Olive Garden Cream of Tomato and Basil Soup

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Olive Garden's Cream of Tomato and Basil Soup, a velvety classic brimming with fresh ingredients and robust Italian-inspired flavors. This luscious soup combines ripe, canned crushed tomatoes with a rich base of olive oil, butter, and mellow sautéed onions, enhanced by the aromatic warmth of garlic. Creamy heavy cream and fragrant chopped basil create a luxurious texture, perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness from sugar and a sprinkle of black pepper. Finished with a garnish of grated Parmesan cheese and served alongside warm, crusty bread, this 45-minute recipe is ideal for an elegant starter or a cozy main course. Perfect for recreating restaurant-quality comfort food at home, this soup is sure to be your new go-to for hearty yet refined dining.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• 0 crusty bread (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until the butter has melted.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Pour the crushed tomatoes into the pot and stir well to combine.

Step 5

Add the chicken or vegetable broth, stir, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the soup to simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Stir in the heavy cream, fresh basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 8

Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until creamy, then return it to the pot.

Step 9

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 10

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and more fresh basil if desired.

Step 11

Serve warm with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2353.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2274.6

Total Fat 170.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 88.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 397.2mg	0%
Sodium 8140.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 105.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.5g	0%
Total Sugars 41.1g
Protein 69.1g	0%

Vitamin D 47.6IU	0%
Calcium 1781.2mg	0%
Iron 17.0mg	0%
Potassium 2585.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 68.8%

Protein: 12.4%

Carbs: 18.9%