I got this recipe from my friend Ann and then tweaked it quite a bit. It is as good as any soup you will eat in a restaurant. Everyone who tastes it wants more. It is that good! You can use prepared marinara sauce, or make your own.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook and stir 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.
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, orpuree in a food processor or blender if you prefer a smooth soup.
Recipe Note
Can be made Meatless. Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.