The Best Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Tomato basil parmesan soup represents comfort in a bowl, with its rich, velvety texture that warms your soul on chilly evenings.

Culinary enthusiasts adore this classic combination of vibrant ingredients that dance together in harmonious flavor profiles.

Mediterranean influences shine through each spoonful, creating a delightful balance between tangy tomatoes and aromatic herbs.

Creamy layers of parmesan cheese add depth and sophistication to this humble yet elegant dish.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this soup comes together, crafting simple pantry staples into a gourmet experience.

Italian-inspired techniques elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary, promising a delectable meal that satisfies both hunger and culinary curiosity.

Robust and comforting, this soup guarantees a memorable dining moment that connects you with traditional cooking wisdom.

Tomato Basil Soup Variations

• Roasted Vegetable Fusion: Replace raw vegetables with oven-roasted carrots, onions, and celery for deeper, caramelized flavors that enhance the soup's complexity.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add red pepper flakes and smoked paprika to introduce a warm, zesty undertone that complements the tomato and basil profile.
• Creamy Vegan Alternative: Swap dairy ingredients with coconut milk and nutritional yeast to create a plant-based version that maintains rich, comforting texture.
• Protein-Packed Upgrade: Incorporate cooked white beans or shredded chicken to transform the soup into a more substantial, hearty meal with added nutritional value.

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup with Fresh Herbs

• Creamy Comfort in a Bowl: This tomato basil parmesan soup delivers ultimate comfort with its rich, velvety texture that wraps you in warmth like a cozy blanket.
• Quick and Easy Gourmet Experience: Crafted with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, this soup transforms ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary meal in under an hour, making restaurant-quality dining accessible at home.
• Flavor Explosion with Fresh Ingredients: Vibrant basil, ripe tomatoes, and sharp parmesan cheese create a harmonious blend of fresh, tangy, and savory notes that dance delightfully on your taste buds, elevating a classic soup into a gourmet masterpiece.
• Versatile Meal for Every Occasion: Perfect for chilly evenings, lunch gatherings, or as a sophisticated starter, this soup adapts beautifully to different dining scenarios while impressing guests with its complex yet approachable flavor profile.

Ingredients for Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

• Carrots: Sweet root vegetable that adds natural sweetness and texture to the soup.
• Onions: Flavor foundation that provides depth and aromatic base for the soup.
• Celery: Provides subtle flavor and additional vegetable complexity.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall soup flavor profile.

• Oregano: Classic herb that brings earthy and slightly peppery taste.
• Basil: Fresh herb that adds bright and slightly sweet flavor.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all other ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complements the soup's overall taste.
• Bay Leaf: Provides subtle background depth and traditional soup complexity.

• Diced Tomatoes: Primary soup base with rich, tangy tomato flavor.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides liquid foundation and additional vegetable depth.
• Butter: Creates smooth roux and adds rich, creamy undertone.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create smooth, consistent soup texture.
• Half and Half: Adds creamy richness and smooth finish to the soup.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharp, salty flavor and luxurious cheese element.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial vegetable sautéing and providing base cooking medium.

How to Simmer Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

Step 1: Prepare Vegetable Base

• Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat
• Add chopped
• Carrots
• Onions
• Celery

Sauté vegetables, stirring frequently until softened and onions turn translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Introduce minced garlic
• Sprinkle in
• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook and stir for 2 minutes to release aromatic herbs.

Step 3: Create Soup Foundation

• Pour in diced tomatoes with juice
• Add vegetable broth
• Drop in bay leaf

Bring mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and continue simmering for 15 minutes until carrots become tender.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Roux

In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour, one tablespoon at a time. Continue whisking for 2 minutes until mixture turns golden and smooth.

Step 5: Blend Roux with Soup

• Slowly incorporate 3 cups of soup into roux
• Whisk continuously to prevent lumps
• Return mixture to main pot

Stir until soup begins to thicken.

Step 6: Finish with Dairy Goodness

• Fold in grated parmesan cheese
• Pour in warmed half and half
• Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper

Step 7: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Let soup cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy while warm!

Tips for Rich Tomato Basil Soup

• Sauté Vegetables Carefully: Take time to properly soften vegetables without burning, stirring frequently to develop deep flavor foundations.
• Whisk Roux Patiently: Create a smooth, golden roux by whisking consistently and adding flour gradually to prevent lumps and ensure perfect soup texture.
• Control Soup Consistency: Adjust thickness by gradually adding roux and monitoring how the soup thickens, allowing it to simmer slowly for optimal richness.
• Enhance Cheese Melting: Add parmesan at lower temperatures and stir continuously to ensure smooth, even melting without separating or becoming grainy.
• Season Strategically: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at multiple stages, remembering that flavors develop and intensify during cooking process.

Storing and Reheating Tomato Basil Soup

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with cream for best texture.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore consistency if needed. Avoid boiling to prevent separation of dairy ingredients.

Pairings for Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

• Crunch Companions: Pair this creamy tomato soup with a crispy garlic crostini or toasted sourdough bread for textural contrast and added flavor depth.
• Wine Wonderland: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or an unoaked Chardonnay to complement the soup's rich tomato and cheese profile.
• Green Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint.
• Protein Pleasure: Add grilled chicken strips or crispy pancetta on top for extra protein and a savory crunch that elevates the soup's flavor complexity.

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy tomato basil parmesan soup offers comfort in a bowl, blending rich Italian flavors with hearty warmth. Home cooks can savor this luxurious recipe that brings restaurant-quality goodness directly to their kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 28-ounces (794 grams) can petite diced tomatoes with juice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup finely diced carrots
• 1 cup finely diced celery
• 1 cup finely diced onions
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 2 cups half and half, warmed

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Fat and Thickening Agents:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
• ½ cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and heat olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling base for the aromatic vegetables.
2. Sauté chopped carrots, onions, and celery, stirring continuously until the vegetables soften and onions become translucent, releasing their fragrant essence.
3. Introduce minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the vegetable mixture, allowing the herbs to bloom and intensify their flavors for about 2 minutes.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, and a bay leaf, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer that will develop the soup’s rich character.
5. Reduce heat to medium and let the soup simmer, allowing the carrots to tenderize and the flavors to meld together for approximately 15 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, create a smooth roux in a separate skillet by melting butter and gradually whisking in flour, cooking until the mixture turns a golden hue and develops a nutty aroma.
7. Carefully incorporate 3 cups of the simmering soup into the roux, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps and create a silky thickening agent.
8. Return the roux-soup mixture to the main pot, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution and a luxurious, creamy consistency.
9. Sprinkle in freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and adds a rich, savory depth to the soup.
10. Gently stir in warmed half and half, creating a velvety texture and softening the soup’s robust flavors.
11. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste, allowing the soup to simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes to further develop its complex flavor profile.
12. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a final touch of indulgence.

Notes

• Perfectly balanced soup loaded with rich, creamy textures and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
• Requires patience during roux-making process, ensuring smooth thickness without lumps for professional-grade consistency.
• Transform ordinary vegetables into a luxurious comfort meal by carefully sautéing and building deep, complex flavor layers.
• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for superior melting and authentic taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Ideal for meal prepping, this soup stores beautifully in refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats wonderfully without losing quality.
• Customize heat levels and herb intensities by adjusting seasonings according to personal taste preferences.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 357
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1081 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 67 mg