Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe

Cozy Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

When comfort meets elegance, this creamy tomato basil parmesan soup delivers pure culinary magic that warms the soul.

Rich, velvety textures blend with robust flavors dancing across your palate.

Fresh tomatoes create a vibrant base while parmesan cheese adds depth and complexity to every spoonful.

Aromatic basil weaves its herbal notes through the silky broth, creating an irresistible symphony of taste.

The recipe balances simplicity with sophisticated flavors that elevate a classic soup into something extraordinary.

Each serving promises a delightful experience that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable dining moment.

Prepare to savor every delectable spoonful of this restaurant-worthy soup that comes together with minimal effort.

What Makes Tomato Basil Soup So Inviting

  • Maximize Nutrition: Pack your body with high-protein goodness from the cheese and potential bacon garnish, making this soup a powerhouse of nutrients perfect for muscle recovery and wellness.
  • Simplify Cooking: Toss ingredients into the crock pot, walk away, and return to a deliciously creamy soup without constant monitoring or complex cooking techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Blend the soup smooth or keep chunks for varied texture, then top with bacon, green onions, or extra cheese to match your personal flavor preferences.
  • Comfort in a Bowl: Enjoy a warm, hearty soup that combines classic comfort food elements like potatoes, broccoli, and cheddar cheese for a satisfying meal that feels like a hug.

Ingredients Needed for Basil Parmesan Soup

Base Ingredients:
  • Onion: A flavorful vegetable that provides a savory foundation for the soup.
  • Carrots: Adds sweetness and depth to the overall taste of the soup.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: The primary source of rich tomato flavor and smooth texture.
  • Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Creates the liquid base and enhances the soup's overall flavor profile.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Dried Basil, Oregano, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that bring Mediterranean-inspired flavor to the soup.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's taste.
  • Garlic: Adds a robust and pungent flavor to the vegetable base.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
  • Heavy Cream or Milk: Adds creaminess and smooths out the soup's texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty, and nutty flavor to the soup.
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, herbal touch to the final dish.

Steps for Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Heat butter in a large pot over medium temperature. Toss in finely chopped onions and diced carrots.

Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become soft and release delightful aromas. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to enhance the fragrance.

Step 2: Build Liquid Foundation

Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pot. Add:
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Dried basil
  • Oregano
  • Thyme
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir ingredients until well combined.

Step 3: Develop Rich Flavors

Bring mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low.

Cover pot and let soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and vegetables to soften completely.

Step 4: Create Smooth Texture

Use an immersion blender to transform soup into silky smoothness.

For rustic texture, blend partially or leave some vegetable chunks. When using a standard blender, work in small batches to prevent splashing.

Step 5: Enrich With Creamy Goodness

Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let soup simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Serve With Style

Ladle soup into serving bowls. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped basil or parsley.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes for Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Fans

  • Use plant-based milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan version, maintaining creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
  • Add extra broth if soup becomes too thick during simmering, ensuring perfect consistency every time.
  • Roast onions and carrots before adding to soup for deeper, more caramelized taste profile.
  • Add fresh basil leaves at the end of cooking to elevate the aromatic quality and brighten overall flavor.
  • Make larger batches and freeze in portion-sized containers for convenient future meals.

Tasty Ways to Change Tomato Basil Soup

  • Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, swap heavy cream with coconut milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Garden Soup: Use gluten-free broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Skip flour-based thickeners and rely on natural vegetable consistency.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes, swap dried herbs with fresh herbs like oregano and thyme, and incorporate roasted red peppers for an extra flavor kick.
  • Low-Carb Protein Boost: Replace carrots with cauliflower, use almond milk instead of cream, and add grilled chicken or tofu for additional protein without increasing carbohydrates.

What to Pair With Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

  • Pair with Crusty Garlic Bread: Slice a fresh baguette, brush with garlic-infused olive oil, and toast until golden. The crispy, buttery bread perfectly complements the creamy soup's rich tomato flavor.
  • Recommend Chardonnay Match: Select a medium-bodied Chardonnay with subtle oak notes. Its buttery undertones and crisp acidity beautifully balance the soup's creamy texture and bright tomato profile.
  • Serve with Mixed Green Salad: Create a light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The fresh, tangy salad cuts through the soup's richness and adds a refreshing contrast.

Storing Basil Parmesan Soup for Lunches

  • Store soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing to prevent separation.
  • Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.
  • Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth or water if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming hot, approximately 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the Parmesan for a fully vegetarian version.

  • Is this soup healthy?

The soup contains vegetables and provides nutrients from carrots, tomatoes, and herbs, making it a nutritious meal option.

  • Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup without the cream. Add cream after reheating for best texture and flavor.

  • What's the best way to get a smooth consistency?

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for easy blending, or carefully transfer to a regular blender in batches for a super smooth texture.

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Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting tomato basil parmesan soup blends garden-fresh ingredients into a creamy Italian-inspired classic. Simmering with rich flavors and wholesome goodness, you’ll savor each spoonful of this soul-warming culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (28 ounces / 800 grams) crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups (720 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream or milk
  • 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a large pot over medium temperature. Introduce finely chopped onions and diced carrots, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and release aromatic essence.
  2. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing it to bloom for approximately one minute, creating a fragrant base.
  3. Pour chicken or vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes into the pot. Integrate dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
  4. Elevate mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and allow soup to simmer for 20-25 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and vegetables to tenderize.
  5. Utilize an immersion blender to transform soup’s texture. For a rustic consistency, blend partially or leave occasional vegetable chunks. When using a standard blender, process in cautious batches.
  6. Fold in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely integrated. Maintain low heat for an additional 5 minutes to marry flavors.
  7. Transfer soup into serving bowls. Embellish with additional Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley for visual and flavor enhancement.

Notes

  • Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version of this comforting soup that maintains rich, deep flavors.
  • Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for easier blending and fewer dishes, preventing messy transfers between containers.
  • Reduce cream or substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-fat alternative that still provides creamy texture and tangy depth.
  • Roast tomatoes before adding to the soup to intensify their natural sweetness and create a more complex, concentrated flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 143 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 360 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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