Description
A creamy, aromatic tomato and basil soup that blends San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan into a rich, velvety bowl of Italian comfort. Perfect with crusty bread or grilled cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans (28 oz each) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or tapioca flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Optional: extra basil, Parmesan, heavy cream for garnish
Instructions
- Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and prepare basil leaves, reserving half for garnish. Crush San Marzano tomatoes by hand.
- In a heavy pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5–7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, then stir in tomato paste for 1–2 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over aromatics and stir for 2–3 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth to prevent lumps.
- Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, and half the basil. Simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and blend until smooth using an immersion blender (or in batches with a standard blender). Strain if desired for ultra-smooth texture.
- Return soup to low heat and stir in milk, cream, and Parmesan. Heat gently without boiling. Add remaining basil before serving.
- Garnish with basil, a drizzle of cream, and extra Parmesan. Serve warm with crusty bread or grilled cheese.
Notes
Use quality San Marzano tomatoes for best flavor. Add dairy slowly over low heat to prevent curdling. Soup thickens as it cools — adjust consistency with broth or milk as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg