Hey y’all! Craving a cozy, homemade comfort food that’s bursting with fresh flavor and velvety texture? This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is your answer! Perfect for chilly evenings, lunch gatherings, or anytime you fancy something soul-warming and delicious. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with fragrant basil—sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Super creamy with a luscious texture and robust tomato flavor.
- Quick and easy—on the table in under 40 minutes.
- Uses pantry staples with fresh basil for an elevated taste.
- Perfect for meal prep—freezes and reheats beautifully.
- Kid-friendly and totally comforting for all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes (or 2 pounds fresh ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped)
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
Directions
Prep Your Ingredients (5 minutes)
- Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and gather all your ingredients.
Sauté the Aromatics (8 minutes)
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes & Simmer (20 minutes)
- Pour in the tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Blend Until Smooth (5 minutes)
- Remove from heat and add fresh basil leaves.
- Use an immersion blender to carefully puree the Soup until silky smooth right in the pot.
- Alternatively, blend in batches using a blender, venting the lid slightly to release steam.
Add Cream & Finish (2 minutes)
- Stir in the heavy cream and reheat gently if needed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of cream.
Notes
- For even deeper flavor, substitute fire-roasted tomatoes for a smokier profile.
- If using fresh tomatoes, peel them first for the smoothest Soup.
- Be cautious blending hot Soup—work in small batches if using a blender!
Variations
- Vegan Version: Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream and vegan broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes while sautéing onion for extra heat.
- Roasted Tomato Basil Soup: Roast fresh tomatoes in the oven with olive oil before adding to the pot for extra depth.
Required Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Immersion blender or countertop blender
- Cutting board & knife
- Ladle
Storage Instructions
- Allow leftovers to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, pack cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space at the top; freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring gently.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Pair with classic grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate comfort combo.
- Serve with a fresh green salad or a crusty baguette for a complete meal.
- Top with croutons, a swirl of pesto, or extra fresh basil for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Pro Tips
- Let the soup simmer uncovered to concentrate flavors and reduce excess liquid.
- Add fresh basil right before blending to preserve its vibrant color and taste.
- For extra creaminess, use a splash more cream or a tablespoon of butter at the end.
FAQ
Can I make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight. Refrigerate and simply reheat before serving.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is best for bright, aromatic flavor, but you can use 2 teaspoons dried basil in a pinch—add it with the tomatoes so it infuses during simmering.
How do I make this soup dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or any unsweetened plant-based cream for a silky, dairy-free version.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
-
1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
-
2Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
3Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
-
4Add chopped basil leaves. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
-
5Stir in heavy cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
220cal
Protein:
4 gg
Fat:
14 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
21 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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