Velvety Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe

Irresistible Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe For Cozy Nights

Comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible tomato basil parmesan soup that promises pure warmth and satisfaction.

Creamy, rich textures blend seamlessly with robust Italian flavors that dance across your palate.

Fresh tomatoes provide a vibrant foundation for this soul-soothing dish that works perfectly for chilly evenings.

Each spoonful carries deep, harmonious notes of sweet basil and sharp parmesan cheese.

The recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience you can easily craft in your own kitchen.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this delectable soup and let its comforting embrace transport you to a cozy Italian trattoria.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

All The Ingredients In Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

For Base and Aromatics:
  • Olive Oil or Butter: Provides a rich, golden foundation for sautéing vegetables and building deep flavor layers.
  • Onion: Adds a sweet, savory base that creates depth and complexity in the soup's overall taste profile.
  • Garlic: Delivers a pungent, aromatic punch that elevates the entire soup's flavor experience.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the soup and creates a silky, smooth texture.
For Liquid and Tomato Components:
  • Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Offers a robust, savory liquid base that enhances the soup's overall body and taste.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Brings bright, tangy freshness and chunky texture to the soup.
  • Tomato Sauce: Provides a concentrated, rich tomato essence that deepens the soup's flavor.
For Finishing and Garnish:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety smoothness that rounds out the soup's bold flavors.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Introduces a salty, nutty complexity and helps create a creamy, indulgent finish.
  • Fresh Basil: Adds a burst of herbaceous brightness and elevates the soup's aromatic profile.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances all the existing flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and sharp undertone.
  • Sugar: Optional ingredient to balance potential acidity from tomatoes.

Tools To Make Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

  • Large pot: Essential for sauteing aromatics and cooking the entire soup.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's knife: Perfect for precise vegetable chopping and mincing garlic.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Crucial for creating a smooth roux and blending broth.
  • Immersion blender (or regular blender): Helps create a creamy, smooth soup texture.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Steps To Cook Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

  • Aromatic Foundation

Begin by warming your kitchen with a gentle sizzle of olive oil. Invite onions to dance in the pan until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance. Add garlic for a quick moment, letting its warmth fill the air.

  • Silky Transformation

Dust flour across the golden vegetables, creating a delicate blanket. Slowly pour broth, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety. Let it bubble gently, developing rich layers of flavor.

  • Tomato Symphony

Introduce vibrant tomatoes into your developing masterpiece. Allow them to simmer and meld, creating a harmonious base that speaks of summer gardens and cozy moments.

  • Creamy Finale

Lower the heat and welcome heavy cream, transforming the soup into a luxurious embrace. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, watching it dissolve into pure comfort. Scatter fresh basil leaves, their green brightness lifting the entire dish.

  • Personal Touch

Taste and listen to what the soup needs. A pinch of salt, a whisper of pepper might complete its story. Serve in deep bowls, perhaps with a sprinkle of extra cheese, inviting warmth and connection.

Extra Ideas For Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

  • Perfect Texture Tricks: Use an immersion blender for a silky smooth consistency without transferring hot soup between containers, reducing mess and potential burns.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the soup base a day ahead and add cream and cheese just before serving to maintain fresh flavor and prevent separation.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version that keeps the rich, creamy texture.
  • Protein Power-Up: Boost nutritional value by adding cooked shredded chicken, white beans, or crumbled Italian sausage directly into the soup for a heartier meal that satisfies bigger appetites.
  • Gluten-Conscious Option: Swap traditional flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when making the roux, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can still enjoy this comforting soup without compromising flavor or thickness.

How To Serve Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

  • Bread Dipping Delight: Grab some crusty Italian bread or garlic toast, slice it into thick chunks, and use it to soak up the rich, creamy soup for an extra flavor explosion.
  • Restaurant-Style Presentation: Serve the soup in a warm ceramic bowl, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top, and add a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch that looks like a gourmet restaurant creation.
  • Soup and Salad Combo: Pair this tomato basil soup with a crisp mixed green salad topped with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture and create a complete, satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.
  • Grilled Cheese Companion: Create the ultimate comfort food experience by serving the soup alongside a classic grilled cheese sandwich, letting diners dip the crispy, melted cheese sandwich into the rich tomato broth for maximum deliciousness.

How To Store And Prep Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

  • Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover soup in airtight containers for 35 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Warm soup gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if soup becomes too thick. Avoid boiling to prevent cream from separating.
  • Portion Control Magic: Divide soup into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Use mason jars or meal prep containers for convenient workplace or school meals. Label with date and contents for quick identification.
Print
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Velvety Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe

Velvety Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy tomato basil parmesan soup mingles robust flavors from classic Italian ingredients. Sharp parmesan and ripe tomatoes create a comforting classic soup you’ll savor with each spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz/400 g each) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
  • 2 tbsps fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)
  • ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Aromatic Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and cook briefly to release its fragrant essence.
  2. Thickening Layer: Dust flour over the softened onion mixture, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook until the mixture turns a light golden color, ensuring even coating and preventing lumps.
  3. Tomato Fusion: Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a standard blender to create a smooth, consistent texture.
  4. Creamy Refinement: Reduce heat and gently stir in heavy cream. Gradually incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, melting it completely into the soup. Fold in chopped basil to infuse the soup with herbaceous brightness.
  5. Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar if needed. Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan shavings and fresh basil leaves for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Balance Cream Carefully: Add heavy cream slowly to prevent curdling, ensuring smooth texture by maintaining low heat and stirring consistently.
  • Blending Technique Matters: Use immersion blender for easier cleanup, or transfer carefully to standard blender in small batches to prevent hot liquid splashing.
  • Cheese Melting Strategy: Grate Parmesan fresh and fold gradually, allowing cheese to melt smoothly without creating clumps or separating.
  • Adjust Flavor Subtly: Taste and modify seasoning with tiny amounts of sugar to balance tomato acidity, salt to enhance depth, and pepper for gentle warmth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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