Name: High Protein Tomato Soup with Cottage Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 white onion, diced small; ¾ tsp salt; Black pepper, to taste; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 4 cloves garlic, sliced; 2 (26-oz) cans whole San Marzano tomatoes; 2 cups chicken bone broth; Handful torn basil leaves; 1 cup low fat cottage cheese (2%); Grated parmesan, for serving (optional); Freshly cracked black pepper, for serving (optional)

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Introduction

This high protein tomato soup with cottage cheese is a comforting and nutritious twist on a classic favorite. Packed with rich flavors from San Marzano tomatoes and a creamy texture from cottage cheese, it’s perfect for a wholesome meal any day of the year.

Two white bowls filled with smooth bright orange tomato soup, each bowl garnished with small fresh green basil leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper and grated cheese. In the foreground, one bowl has a black spoon resting inside. Around the bowls, there are small piles of grated cheese on a white plate and large chunks of hard cheese stacked nearby. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a rust-colored cloth napkin beside the bowl in front. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 white onion, diced small
¾ tsp salt
Black pepper, to taste
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cloves garlic, sliced
2 26-oz cans whole San Marzano tomatoes
2 cups chicken bone broth
Handful torn basil leaves
1 cup low fat cottage cheese (2% recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
Step 2: Add diced onion, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and soft.
Step 3: Add sliced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Pour in the tomatoes, chicken bone broth, and add torn basil leaves. Gently break up the tomatoes with a spatula but keep some chunks. Stir, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Step 5: Turn off the heat and allow the soup to cool slightly. Add cottage cheese, then use an immersion blender to blend until completely smooth. If using a traditional blender, blend in batches and return to the pot.
Step 6: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm topped with grated parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, substitute chicken bone broth with vegetable broth and use dairy-free cottage cheese or silken tofu.
Add a splash of cream or coconut milk after blending for an even richer texture.
If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half and mix it back with the remaining unblended portion.
Fresh basil can be swapped for dried basil but add it earlier in the cooking to develop flavor.

Storage

Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Two white bowls filled with bright orange creamy tomato soup sit on a white marbled surface. The soup has a slightly textured surface with tiny bits of herbs and cheese mixed in. Each bowl contains fresh green basil leaves scattered on top and a sprinkle of black pepper. One bowl has a black spoon resting in the soup. In the background, there are small piles of grated white cheese and slices of pale yellow hard cheese, along with a small white bowl of seasoning. A piece of toasted bread with a golden crust is partly visible at the bottom right corner. A rust-colored cloth is placed near the front bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of tomato?

Yes, you can use other canned whole tomatoes or plum tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are preferred for their rich flavor and low acidity, but other good-quality canned tomatoes work well too.

Is it necessary to use bone broth?

No, chicken bone broth adds depth and nutrients, but regular chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as a convenient alternative without sacrificing too much flavor.