Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Parmesan is a delightful twist on the traditional canned or carton variety. Bursting with flavor, this soup requires no roasting and hardly any chopping. It is the ultimate comfort food that will leave you craving for more.
The Perfect Family Favorite
This Tomato Basil Soup recipe has been a family favorite since its debut way back in February 2014. It has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved dish in homes everywhere. Now, it’s getting a well-deserved photo makeover because everyone deserves to experience the deliciousness of this soup.
A Soup for All Seasons
While summer has its charms, soup season is truly something special. There’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm bowl of slurpilicious comfort food. Whether it’s One Pot Lasagna Soup, Zuppa Toscana, Italian Vegetable Soup, Minestrone Soup or this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, soups are the perfect meal-in-one.
If you’re new to cooking or feeling a bit intimidated, fear not. This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a great place to start. It’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Irresistible Flavors
The combination of minced celery, carrots, garlic, and onions, simmered with fire roasted tomatoes, oregano, and basil, creates a symphony of flavors. But we don’t stop there. This soup becomes even more delicious with the addition of Parmesan cheese and cream. Get ready to drool.
Tomato Soup or Tomato Bisque?
You might be wondering about the difference between tomato soup and tomato bisque. Tomato bisque typically features a broth made from shellfish, such as lobster or crab. However, the modern use of bisque refers to any creamy soup that has been pureed. So, whether you call it soup or bisque, this Tomato Basil Soup fits the bill perfectly.
The Best Tomatoes for Tomato Soup
For a shortcut, we recommend using two cans of fire roasted diced tomatoes. These tomatoes offer a smoky flavor that enhances the sweetness and reduces acidity. No acid reflux here!
Ingredients to Create a Flavorful Soup
The key to this Tomato Basil soup lies in the finely chopped vegetables, also known as Mirepoix. This combination of diced carrots, onions, and celery sautéed in butter/olive oil is the starting point for many great soups and stews. They add a richness and depth of flavor that can’t be achieved any other way.
Other key ingredients include flour, chicken broth, basil, oregano, and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. The choice of dairy product is up to you, depending on your preferences and dietary needs. Just remember, the higher the fat content, the creamier the soup.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
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Start by mincing the vegetables in a food processor for a quick and easy chopping process. This step ensures a perfect blend of flavors.
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Saute the minced vegetables to soften them. Then sprinkle in flour and cook for another minute to remove the raw flour smell. This will create a thick mixture that serves as the base for our soup.
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Whisk in the chicken broth, fire roasted tomatoes, and seasonings. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
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Time to get creamy! Whisk in the Parmesan cheese and your choice of dairy product. Let the soup simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes to develop robust flavors.
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If you prefer a textured soup, you can stop at this point. If you like a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the soup to your desired texture.
Tips for the Creamiest Soup
For the creamiest tomato soup, we highly recommend using a blender instead of an immersion blender. This ensures a smooth and velvety texture that can’t be achieved otherwise.
Ideas for Thickening Tomato Soup
If you prefer an even thicker soup, here are a couple of methods you can try:
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Cornstarch: Whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a fork until smooth, then mix it back into the soup. Simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened.
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Flour and Butter: Mix equal parts flour and softened butter together to form a thick paste. Add this mixture to the soup and simmer for 5 minutes or until thickened.
Make-Ahead and Reheating Options
This Tomato Basil Soup reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it on the stove, in the microwave, or even in a crockpot.
Freezing Tomato Basil Soup
Yes, you can freeze this soup! The pureed nature of the soup allows it to freeze well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes
Tomato Basil Soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or garlic bread. You can also enjoy it with a grilled cheese sandwich or Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Bread. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a green salad, fruit salad, or pasta salad. Feel free to get creative with garnishes like pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, fresh basil, bread croutons, or crackers.
Variations for All Dietary Needs
This Tomato Basil Soup can easily accommodate various dietary preferences. Here are a few suggestions:
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No Cream Tomato Soup: Replace the cream with milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or even chicken broth. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to add more body to the soup.
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No Dairy Tomato Soup: Substitute the dairy with coconut, almond, or cashew milk. Omit the Parmesan and add extra salt to taste.
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Gluten-Free Tomato Soup: Use gluten-free flour or whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch into part of the chicken broth to create a slurry.
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Vegan Tomato Soup: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and replace the dairy with coconut, almond, or cashew milk. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to add more body to the soup.
Roasted Tomato Soup
For an extra special touch, you can roast your own tomatoes and garlic to create a Roasted Tomato Basil Soup. Roasting the tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and caramelizes them, adding a rich flavor to the soup.
More Soup Recipes to Explore
If you’re a soup lover, we have a variety of delicious recipes for you to try. From Creamy Italian Soup to White Chicken Lasagna Soup, Cheesy Taco Soup to Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder, there’s something for everyone. Check out our collection of soups on the Family Cuisine website.
Get Cooking with Tomato Basil Soup
Ready to dive into the world of Tomato Basil Soup? Pin this recipe to your SOUPS or DINNER board on Pinterest for future reference. And remember, for more great recipes and inspiration, visit Family Cuisine. Happy cooking!
