If there ever was a dish that wraps you in a cozy, creamy hug, it’s this Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe. This beloved classic transforms pantry staples into something irresistible—rich, silky, and singing with the bright flavors of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. Whether you need a quick weeknight comfort or an elegant starter for a dinner party, this soup delivers soul-satisfying flavor and is ready in just over half an hour!

Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing complicated here—just a handful of vibrant, flavorful ingredients that each earned their spot in the pot. Every component brings depth or a burst of freshness, making this Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe so memorable.

Olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil to give the soup a rich base and help the aromatics shine.
Onion: Diced onion adds subtle sweetness and a mellow depth of flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the soup with a wonderful aroma—don’t skip it!
Whole peeled tomatoes: Canned tomatoes with their juice create the backbone of your soup; opt for San Marzano if possible for extra sweetness.
Chicken or vegetable broth: The broth brings everything together, and you can swap for veggie stock to keep the soup vegetarian.
Sugar: Just a teaspoon tames acidity and lets the tomato flavor pop!
Salt: Essential for seasoning—taste and adjust as you go.
Black pepper: Adds the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
Dried oregano: Brings an earthy, herbaceous note that elevates the overall flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a subtle spicy kick, this is your secret weapon.
Heavy cream: Stirred in at the end, cream gives the soup its signature luxurious texture.
Fresh basil leaves: Chopped basil makes the soup taste garden-fresh and beautiful.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): The savory, nutty tang is the perfect finishing touch—highly recommended!

How to Make Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, until it’s beautifully softened and slightly golden around the edges. Then toss in the garlic and give it a quick stir—just 30 seconds, so it releases its fragrance without burning.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Base

Pour in those whole peeled tomatoes (juice and all), followed by your chicken or vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat so it gently simmers uncovered. You’ll want to stir occasionally and let those flavors meld for about 20 minutes.

Step 3: Puree Until Velvety Smooth

After simmering, it’s time to blend! Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for easy cleanup or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a traditional blender. Blend until smooth and creamy—watch for splatters and always vent the blender lid with a towel if blending hot liquids!

Step 4: Add Cream and Basil

Return the soup to the pot (if you blended it elsewhere) and stir in the heavy cream, creating that signature silky texture of the Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe. Add in the chopped fresh basil, let it simmer for just 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors brighten up, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and, if you’re feeling indulgent, shower generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Each spoonful is creamy, vibrant, and pure comfort!

How to Serve Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Dressing up your Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe with the right garnish can make every bowl feel special. Try a swirl of extra cream, a fistful of torn fresh basil, or a big sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. If you’re feeling fancy, homemade garlic croutons or a drizzle of good olive oil are also delicious luxury touches.

Side Dishes

No one can resist the classic pairing: a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. The golden crunch and gooey cheese are a perfect partner for your soup. For lighter fare, try serving it with a crisp garden salad, or fresh crusty bread to soak up every creamy drop. Roasted vegetables or a simple cheese toast also work beautifully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or just want to elevate a cozy night in, ladle the soup into mugs for easy sipping or hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic feel. For a bistro-worthy touch, top each bowl with microgreens, a dollop of pesto, or a lattice of crispy prosciutto or bacon crumbles. The Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe adapts to your style, whether casual or chic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup to airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. The flavors deepen beautifully after a day, making tomorrow’s lunch even more exciting. Stored properly, the soup keeps fresh for up to four days, perfect for meal prepping or quick heat-and-eat dinners.

Freezing

Want to stash some soup for later? The Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe freezes well, just omit the cream and basil before freezing for best texture—add them after reheating. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers leaving some space for expansion, then thaw and reheat when you’re ready for comfort in a bowl.

Reheating

To reheat, pour the soup into a saucepan and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the texture. Stir in cream and basil if you left them out before freezing, and finish with your favorite garnishes for that just-made taste.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have ripe, juicy tomatoes, roast or simmer them until soft and use in place of canned—just be sure to taste and tweak the seasoning, as fresh tomatoes can vary in sweetness and acidity.

How can I make the soup dairy-free?

You can easily swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or an unsweetened plant-based creamer. While the taste will change slightly, you’ll still get plenty of velvety richness in your Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe.

Is it possible to add protein to this soup?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked lentils, or even white beans can be stirred in for extra heft and heartiness. This soup is a friendly canvas for add-ins, so feel free to make it your own!

Can I double the Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe for a crowd?

Definitely. This recipe scales up easily—just use a larger pot and add a few extra minutes to the blending and simmering times. It’s a hit at gatherings and potlucks, disappearing fast!

What’s the best way to make the soup extra rich and flavorful?

If you have a bit more time, try roasting the canned (or fresh) tomatoes in a hot oven before adding them to your soup. It intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a subtle caramelized sweetness you’ll love.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your table as it has to mine. Whether you serve it on a rainy night or as an elegant dinner starter, you’ll love how simple ingredients and a few easy steps create such irresistible flavor. Give it a try and let this soup become a new staple in your kitchen—your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. This homemade soup is velvety smooth with a hint of basil, making it a perfect pairing with a classic grilled cheese sandwich.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil.
Sauté onion and garlic: Add diced onion to the pot and sauté until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in whole peeled tomatoes, broth, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
Puree the soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a blender.
Finish the soup: Return the soup to the pot, add heavy cream and basil. Cook until heated through.
Serve: Serve hot, optionally topped with Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a richer flavor, roast the tomatoes in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes before adding to the soup.
This soup pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian