Creamy Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe
Introduction
This Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any season. It combines fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, creamy Parmesan, and a touch of cream for a rich and satisfying meal.

Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 2: Add chopped tomatoes and broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes are soft.
- Step 3: Stir in the fresh basil leaves and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches.
- Step 5: Return the soup to low heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Heat gently until the cheese melts and the soup is warmed through.
- Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Tips & Variations
- Use canned whole tomatoes when fresh tomatoes are out of season for a consistent flavor.
- Add a pinch of red chili flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Swap heavy cream for coconut milk to make the soup dairy-free while maintaining creaminess.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for an elegant presentation.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent curdling of the cream. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but if using dried basil, add about 1 teaspoon during simmering. The flavor won’t be as bright, but it will still be enjoyable.
Is this soup suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this soup is vegetarian as long as you use vegetable broth. Ensure the Parmesan cheese is suitable for vegetarians, or substitute with a vegetarian-friendly cheese.
PrintCreamy Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup Recipe
A comforting and creamy Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup combining fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and rich Parmesan cheese for a deliciously smooth and flavorful experience, perfect for cozy meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Add the chopped tomatoes and broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften thoroughly.
- Add Basil and Blend: Stir in fresh basil leaves, then use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and puree.
- Finish with Cream and Parmesan: Return the blended soup to low heat, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and cook gently until heated through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra basil or Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, consider using a combination of fresh and canned tomatoes.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
- To make the soup vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative, and substitute cream with coconut milk.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the broth quantity or simmer the soup longer to concentrate flavors.
Keywords: Tomato Basil Soup, Parmesan Soup, Creamy Tomato Soup, Italian Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Soup Recipe

