Creamy Cheese Vegetable Soup

3 ribs celery, chopped fine

1 bell pepper, chopped fine

1 onion, chopped fine

5 cloves garlic, minced

4 C. chicken broth

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 small can tomato paste

1 T. olive oil

1 T. butter

2 tsp. table salt

1 tsp. ground black pepper

2 c cheddar cheese

1 C. finely grated parmesan cheese

 

Heat olive oil and butter in a pot over medium-high heat.  Add celery, pepper, onions, salt, and black pepper. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and tomato paste. Stir constantly until incorporated and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add broth, and bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat. Add the cheddar and cream cheese, stirring into the soup until fully incorporated.  Take an immersion blender and blend until smooth. Reduce to medium-low heat. Simmer to let the flavors combine, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.   Serve warm, passing around extra parmesan cheese for topping.