Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, this Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s luxuriously smooth, packed with the garden-fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes and sweet basil, and comes together in just over thirty minutes—making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend lunches. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet meal or feeding a crowd, this soup has that magical way of bringing everyone to the table with smiles (and maybe a grilled cheese for dipping nearby!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
With only a handful of pantry staples and a dash of fresh basil, this recipe proves that the best soups are made with simple, honest ingredients. Each element plays a special role, whether it’s adding depth, a touch of sweetness, or that silky finish you can only get from cream.
- Olive Oil: Adds a rich, velvety base flavor that ties all the ingredients together and helps sauté the aromatics.
- Yellow Onion: Offers gentle sweetness and body to the soup, creating the first layer of savory flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Bring a subtle, irresistible aroma and complementary depth to the tomatoes.
- Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz): The workhorse of the soup, giving a bright, tangy tomato foundation.
- Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz): Contribute texture and a more rustic tomato flavor for a well-rounded soup.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a lovely thickness to the soup.
- Vegetable Broth: Lends body and additional flavor—be sure to use a good-quality broth for best results.
- Sugar: Just a teaspoon balances the tomatoes’ natural acidity perfectly, resulting in a smoother taste.
- Salt: Brightens all flavors—taste and adjust as you go!
- Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and earthy background note.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a kick of gentle spice that livens up every spoonful.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the soup irresistibly creamy and gives that classic, silky mouthfeel.
- Fresh Basil: Stars in both flavor and aroma; chop extra for an eye-catching garnish.
How to Make Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and let it cook until it becomes soft and translucent, usually about five minutes. Then, toss in the garlic and sauté for just thirty seconds—you want to release those beautiful aromas without burning it.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base
Next, it’s time to add both the crushed and diced tomatoes, along with the tomato paste. Pour in the vegetable broth, sprinkle in the sugar, salt, black pepper, and add the red pepper flakes if you’re craving a touch of heat. Give everything a good stir and watch the flavors start to come together as you bring the pot to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken ever so slightly. This patient simmering step is essential for coaxing out the very best from the tomatoes and aromatics.
Step 4: Blend for Creaminess
Now comes that signature creamy texture. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until it’s silky smooth. If you don’t have one, carefully blend the soup in batches in your countertop blender—just be sure to let steam escape so there are no accidents.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Basil
Return the soup to low heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the chopped fresh basil, and let it all meld together for another five minutes. The cream gives luscious richness, while the basil infuses the soup with fresh, fragrant notes that absolutely define the Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe.
Step 6: Adjust and Serve
This is your moment to taste and tweak: add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish, if you’d like, with extra basil or a swirl of cream. Then serve up the coziness!
How to Serve Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The right finishing touches take your bowl to the next level. A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil adds color and freshness, while a drizzle of heavy cream or a handful of homemade croutons brings a little texture and decadence. Shaved parmesan or a pinch of black pepper also make excellent toppers for added flavor.
Side Dishes
No soup experience is complete without the perfect accompaniment. Grilled cheese (classic, sourdough, or even mozzarella and pesto) is a soul-satisfying choice that turns this dish into a meal. Crusty bread, garlic knots, or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette all balance the soup’s creaminess wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party touch, serve the Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe in small mugs or shooter glasses as an appetizer. Swirl in basil oil for flair, or offer a soup-and-sandwich flight with mini grilled cheeses perched on the rim. It’s a playful way to elevate a beloved classic!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup is a true treat—simply let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days, making lunch or dinner a breeze later in the week. The flavors become even more harmonious with time!
Freezing
If you plan to freeze the Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe, allow the soup to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Consider leaving out the cream and fresh basil until reheating, as dairy can sometimes change texture when frozen—just stir them in fresh when you’re ready to serve!
Reheating
To reheat, transfer the soup to a pot and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for the best results. Add a splash of extra cream or broth if needed to refresh its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Roast or simmer about three pounds of ripe fresh tomatoes until soft, then blend them before adding to the soup. This adds a lovely homemade touch, especially in summer when tomatoes are in season.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
Simply replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based unsweetened creamer, and use a vegetable broth that’s 100% vegan. The soup remains luscious and deliciously creamy!
Is this Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, the soup is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your vegetable broth and canned tomato labels to be certain if you have sensitivities.
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No worries! Carefully ladle the hot soup into a standard blender (in batches, if needed), blending until smooth. Make sure to leave the lid slightly ajar to let steam escape and avoid splatters.
Can I double the Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe?
Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully, whether you’re feeding extra guests or want to meal prep for the week. Just use a larger pot and taste as you go to adjust the seasoning.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to give this Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe a try—it’s the kind of simple, soul-warming dish that never disappoints and always impresses. Whether you’re a soup lover or just looking for an easy homemade comfort meal, you’ll be coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
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Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup recipe that is perfect for a cozy meal. This soup is rich, creamy, and bursting with the vibrant flavors of tomatoes and fresh basil.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté chopped onion until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Blend soup: Use an immersion blender to smooth the soup. Stir in cream and basil. Cook briefly.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup, adjust seasoning as needed, and serve hot with garnishes.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Pair with grilled cheese or crusty bread for a classic meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
