Smoky Marinara Soup with Garlic Bread Croutons

1. Cook Onion and Garlic

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them for about 8 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

2. Simmer Sauce

Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, then add the basil sprig and smoked sweet paprika. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer for another 8 minutes.

3. Season Soup

If desired, stir in the butter for a touch of indulgence, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Reduce the heat to low to keep the soup warm while you prepare the croutons.

4. Prepare Croutons

Toss the cubed bread with ¼ cup of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 10 minutes.

5. Serve Soup

Ladle the smoky marinara soup into bowls and top with a generous helping of garlic bread croutons. Finish with torn basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.