Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Name: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Meals Inspiration

I absolutely adore a warm bowl of creamy tomato basil soup, especially during chilly evenings. This soup strikes the perfect balance between richness and freshness, making it an ideal comfort food. Whenever I make it, the savory aroma fills my kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits. The method I developed combines fresh tomatoes with an aromatic blend of basil and cream, creating a silky texture that is simply irresistible. It’s perfect served with crusty bread for dipping, and something I crave over and over again.

Created by

Grace Walker

Last updated on 2026-02-08T08:29:36.271Z

My journey with creamy tomato basil soup began when I first experimented with using overripe tomatoes from my garden. I found that roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. The key to achieving that dreamy creaminess lies in blending the soup until it's velvety smooth, which I learned from a cooking show. This trick makes a world of difference!

Additionally, I love incorporating fresh basil at the end of the cooking process to preserve its vibrant flavor. This thoughtful detail transforms the soup, making it truly memorable. Every time I serve it to friends, they rave about how comforting and delicious it is!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich and comforting with a burst of fresh basil flavor
Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet experience

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this creamy tomato basil soup plays a vital role in achieving its rich flavor and velvety texture. Fresh tomatoes provide the main flavor base, enriching the soup with acidity and sweetness. If fresh tomatoes aren't available, quality canned tomatoes (preferably San Marzano) can be an excellent alternative, offering consistent flavor and convenience. Just be sure to look for those without added sugars or preservatives to maintain the dish's integrity.

Basil is another star ingredient that brings a vibrant freshness to the soup. Using fresh basil leaves instead of dried is essential—fresh basil infuses the soup with aromatic oils that dried versions just can't replicate. When selecting basil, opt for bright green leaves without any browning or wilting for the best flavor.

Blending to Perfection

Blending the soup to a smooth consistency is key to achieving that luxurious mouthfeel. If using an immersion blender, ensure you blend evenly for about 1-2 minutes, moving the blender around to reach all parts of the pot. If transferring to a countertop blender, allow the soup to cool slightly before blending to avoid hot splashes; blend in small batches to maintain control.

Regarding texture, aim for a silky consistency; if you prefer a chunkier texture, you can reserve some of the diced tomatoes before blending and stir them back in afterward. This adds not only visual appeal but also extra layers of flavor and texture.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This soup can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. If you desire a fresher basil flavor upon serving, add a few torn basil leaves just before ladling it into bowls. This little touch enhances the aroma and gives an inviting green accent over the warm, creamy soup.

For a delightful serving experience, consider topping the soup with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Crusty bread or cheese toast makes an excellent accompaniment, as it allows for dipping and enhances the overall rustic feel of the dish. This soup also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure you have all the ingredients ready for a smooth cooking process!

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Blend the Soup

Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer batches to a blender.

Stir in Cream and Basil

Return the pot to low heat and stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then heat through for another 5 minutes.

Serve Hot

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional basil leaves if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Enjoy this delicious soup warm, and feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or toppings!

Pro Tips

Using fresh tomatoes will elevate the taste, but canned tomatoes can save time. Adjust seasoning to your taste, and consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing creamy tomato basil soup ahead of time not only saves effort on a busy evening but also allows the flavors to develop further. To do this effectively, make the soup and store it in an airtight container once cooled. It can be frozen for up to three months, although I recommend leaving out the cream until reheating to maintain the best texture.

When you're ready to enjoy the soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and reheat on the stove. Stir in the heavy cream after reheating, allowing it to meld beautifully with the freshly blended flavors for that perfect creamy consistency.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with additional flavors in this soup. For a hint of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic—this will infuse the oil with heat, balancing the richness of the cream. Alternatively, a splash of balsamic vinegar or a touch of sugar can be included to enhance the sweetness of the tomatoes, depending on your taste.

If you want to make this dish vegan-friendly, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use vegetable broth. The creamy texture will still shine through, and the substitution works beautifully with the fresh basil.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use vegetable broth.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to leave out the cream and add it in when reheating.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with grilled cheese sandwiches, garlic bread, or a fresh side salad.