Soup for the Soul

Nordstrom's Tomato and Basil Soup Recipe

Last Updated: November 3, 2025

Nordstrom's signature tomato soup is famously delicious.

It's one of our favorite dishes to get for lunch at the Nordstrom at Westfield Southcenter. The restaurant, now known as Ruscello, is on the third floor and offers a variety of Mediterranean and Italian dishes.

While there are several Nordstroms around Washington, this one is a 5- to 10-minute drive from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and the surrounding hotels, making it the most convenient location for travelers. Many local hotels even offer a free shuttle to Westfield Southcenter. Read on to find the recipe for the tomato basil soup, and try the real deal for yourself next time you're in Seattle Southside!

Nordstrom’s Tomato Basil Soup

Soup Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 5 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 3 cans (28 ounces each) whole Italian-style tomatoes in purée
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces each) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups heavy (whipping) cream
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons lightly packed fresh basil leaves, cut into fine ribbons

Soup Preparation

1. In a 6- to 8-quart saucepan, over medium heat, warm the oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.

2. Add the carrots, onions and dried basil, and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened, 10 to 12 minutes.

3. Add the tomatoes, including the purée, and the broth and bring just to a boil.

4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes to blend the flavors.

5. Remove from the heat. Purée the soup in the saucepan using a wand-type emulsion blender; or working in batches, purée the soup in a blender or in a food processor fitted with the metal blade.

6. Return the puréed soup to the saucepan, add the cream and place over medium heat. Warm until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Nordstrom’s Parmesan-Garlic Crostini

(Makes about two dozen crostini)


Crostini Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

  • 1 cup (4 ounces) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons granulated garlic (not garlic powder)

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

  • 1 baguette, cut on a sharp diagonal into 3/8-inch-thick slices, each about 5 1/2 inches long


Crostini Preparation

  1. Position a rack in the top third of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 F.
  2. Mash the butter, cheese, salt and granulated garlic together in a medium bowl with a rubber spatula until combined. Stir in the parsley
  3. Using a flexible metal spatula, spread each slice of bread with a generous 2 teaspoons of the butter mixture in an even layer without any “bald spots.” Do not skimp. Arrange the crostini, spaced closely but not touching, on a baking sheet. (The unbaked crostini can be prepared up to 3 hours ahead, covered with parchment paper, and stored at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.)
  4. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Serve warm.

Watch a Nordstrom Chef Demo the Recipe

FAQs

What can you put in tomato soup?

If you want to kick up the flavor profile of your tomato soup consider adding fresh herbs and greens like cilantro, basil, celery or arugula.

For a little crunch add pistachios, sunflower seeds, or croutons. Craving some protein? Add a poached egg, or sauteed sausage. Top off your bowl with a dollop of sour cream, or some heavy cream with shaved parmeasean cheese on top. Who knew tomato soup could be so good?

Can I cook pasta in my soup?

You certainly can, however, pasta that is left to simmer in soup for too long will become too soft, and can make your soup too starchy. When reheating your soup try adding uncooked pasta after the soup is simmering steadily and cook it for 10 minutes, or better yet, cook your pasta separately and add it just before serving. It's a little more work and 1 more pot to clean, but it's really worth it.

What bread is crostini made from?

Crostini is sliced bread from a baguette that is either grilled or toasted. Usually it is brushed or drizzled with virgin olive oil.

What does crostini mean?

Crostini are small slices of toasted or grilled bread drizzled with olive oil and served with a topping as an appetizer.

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Author

Ashley Comar

Marketing Maestro

Crafting marketing magic and delightful campaigns, while whipping up culinary treats as an at-home chef.