There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy tomato basil soup on a chilly day. With its rich flavor, smooth texture, and hint of fresh basil, this comforting soup brings together the best of Mediterranean simplicity and homemade warmth. It’s quick, satisfying, and easy to make from pantry staples — perfect for lunch or dinner any day of the week.
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🥣 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe takes the classic tomato soup you know and love and turns it into a creamy, restaurant-quality version — right in your own kitchen.
- Simple ingredients: everything is fresh, wholesome, and easy to find.
- Ready in 30 minutes: perfect for busy weeknights.
- Velvety texture: the cream gives it that rich, dreamy consistency.
- Naturally Mediterranean: olive oil, basil, and ripe tomatoes are the stars.
Whether you serve it with grilled cheese or rustic bread, this creamy tomato basil soup is a comforting hug in a bowl.
🍅 How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
The process is simple but flavorful:
- Sauté the aromatics. Start with olive oil, onion, and garlic — these build the flavor base.
- Add the tomatoes. Use quality canned tomatoes for the best taste.
- Simmer with broth. Let it gently bubble to bring out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Blend until smooth. This gives the soup its creamy consistency.
- Finish with cream and basil. A touch of cream rounds out the acidity, and basil adds a burst of freshness.
If you’ve ever made our Classic Mac and Cheese or Garlic Butter Shrimp, you’ll notice this recipe follows the same Savory Planet rule — simple techniques, maximum flavor.
🌿 Tips for the Perfect Soup
- Use good tomatoes. San Marzano or Italian peeled tomatoes make a big difference.
- Balance the acidity. A pinch of sugar or grated carrot can soften the tang.
- Don’t rush the simmer. Even 10 extra minutes deepens the flavor beautifully.
- Add cream last. This keeps the soup silky instead of splitting.
- Serve with contrast. Crusty sourdough or grilled cheese complements the creamy texture.
🍞 Serving Suggestions
You can serve this soup as a starter or a full meal. Pair it with a salad, bread, or even pasta. It also makes a great base for casseroles or baked dishes.
For a lighter Mediterranean meal, try it alongside our Greek Salad or drizzle some olive oil and black pepper over the top before serving.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup – Easy & Cozy Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add tomatoes: Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juice. Use a spoon to gently crush them.
- Simmer: Add vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes to develop the flavor.
- Blend until creamy: Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a stand blender) to puree the soup until smooth and velvety.
- Add cream and basil: Stir in heavy cream and chopped basil. Simmer for another 2 minutes on low heat.
- Serve: Pour into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese or extra basil. Serve warm with crusty bread or grilled cheese.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, roast the tomatoes and garlic before blending.
- To make it vegan, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy version.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently over low heat to maintain creaminess.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Let the soup cool completely before storing it. It keeps up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer. Reheat gently over low heat — avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.
If you’re prepping for the week, portion it into jars or containers for easy reheating. It’s an ideal meal-prep recipe that doesn’t lose flavor or texture over time.
🌐 External Resource
If you want to dive deeper into pairing soups with wine, check out BBC Good Food’s Soup Pairing Guide — they explain how acidity and creaminess balance different wine types perfectly.
💭 Final Thoughts
This creamy tomato basil soup proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and 30 minutes of your time, you’ll have a cozy, homemade dish bursting with flavor and warmth. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this is one recipe you’ll make again and again.
⭐ Reader Favorite
What makes this creamy tomato basil soup so special is its balance of freshness and richness. Readers love how the smooth tomato base blends perfectly with basil and cream, creating that cozy homemade flavor that tastes better with every spoonful. It’s budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to warm you up every single time.