A can of cream of mushroom soup can be a real dinner saver. It works great in casseroles and can turn into a sauce or gravy in a pinch.

The secret to copying Noah's Ark's famous clam chowder is using two kinds of soup mixed with clams, sauteed onions, and a lot of rich half-and-half.

1/2 cup butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (8 ounce size) clams, drained
2 cans (10.75 ounce size) New England clam chowder
3 cans (10.75 ounce size) cream of potato soup
1 quart half and half
Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes or until they begin to soften.
Add the clams, clam chowder, cream of potato soup, and the half and half. Mix well.
Bring the soup to a very low simmer and let cook for one hour. Serve the clam chowder hot with crackers, if desired.
You can also let it simmer in a crock pot on low for 2 hours.
Sweat the onions in the butter until translucent for a sweeter, mellower flavor in the chowder.
Add a splash of white wine or sherry for a boost of flavor.
Experiment with different herbs and seasonings, such as thyme or parsley.
Garnish the chowder with a drizzle of truffle oil or a dollop of sour cream for a luxurious touch.
Yes, fresh clams can be used instead of canned clams for a fresher taste. Be sure to clean and cook the clams before adding them to the chowder.
You can use light cream as a substitution for half-and-half, but the chowder may be slightly less rich and creamy.
You can serve oyster crackers, saltine crackers, or even homemade croutons with the chowder.
Leftover clam chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
Yes, clam chowder can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Reheat it gently so it doesn't separate.
You can add cooked bacon, chopped celery, diced carrots, or even chopped potatoes.
To thicken the chowder, you can mix cornstarch with cold water and add it to the simmering chowder.
Large Saucepan: For sauteing the onions and combining the remaining ingredients.
Can Opener (if needed): For opening the cans of clams, New England clam chowder, and cream of potato soup.
Wooden Spoon or Ladle: For stirring the ingredients together in the saucepan.
Knife: To chop the onion into small pieces before adding it to the saucepan.
Cutting Board: For chopping the onion.
Crock Pot (optional): An alternative method for simmering the chowder, allowing for longer cooking times at low heat if desired.
Crackers: Serve these to add a crunch that contrasts with the creamy, rich chowder. They help to balance the texture and absorb some of the soup. Oyster crackers are traditional but saltines are another good choice.
Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavors of garlic bread are a natural match. The bread can be dipped in the chowder.
Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for added texture and a smoky flavor.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley can brighten up the dish visually and add a fresh note that cuts through the richness.
Lemon Wedges: Serving lemon on the side allows guests to squeeze a bit of acidity into the chowder, which can bring out the seafood flavors and balance the creaminess.
Cornbread: Serve alongside for a slightly sweet, dense texture that complements the creamy nature of the chowder. The sweetness of the cornbread can balance the savory flavors.
Fresh Oysters: Offer on the half shell as an appetizer.
A can of cream of mushroom soup can be a real dinner saver. It works great in casseroles and can turn into a sauce or gravy in a pinch.
If you're a fan of the menu at this American chain of restaurants which serves a variety of foods such as burgers, steaks, pasta, and seafood then you'll love this collection of copycat recipes.
In a cooking rut? Try one of these taste-tested, family-approved recipes using ground beef.


Online since 1995, CDKitchen has grown into a large collection of delicious recipes created by home cooks and professional chefs from around the world. We are all about tasty treats, good eats, and fun food. Join our community of 200K+ members - browse for a recipe, submit your own, add a review, or upload a recipe photo.

reviews & comments
September 21, 2019
I lived in St Charles, Mo. Loved their clam chowder. This is the only recipe I use. Have found that Campbell's soup works the best
July 23, 2019
You can also add 1 diced baking potato to this soup. Just make it even better and thicker.
August 13, 2013
Crazy that a restaurant would use canned clam chowder as a base for this recipe but I will say this soup is very very good.
December 23, 2012
I used to go to Noah's Ark Restaurant in St. Charles and I have searched for this recipe since somehow losing mine (although I had it memorized, turned out, I wrote it down before searching from memory). Anyway, YOURS IS THE REAL ONE. I have encountered many that are just not quite right, including some with cream of celery, but yours is the "official" version. Thank you!