Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about a steaming bowl of creamy tomato basil soup. The combination of rich, velvety tomatoes and fragrant basil, paired with a creamy texture, makes it a dish I always turn to when I need a bit of warmth and comfort.

I remember the first time I tried this recipe—it was a chilly autumn afternoon, and the house filled with the tantalizing aroma of tomatoes and herbs simmering away. The soup turned out even better than I imagined, and it quickly became a family favorite.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make. You can easily whip up a batch in less than an hour, and with just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a soup that feels like it’s been simmering all day.

It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy lunch, or even as a starter for a special meal. Let me share with you why this creamy tomato basil soup is a staple in my kitchen, and how you can make it yourself!

Why I Love This Recipe

Tomato basil soup is one of those classic comfort foods that never goes out of style. The creamy texture, combined with the bright, tangy taste of tomatoes, gives the soup a depth of flavor that is both satisfying and refreshing.

The addition of fresh basil brings a layer of aromatic freshness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.

I love how versatile this recipe is. It’s perfect for all seasons—warming in the winter and refreshing in the warmer months. You can easily make it dairy-free by swapping the cream for coconut milk, or if you want a richer flavor, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half.

The ingredients are simple, and it’s an affordable option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
Croutons or grilled cheese sandwiches, for serving (optional)

Variations

This recipe is flexible, and you can adapt it to suit your dietary preferences or taste:

Vegan Version: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of cream for a vegan version of this creamy tomato basil soup.
Spicy Tomato Basil Soup: For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes, or even a chopped jalapeño pepper when sautéing the garlic and onion.
Smoky Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to introduce a subtle smoky flavor to the soup.
Roasted Tomatoes: For an enhanced depth of flavor, roast the tomatoes in the oven before blending. This brings out their sweetness and adds a richer taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. This will form a flavorful base for the soup.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Once the onions and garlic are softened, add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir everything together, making sure to combine the tomatoes with the broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Blend the Soup
After simmering, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until you have a silky, smooth consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend only half of the soup and leave the rest as-is.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Basil
Once the soup is blended, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version). Add the chopped basil leaves, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine, and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Balance the Flavors
Taste the soup and add a pinch of sugar if you feel it needs a bit more sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. This is an optional step but can make a big difference, especially if your tomatoes are on the tangier side.

Step 6: Serve
Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. You can garnish it with extra fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of cream, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For added crunch and texture, serve the soup with homemade croutons or a grilled cheese sandwich on the side.

How to Serve

This creamy tomato basil soup is perfect on its own or paired with a variety of sides. For a more substantial meal, serve it with a side of warm, buttery grilled cheese sandwiches—nothing beats the classic combo of tomato soup and grilled cheese. If you prefer something lighter, a fresh green salad or a slice of sourdough bread works wonderfully.

For a fun twist, you can also add toppings like crispy bacon bits, a dollop of pesto, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. This soup is also fantastic for meal prep; simply store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.