Soothing Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe for Rainy Days

Comfort meets culinary magic in this velvety tomato basil parmesan soup that warms you from the inside out.

The rich, creamy blend of ripe tomatoes dances with fragrant basil and salty parmesan cheese.

Every spoonful promises a symphony of robust flavors that comfort and delight.

Fresh ingredients mingle to create a soup that’s both rustic and elegant.

The recipe captures the essence of home-cooked goodness with its simple yet sophisticated profile.

Hearty and satisfying, this soup turns an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Ingredient List

• Carrots: Adds sweet earthiness and vibrant color to the soup's foundation.
• Onions: Provides deep, rich flavor and aromatic base for the soup.
• Celery: Brings subtle herbal notes and a delicate crunch to the vegetable mix.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, robust flavor that elevates the entire dish.

• Oregano: Introduces warm, slightly bitter Mediterranean herb essence.
• Basil: Contributes fresh, peppery green notes and classic Italian character.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies all other ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and sharp aromatic complexity.

• Diced Tomatoes: Creates rich, tangy base with bright acidic undertones.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides deep, savory liquid foundation for the soup.
• Bay Leaf: Infuses delicate herbal depth and traditional cooking nuance.
• Butter: Adds luxurious richness and smooth texture to the roux.
• Flour: Helps thicken and create silky consistency.
• Half and Half: Brings creamy, velvety smoothness to the final soup.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces sharp, salty, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds subtle fruity undertone.

Tools for Cooking Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup.
• Large skillet: Perfect for making the roux and mixing ingredients.
• Whisk: Key tool for smoothly blending flour and butter, preventing lumps.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring vegetables and mixing soup.
• Chef's knife: Needed for chopping carrots, onions, and celery.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cheese grater: Used for grating fresh parmesan cheese.

How to Make Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

• Veggie Foundation

Grab a large pot and warm some olive oil. Toss in chopped carrots, onions, and celery. Let them dance around until they become soft and the onions turn translucent, stirring occasionally.

• Flavor Boost

Sprinkle in garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the spices mingle and release their aromatic magic for a few minutes.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice and vegetable broth. Drop in a bay leaf for extra depth. Let the mixture simmer gently until carrots become tender and flavors start to blend.

• Creamy Transformation

In a separate pan, melt butter and gradually whisk in flour. Cook until the mixture turns golden and smooth. Slowly blend some soup into this roux, creating a silky thickening agent.

• Cheese Heaven

Stir the roux back into the soup pot. Sprinkle in parmesan cheese, watching it melt into creamy goodness. Splash in some warmed half and half for luxurious texture.

• Final Touch

Let the soup simmer softly, allowing flavors to marry. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with an extra sprinkle of parmesan on top for a delightful finish.

Flavor Tips for Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

• Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color to your soup base.
• Experiment with red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to give the soup a subtle kick of heat that complements the rich tomato flavor.
• Swap half and half with heavy cream for an even more indulgent texture, or use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that adds unique depth.
• Transform this soup into a complete meal by stirring in cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, or white beans for extra protein and substance.

Serving Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

• Rustic Bread Companion: Crusty sourdough or artisan bread slices make the perfect dunking partner for this creamy tomato soup. The bread absorbs the rich flavors and adds a delightful textural contrast.
• Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves or chopped chives on top to brighten the soup's appearance and add a burst of fresh herbal flavor. These green accents create a beautiful visual and taste enhancement.
• Crispy Cheese Topper: Prepare quick parmesan crisps by baking small mounds of grated parmesan cheese until golden and lacy. Place these delicate cheese wafers on top of each soup serving for a crunchy, salty element that elevates the entire dish.
• Cozy Side Salad: Pair the soup with a light mixed green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette. The fresh, crisp salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy soup and creates a well-balanced meal.

How to Store Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover soup to airtight containers with tight-fitting lids, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Refrigerator Lifespan: Store the soup in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping it at a consistent temperature below 40°F to maintain quality and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool the soup completely before freezing in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen soup remains delicious for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm refrigerated or thawed soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to restore original creamy texture. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup appears too thick during reheating.

Velvety Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Classic tomato basil parmesan soup combines rich, hearty flavors perfect for comfort dining. Robust Italian ingredients blend seamlessly, offering warmth and nourishment you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 28 oz (794 g) can petite diced tomatoes with juice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 2 cups half and half, warmed
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
• ½ cup flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup finely diced onions
• 1 cup finely diced carrots
• 1 cup finely diced celery
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then swiftly sauté carrots, onions, and celery until vegetables soften and become translucent.
2. Herb Infusion: Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the vegetable mixture, allowing herbs to release their aromatic essence for approximately 2 minutes.
3. Liquid Harmony: Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaf, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer that will develop the soup’s rich character.
4. Flavor Development: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, allowing carrots to tenderize and ingredients to meld together seamlessly.
5. Roux Creation: In a separate skillet, craft a smooth roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until the mixture turns golden and releases a nutty fragrance.
6. Thickening Process: Incorporate 3 cups of simmering soup into the roux, whisking vigorously to create a silky thickening agent without lumps.
7. Cheese Integration: Return the roux-soup mixture to the main pot, then sprinkle in freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and adds a savory depth.
8. Creamy Finish: Gently stir in warmed half and half, creating a velvety texture that softens the soup’s robust flavors.
9. Final Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, allowing the soup to simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes to further develop its complex flavor profile.
10. Serving Presentation: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a final touch of culinary indulgence.

Notes

• Herb Blooming Technique: Sauté herbs briefly to release intense, concentrated flavors that elevate the entire soup’s taste profile.
• Roux-Making Pro Tip: Whisk flour and butter slowly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, golden base that thickens the soup without graininess.
• Cheese Melting Secret: Add parmesan cheese off direct heat and stir continuously to ensure smooth incorporation and prevent stringy or grainy texture.
• Temperature Control Hack: Maintain gentle simmer instead of boiling to preserve vegetable nutrients and develop deep, harmonious flavor layers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 40mg