Homemade Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Savory aromas of tomato basil parmesan soup drift through my kitchen, promising comfort on chilly afternoons.

Cold weather demands something warm and satisfying that hugs you from the inside.

Friends always ask about this creamy recipe that somehow feels both indulgent and light.

Seasonal ingredients make this soup shine with pure, vibrant flavors that dance on your palate.

Simple yet sophisticated, this soup comes together faster than most imagine.

My grandmother’s secret was using fresh herbs and letting ingredients speak for themselves.

Rich parmesan melts into silky tomato broth, creating magic in just one pot.

Let’s uncover the delicious magic waiting in your next cozy meal.

Why Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Is A Bowl Of Comfort

• Creamy Comfort Perfection: This tomato basil Parmesan soup delivers ultimate comfort with its rich, velvety texture and deep, harmonious flavors that warm you from the inside out.
• Speedy Gourmet Magic: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish without requiring professional cooking skills or complex techniques.
• Flavor-Packed Nutrition Boost: Packed with fresh ingredients like basil and tomatoes, the soup offers a delicious way to enjoy vegetables while experiencing a luxurious, creamy experience that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a starter, this soup adapts easily to different occasions and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients For Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provides a rich, flavorful base for sautéing aromatics and adding depth to the soup.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a robust flavor foundation for the soup.

• Chicken Broth, Vegetable Broth: Adds liquid volume and enhances the overall savory profile of the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Creates the primary tomato flavor and provides a smooth, rich texture.

• Flour: Helps create a smooth, thickened base for the soup through roux technique.
• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Basil: Adds creaminess, rich cheese flavor, and fresh herbal notes to the final soup.
• Salt, Pepper, Sugar: Balances and enhances the overall taste profile of the soup.

How To Make Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

Step 1: Sizzle the Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and let them dance until they become soft and translucent. Toss in the garlic and let its fragrance fill the kitchen, stirring for about a minute.

Step 2: Create a Silky Flavor Foundation

Sprinkle flour over the softened onions and garlic. Stir thoroughly to coat every bit. Let the mixture cook and develop a light golden color. Slowly pour in the broth, whisking continuously to create a smooth, creamy base without any lumps.

Step 3: Introduce Tomato Goodness

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble and let it simmer. Allow the flavors to mingle and develop depth for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Smooth Out the Texture

For a velvety consistency, grab an immersion blender and puree the soup right in the pot. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until perfectly smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, skip this step.

Step 5: Add Luxurious Creaminess

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh basil

Let the soup simmer gently, allowing the cheese to melt completely and create a rich, creamy texture.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth of this homemade soup.

Pro Tip: Pair with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal that’ll warm your soul.

Smart Tips For Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

• Customize Texture Smartly: Use an immersion blender for silky smooth soup or leave chunks for rustic texture, giving you control over the final consistency.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar while sautéing onions to enhance the tomato's natural sweetness and complexity.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains rich, creamy goodness.
• Quick Meal Prep: Double the recipe and freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, ensuring a delicious meal is always ready.
• Cheese Selection Hack: Experiment with different hard cheeses like pecorino or aged cheddar to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the soup's creamy texture.

How To Store And Reheat Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with cream for best texture.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore consistency if needed.
• Reheat Microwave: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly heated.

What Goes With Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, crusty baguette or artisan sourdough to dip into this rich, creamy soup. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior perfectly complement the smooth tomato base, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Uncork a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's richness. These light, acidic wines provide a refreshing contrast that enhances the tomato's brightness and the basil's herbaceous notes.
• Serve with Fresh Salad: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture. The peppery greens and tangy dressing create a perfect counterpoint to the hearty tomato soup.
• Complement with Grilled Protein: Add a side of grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this soup into a complete meal. The light, protein-packed addition provides extra substance and brings out the soup's complex flavors.

Variations To Try For Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

• Spicy Southwest Tomato Soup: Add diced green chilies, ground cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper for a zesty kick. Top with crispy tortilla strips and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
• Roasted Vegetable Tomato Soup: Incorporate roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots before blending. Enhance the depth by using fire-roasted tomatoes and smoked paprika for a rich, smoky profile.
• Mediterranean Tomato Soup: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and serve with toasted pita bread for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
• Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and heavy cream with coconut milk. Stir in nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free, protein-packed version that maintains a luxurious texture.

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup FAQs

• What makes this tomato basil Parmesan soup special?

This soup combines rich, creamy texture with bright tomato flavors and the distinctive sharp taste of Parmesan cheese. The blend of fresh basil and aromatic garlic creates a restaurant-quality soup that’s incredibly comforting and delicious.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and ensure you’re using vegetarian Parmesan cheese. The recipe remains exactly the same, maintaining its delicious flavor profile.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze this soup, the cream might slightly separate upon thawing. For best results, freeze without the cream and add fresh cream when reheating. The base soup freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months.

• How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

To thicken the soup, cook it longer or add more Parmesan cheese. To thin it out, simply add a little extra broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. The roux helps maintain a smooth texture.

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Warm comfort nestles in this tomato basil parmesan soup, blending classic Italian flavors with creamy richness. Hearty ingredients dance together, promising a soul-satisfying meal that welcomes special guests to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tomatoes and Cheese:

• 2 cans (14.5 oz/400 g each) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavor foundation by heating olive oil in a spacious pot over medium temperature. Gently transform chopped onions into a translucent, tender state, stirring occasionally for approximately 5 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and allow its aromatic essence to permeate the mixture for one minute.
2. Create a thickening agent by delicately dusting flour over the softened onion mixture. Thoroughly incorporate the flour, coating each vegetable piece while continuously stirring to prevent clumping. Allow the mixture to develop a light golden complexion.
3. Integrate tomato components by pouring diced tomatoes and tomato sauce into the pot. Orchestrate a gentle simmer, permitting ingredients to harmonize and develop depth for 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
4. Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender directly in the pot, pulverizing ingredients into a smooth consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer contents to a standard blender, processing in measured batches until achieving a uniform, velvety composition.
5. Elevate the soup’s richness by reducing heat and incorporating heavy cream. Gradually fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt seamlessly. Introduce chopped basil, stirring gently to distribute vibrant herbal notes throughout the liquid.
6. Refine the flavor profile by tasting and adjusting seasoning. Modulate with salt, pepper, and a hint of sugar if necessary. Ladle into serving vessels, garnishing with additional Parmesan shavings and delicate basil leaves for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Customize the fat by using olive oil for a lighter version or butter for richer flavor, depending on dietary preferences and taste.
• Ensure aromatics are finely chopped to create a smooth base and maximize flavor infusion during initial sautéing.
• Control soup thickness by adjusting flour quantity – less flour creates a thinner consistency, while more provides a heartier texture.
• Enhance vegetarian options by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth or mushroom stock for deeper umami profile.
• Reduce dairy content by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or replacing Parmesan with nutritional yeast for lactose-free alternatives.
• Boost nutrition by adding roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth and vitamins.
• Prevent cream separation by keeping heat low and stirring consistently when adding dairy components.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg