prefer.

Heat a large pot of water to cook your pasta in.  Meanwhile, dice and cut the vegetables as mentioned above.
Pop the broccoli into a a microwave safe bowl, add the water and steam in the microwave for 4 minutes.  Don't throw the water out!
In a heavy based fry pan, melt the butter.  Add the chicken, garlic and onions and fry until the chicken is sealed (white all over and no pink showing)
Add the mushrooms and continue to cook for a minute or two.
By now the water should be boiling.  Add the pasta and cook until al dente and continue to make your sauce.
Add the broccoli and the water it was cooked in and add that to the fry pan (with the chicken).
Add the mushroom soup and reduce the heat to a simmer and stir occasionally.
Continue to cook the pasta sauce while the pasta boils away.
When the pasta is cooked, strain.
Turn off the heat to your pasta sauce and add in the parmesan cheese.  Stir through well.
Serve the pasta and sauce together with or without garlic bread and/or salad.

Happy cooking!
Elizabeth
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