Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (Rich, Velvety, Better Than Canned) - Zest Plate

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil.
• 2 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes, with the juice.
• 2 carrots, finely diced (about 1 cup).
• 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1 cup).
• 3 ribs celery, finely diced (about 1 cup).
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste.
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves.
• ½ cup butter.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour.
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese.
• 1½ cups half and half (or whole milk).
• 1 teaspoon salt.
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.