Few things soothe the soul like a warm bowl of Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup. Creamy, comforting, and packed with layers of flavor, this soup is pure bliss on a chilly evening or when you need an easy, feel-good meal. The tomato’s natural tanginess mingles with aromatic basil and luxurious Parmesan, creating a vibrant dish that’s always the star of my table. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or an elegant starter, this recipe promises spoonfuls of pure happiness!

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup is in its simplicity: just a few staple ingredients come together for maximum flavor and astonishing creaminess. Each element plays a leading role in building depth, color, and that cozy Italian-inspired aroma you’ll crave all year.

Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the onions and garlic, it adds a delicious base note and healthy fats.
Small onion (diced): Provides subtle sweetness and a gentle backbone that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
Garlic (minced): Just two cloves are enough to infuse wonderful aromatic depth to your soup.
Diced tomatoes (canned): The heart of the soup; using canned makes this a year-round favorite with perfect consistency.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor, adds a touch of thickness, and brightens the color.
Chicken broth: Lends savory body and rounds out the flavors; use low-sodium if preferred or swap for veggie broth for a vegetarian version.
Sugar: Just a teaspoon lifts and mellows the tomatoes, balancing their tanginess.
Basil (dried or fresh): Fresh basil infuses brightness, while dried brings warmth—choose based on what you have!
Salt: Elevates all the key flavors and ensures the soup sings.
Black pepper: Brings a mild heat and gentle earthiness to the finish.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick, sprinkle in some flakes—totally up to your spice preference.
Heavy cream: This is the secret to the soup’s rich, dreamy texture and signature creamy swirl.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, nutty depth and that unmistakable Italian character.
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional): A final sprinkle of green completes the fresh, inviting presentation.

How to Make Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in your favorite large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about five minutes, just until it turns translucent and soft. Don’t rush this step—the onions develop their natural sweetness here and form a delicious foundation. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant; it should smell dreamy and invite you right into the kitchen.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Base

Next, add the diced tomatoes along with their juicy goodness, tomato paste, and chicken broth directly into the pot. This trio creates the vibrant red base that makes Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup so irresistible. Sprinkle in the sugar, basil (opt for fresh whenever you can!), salt, black pepper, and that optional pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Stir thoroughly to blend all those wonderful flavors together.

Step 3: Simmer and Blend

Let your soup come to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. Allow it to bubble quietly for 15 to 20 minutes—the tomatoes will further mellow out, and all the seasonings will meld beautifully. Once everything is soft and piping hot, use an immersion blender right in the pot to create a silky-smooth consistency (or carefully blend in batches in a standard blender if you prefer). This step ensures your Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup is creamy, velvety, and ultra-satisfying.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese

Return the blended soup to the pot, if you blended it elsewhere. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, letting them melt in as the soup simmers for about another five minutes. This is when the magic happens—the soup gets its trademark creaminess and that bonus layer of cheesy richness. Taste and adjust the seasonings, then keep it gently warming until ready to serve.

How to Serve Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

Garnishes

Finish each steaming bowl with a flourish of freshly torn basil leaves and maybe an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Both elements add amazing aroma and a pop of color—let your guests see and smell the love you’ve stirred in.

Side Dishes

The classic pairing for Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup is, of course, a golden-toasted grilled cheese sandwich, but don’t stop there! Try serving it with crusty sourdough, herbed focaccia, or even cheesy breadsticks for a meal that feels as cozy as a big warm hug. For a lighter meal, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette is perfect alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special occasions, ladle the soup into small cups or shot glasses for an adorable appetizer. Want to elevate everyday lunch? Serve alongside mini mozzarella paninis or swirl extra cream on top with a toothpick for a gourmet finish. Let your creativity shine—the vibrant color and creamy texture make this soup a showstopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup stores beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer cooled leftover soup into airtight containers, where it’ll keep happily for up to four days. The flavors get even better as they meld together overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch a breeze.

Freezing

If you love batch-cooking, you’ll be happy to know this soup freezes well before you add the cream and Parmesan. Pour into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some room for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge and finish with the cream and cheese as you reheat for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup thickened overnight, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—just cover and stir halfway through to ensure even heat.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh, ripe tomatoes are a delight in late summer and bring a vibrant, sun-kissed flavor. Just chop and simmer a similar weight of fresh tomatoes, and consider peeling them for extra smoothness before blending.

Is this soup vegetarian?

With a quick swap to vegetable broth, Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup is totally vegetarian without losing any flavor. The Parmesan cheese brings plenty of savory depth without meat-based stock.

How can I make it even creamier?

Want a soup that’s extra luscious? Add an extra splash of heavy cream or more Parmesan to taste. You can even finish with a dollop of crème fraîche or Greek yogurt for added tang and silkiness.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite unsweetened plant-based cream (like oat or coconut) and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The soup will still be beautifully rich and flavorful.

How spicy is the recipe as written?

The crushed red pepper flakes are totally optional and just give a hint of warmth. If you love spicy food, add more or top individual bowls with extra flakes—if not, simply leave them out for a milder experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing dish, you can’t go wrong with Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup. It’s insanely creamy, delightfully flavorful, and so easy to whip up, even on a weeknight. Give it a try and let it become a new staple in your kitchen—you might just find yourself craving it again tomorrow!

Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup is a creamy and comforting dish perfect for any time of the year. With the richness of Parmesan cheese and the freshness of basil, this soup is a flavorful delight that is easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

For the soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the onion until translucent.
Add aromatics: Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Cook the base: Add tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, sugar, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Blend: Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree the soup until smooth.
Finish the soup: Stir in cream and Parmesan. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
Adjust and serve: Season to taste and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.