Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

CATEGORY: Lunch | Dinner
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 25 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes
SERVINGS: 6

Why You'll Love This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

• Rich and creamy: Heavy cream gives this homemade tomato soup a smooth, velvety texture without making it overly heavy.

• Simple pantry ingredients: Canned tomatoes, dried basil, garlic, and broth make this an easy recipe to prepare anytime.

• Ready in 35 minutes: A quick and comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

• Family-friendly: The creamy texture and mild tomato flavor make this a great soup for the whole family.

• Perfect with grilled cheese: Serve alongside a classic grilled cheese sandwich or toasted sourdough bread for a cozy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes

• 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth

• 2 teaspoons dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

1. Sauté the onion.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

2. Add the garlic and tomato paste.

Stir in the minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly.

3. Add the tomatoes and seasonings.

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Add the dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Let the soup simmer.

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Blend until smooth.

Remove the pot from the heat. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy.

If you don't have an immersion blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring it in small batches to a regular blender.

6. Stir in the cream and Parmesan.

Return the pot to low heat. Slowly stir in the heavy whipping cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if using. Warm gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring until everything is combined.

Kitchen Tip: Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream.

7. Taste and serve!

Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. If the tomatoes taste slightly acidic, add another ½ teaspoon of sugar.

For a stronger basil flavor, stir in an additional ½ teaspoon of dried basil and allow it to warm for a few minutes.

Ladle into bowls and serve warm with grilled cheese sandwiches, toasted sourdough bread, or homemade croutons.

A Few Tips for the Best Tomato Basil Soup

Use good-quality canned tomatoes. Since tomatoes are the main ingredient, choosing a flavorful brand makes a noticeable difference. Crushed tomatoes work especially well because they create a smooth base.

Let the dried basil simmer. Unlike fresh basil, dried basil benefits from cooking time. Adding it with the tomatoes allows the flavor to develop.

Blend before adding the cream. Blending the tomato mixture first creates a smoother consistency and makes it easier to incorporate the cream.

Adjust the sweetness. Some canned tomatoes are more acidic than others. A small amount of sugar helps balance the acidity without making the soup sweet.

Add Parmesan for extra flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan adds a subtle savory richness that complements the tomatoes and basil.

What to Serve with Tomato Basil Soup

This creamy tomato basil soup is delicious on its own, but it's even better paired with something warm and comforting.

• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic combination! Try sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both.

• Toasted Sourdough Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy tomato broth.

• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread makes a delicious side.

• Simple Green Salad: Pair the soup with a fresh salad for a lighter lunch or dinner.

• Homemade Croutons: Add a little crunch by topping each bowl with crispy seasoned croutons.

How to Store and Freeze

This homemade tomato basil soup is great for meal prepping and tastes just as delicious the next day.

Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezer: For the best texture, freeze the soup before adding the heavy cream and Parmesan. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Warm the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, especially if the cream has already been added.

If freezing the soup without cream, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan after reheating.

From My Kitchen to Yours

There's something so comforting about a warm bowl of homemade tomato soup, especially when it's paired with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich or a slice of toasted sourdough bread.

Whether you're making a quick family dinner or preparing lunch for the week, this creamy tomato basil soup is an easy recipe worth keeping around.