Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe

Homestyle Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe – Warm Comfort Bowl

Creamy tomato basil parmesan soup beckons comfort seekers with its rich, velvety embrace on chilly evenings.

Aromatic herbs dance through each spoonful, promising warmth and satisfaction.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic comfort dish.

Italian culinary traditions inspire every delectable bite of this hearty creation.

Mediterranean flavors burst through each carefully crafted layer of ingredients.

Fresh produce and quality cheese elevate this simple soup into a memorable meal.

You’ll find yourself transported to a cozy kitchen with the first taste.

Prepare to savor a soul-warming experience that nourishes both body and spirit.

Why Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Is Comfort in a Bowl

  • Craft Comfort in a Bowl: This soup transforms simple ingredients into a rich, velvety experience that warms you from the inside out.
  • Master Kitchen Skills Easily: Perfect for cooks of all levels, the recipe offers straightforward steps with no complicated techniques, making it accessible and confidence-boosting.
  • Customize Your Culinary Creation: Flexible texture options let you blend the soup smooth or keep it chunky, while potential ingredient swaps like vegetable broth or milk give you complete creative control.
  • Nutrition Meets Deliciousness: Packed with vegetables and protein from Parmesan, this soup delivers a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet provides solid nutritional value.

Ingredients for Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

For the Base Vegetables:
  • Onion: A flavorful foundation that adds depth and sweetness to the soup.
  • Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and contribute to the soup's rich color and nutritional value.
  • Garlic: Offers a pungent, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
For the Liquid and Tomato Components:
  • Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Creates the liquid base and adds savory undertones to the soup.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Deliver a rich, tangy tomato flavor and create the soup's primary texture.
For the Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Dried Basil, Oregano, Thyme: Bring classic Italian herb notes and complexity to the soup.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's overall flavor.
For the Creamy and Cheese Elements:
  • Heavy Cream or Milk: Adds richness and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the soup.
For the Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley, Extra Parmesan, Black Pepper: Add fresh flavor, visual appeal, and final seasoning touch.
For the Cooking Fats:
  • Butter: Helps sauté vegetables and adds a rich, smooth flavor to the base.

How to Prepare Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup with Ease

Step 1: Warm Up The Pot

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Melt butter until it becomes golden and slightly bubbly.

  • Butter

Add finely chopped onions and diced carrots. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables turn soft and release their delightful aroma.

Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Garlic

Step 2: Create The Soup Base

Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pot with crushed tomatoes.

Season with dried herbs and spices for incredible depth of flavor.

  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Dried basil
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Let The Flavors Dance

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes.

This allows all the wonderful flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 4: Transform The Texture

Use an immersion blender to create a silky smooth consistency.

If you prefer some texture, blend partially or leave a few chunks. For a standard blender, carefully transfer soup in batches and blend until desired smoothness.

Step 5: Enrich With Creamy Goodness

Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the soup cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes to marry all the flavors together.

  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Ladle the soup into warm bowls. Sprinkle extra Parmesan, crack some fresh black pepper, and garnish with chopped basil or parsley.

Dive in and enjoy your culinary creation!

Tips for Rich and Flavorful Tomato Basil Soup

  • Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor complexity.
  • Use an immersion blender for easier cleanup and more control over soup texture compared to traditional blenders.
  • Reduce calories by substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk without compromising creamy consistency.
  • Add depth by roasting tomatoes and vegetables beforehand to enhance natural sweetness and create more concentrated flavors.
  • Freeze leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring you always have a quick meal ready when needed.

Variations to Try with Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

  • Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace butter with olive oil, chicken broth with vegetable broth, heavy cream with coconut milk, and Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a plant-based version.
  • Spicy Southwest Soup: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Top with cilantro and swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute carrots with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates. Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a protein-packed, lighter alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Herb Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme instead of dried for enhanced flavor and added nutritional benefits.

Pairings That Complement Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

  • Pair Crusty Garlic Bread: Slice a French baguette, spread with garlic butter, and toast until golden. Its crispy texture and rich flavor perfectly complement the creamy tomato soup.
  • Recommend Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines cut through the soup's richness and enhance the tomato's natural tanginess.
  • Create Green Salad Side: Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette. The fresh, zesty salad balances the soup's warm, comforting qualities.
  • Serve Herbed Goat Cheese Crostini: Top toasted baguette slices with creamy goat cheese mixed with fresh herbs. These delicate, tangy bites add an elegant touch to the meal.

How to Store Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Properly

Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing to maintain texture.

Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if soup appears too thick.

Transfer soup to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

FAQs

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure all other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check broth labels to confirm no gluten-containing additives are present.

  • How can I make the soup healthier?

Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, reduce Parmesan quantity, and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for more nutrients.

  • Can I freeze this tomato basil soup?

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

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Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

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

Description

Comfort meets culinary elegance in this creamy tomato basil parmesan soup, where rich Italian flavors dance on your palate. Warm bowls of velvety goodness promise to comfort and delight, drawing you into a world of pure, satisfying nourishment.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (28 ounces / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups (720 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

Dairy and Cream:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or milk
  • 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 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, sautéing onions and carrots for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become tender and release aromatic flavors.
  2. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly until its fragrance intensifies, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
  3. Pour chicken broth and crushed tomatoes into the pot, incorporating dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, mixing thoroughly.
  4. Elevate heat to achieve a gentle boil, then reduce to low, covering the pot and allowing ingredients to simmer for 20-25 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and vegetables to soften completely.
  5. Transform soup’s texture using an immersion blender, creating a smooth consistency or maintaining partial chunks based on preference. Exercise caution when blending to avoid splattering.
  6. Integrate heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully combined and allowing the mixture to meld for an additional 5 minutes over low heat.
  7. Transfer soup into serving bowls, enhancing presentation with additional Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Use a sharp chef’s knife for precise vegetable chopping, ensuring even cooking and better soup texture.
  • Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian-friendly, maintaining the same rich flavor profile.
  • Consider using an immersion blender for easier and safer blending, preventing hot soup splashes compared to transferring to a standard blender.
  • For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, reducing overall calorie content without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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