Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This is super good! 

The MP helped me make it last week. 

I can't get enough, a perfect dish to pair up with grilled cheese sandwiches. 

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter

1 cup all purpose flour

4 cups chicken broth

3 1/2 cups half-and-half

1 1/2 cups marinara sauce

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes or 10 small vine ripe tomatoes diced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, or 1/2 t. dried basil

coarse sea salt and ground black pepper

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook while stirring for 5 minutes to slightly brown the mixture. Whisk in the broth. Increase the heat and cook and stir until thickened. Decrease the heat to low, stir in the half-and-half, and simmer for 20 minutes. 

2. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomatoes, and basil, and cook until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve as is chunky-style, or puree in a food processor or blender if you prefer a smooth soup.