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Tuscan Parmesan Cream Soup: A Comforting Delight Recipe

Tuscan Parmesan Cream Soup: A Comforting Delight Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 19 reviews

Tuscan Parmesan Cream Soup is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired soup that combines sautéed vegetables, creamy dairy, and savory Parmesan cheese with aromatic herbs. This easy-to-make soup delivers a perfect balance of creaminess and flavor, ideal for cozy meals. It can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth and leaving out meat add-ins, and offers options for additional vegetables or proteins to suit any preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Vegetables

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled & finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Broth & Dairy

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated aged Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)

Tuscan Flavor Boosters

  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional but traditional for cream soups)

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1 cup baby spinach or Tuscan kale, chopped
  • 1 cup diced cooked chicken or Italian sausage (for a heartier version)
  • 1 small potato, peeled and diced (for extra body)

Garnish (optional)

  • Extra shaved Parmesan
  • Fresh basil or parsley
  • Croutons or a drizzle of truffle oil

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 6–8 minutes, stirring often until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until it becomes just golden.
  2. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flour to cook off the raw taste. The mixture will become pasty and will start to coat the vegetables evenly.
  3. Add the Broth & Simmer: Slowly pour in the low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10–12 minutes. If using diced potatoes, add them at this point and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 12 minutes.
  4. Add Cream & Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream carefully. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously so that it melts smoothly into the soup, creating a creamy texture.
  5. Season & Optional Add-ins: Add the dried thyme, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and nutmeg. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the soup to simmer gently for another 5–10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. If desired, add chopped baby spinach or Tuscan kale, and diced cooked chicken or Italian sausage at this stage.
  6. Blend (Optional): For a silky smooth soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup to your preference. Alternatively, leave the soup chunky for a rustic texture.
  7. Final Taste Check: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more Parmesan for richness or more salt for balance. Garnish with shaved Parmesan, fresh basil or parsley, croutons, or a drizzle of truffle oil if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this soup vegetarian.
  • For a heartier soup, add cooked chicken or Italian sausage as optional protein.
  • Adding diced potatoes gives the soup extra body and creaminess.
  • Adjust the thickness by varying the amount of flour or cream to suit your preference.
  • The soup can be blended smooth or left chunky depending on texture preference.
  • Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
  • This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers and reheat gently to avoid curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan Parmesan Cream Soup, creamy Italian soup, Parmesan cheese soup, comforting soup recipe, vegetarian soup, creamy vegetable soup

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/tuscan-parmesan-cream-soup-a-comforting-delight-recipe/