Why You’ll Love Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is rich, velvety, and full of comforting flavor. Made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of cream, it’s the ultimate cozy bowl to warm you up on chilly days. Perfect with a grilled cheese sandwich or crusty bread, this soup is simple, elegant, and always satisfying.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes (or 8–10 fresh ripe tomatoes, peeled & chopped)
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter option)
1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Directions

Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Add tomatoes & broth: Pour in tomatoes (with juices) and broth. Break up tomatoes with a spoon. Stir in sugar, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.
Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches).
Add cream & basil: Stir in cream and fresh basil. Simmer 5 more minutes.
Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with Parmesan and extra basil if desired.

Servings & Timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Roasted Tomato Soup: Roast fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onion before blending for a deeper flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of cream.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Protein Boost: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or white beans.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze (without cream) for up to 3 months; add cream when reheating.
Reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Just peel and chop ripe tomatoes. Roasting them first enhances the flavor.

Q: Do I have to add sugar?
A: The sugar helps balance acidity, but you can skip it or substitute with honey if preferred.

Q: Can I make it thicker?
A: Simmer longer before blending, or add less broth.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is the perfect balance of rich, savory, and fresh flavors. It’s quick to make, incredibly comforting, and pairs beautifully with grilled cheese. A must-have recipe for cozy nights in! ✨

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

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This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate comfort food! Smooth, velvety, and bursting with rich tomato flavor, it’s elevated with fresh basil and a touch of cream for a luxurious finish. Perfect for dipping a gooey grilled cheese sandwich or serving as a hearty starter for dinner.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Add tomatoes: Pour in canned tomatoes with their juices, breaking them up with a spoon.
Season: Add broth, sugar, salt, pepper, and oregano (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth (or carefully blend in batches in a blender).
Finish: Stir in cream and fresh basil. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with Parmesan, and enjoy with crusty bread or grilled cheese.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Can be stored in the fridge for 4–5 days or frozen (before adding cream).