If there’s one bowl that instantly cozies up a chilly evening, it’s Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. Silky, rich, bright with tomatoes, and heady with fresh basil, this is a dreamy homemade version you’ll want to make all year round—as a main or just an excuse to dunk warm, cheesy bread. Comfort food never tasted so fresh!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Velvety Texture: Pureed cream cheese or a splash of cream turns this soup into an ultra-smooth bisque, beautifully coating your spoon with each sip.
- Big Tomato & Basil Flavors: Roasted tomatoes and a hefty handful of basil infuse every bowl with sunshine-bright, garden-fresh flavor, even in winter.
- Quick & Weeknight Friendly: Simple pantry ingredients and a single pot mean dinner is on the table in just about half an hour—no marathon simmering required.
- Customizable Creaminess: Whether you stir in luscious cream cheese or go dairy-free, this recipe adapts to your cravings every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup relies on real, familiar ingredients—each one bringing just the right depth, color, and comfort to your bowl. Grab a few pantry staples, a handful of veggies, and a swirl of something creamy, and you’re set!
- Tomato Sauce & Fire Roasted Tomatoes: These create the soup’s robust, tangy base and that sunny, just-picked tomato essence—fire roasted gives great depth!
- Yellow Onion: Sautéed until translucent for gentle sweetness and aroma.
- Vegetable Broth: Thins the soup just enough and helps all those flavors mingle (swap for chicken broth if you prefer).
- Grape Seed or Olive Oil: For sautéing and bringing out flavors—use your favorite for a hint of richness.
- Garlic: Adds a pop of savoriness; fresh is best for that punchy aroma.
- Celery & Baby Carrots: These unsung heroes add subtle sweetness and a bit of body to the soup.
- Cream Cheese (or Milk/Cream): Makes it silkier than any canned version; use dairy or non-dairy to suit your mood.
- Sugar: Just enough to balance acidity and let the tomatoes shine.
- Fresh or Dried Basil: For that unmistakable herby aroma—add plenty for bold flavor!
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season to taste and really bring every flavor forward.
Variations
One of the best parts about making Creamy Tomato Basil Soup at home? It’s endlessly adaptable! Don’t be afraid to tweak it with what you have in your kitchen, or to suit your dietary needs and cravings.
- Dairy-Free: Swap in oat milk, cashew cream, or coconut milk for the cream cheese to keep it plant-based and just as velvety.
- Roasted Veggie Boost: Add in a roasted red bell pepper or roasted garlic cloves for even more depth and naturally sweet flavors.
- Chunky Tomato Basil Soup: Skip the immersion blender and leave a few veggie pieces whole for extra texture if you prefer a rustic dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who like their soup with a little fire!
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies
Begin by heating the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, celery, and chopped baby carrots, letting them cook until they’re perfectly tender and the onions look translucent. This essential step draws out natural sweetness and builds the savory base for your entire Creamy Tomato Basil Soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic & Seasonings
Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for just about one minute—long enough to smell its rich aroma but not so long it turns bitter. Season your veggies generously with salt and pepper at this stage to layer in the flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes, Broth, and Cream
Pour in the fire roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth, then stir in the cream cheese (or milk or cream). Let everything gently simmer for about 25 minutes—no need to rush! This is prime time for all those flavors to meld and the veggies to become meltingly soft.
Step 4: Adjust Seasonings & Add Basil
Give your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup a quick taste. Add the sugar to mellow any sharp acidity, plus more salt and pepper if needed. Now toss in your basil—fresh or dried—starting with less and adding more if you want an even bolder herby punch.
Step 5: Puree Until Ultra-Smooth
Either blend right in the pot with an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a blender in batches (just be sure the lid is on tight!). Blitz until your soup is lusciously smooth and velvety—like your favorite restaurant’s bisque.
Step 6: Serve Hot, Garnish & Enjoy!
Ladle your hot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup into bowls, top with a shower of fresh basil, and, if you’re feeling decadent, a few cheesy mozzarella balls. This is where comfort and elegance meet!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Achieving Bisque-Style Silkiness: An immersion blender delivers that super-smooth texture—just take your time and blend thoroughly right in the pot for best results.
- Basil at the Right Time: Add most of your basil toward the end to preserve its bright color and aroma—if using dried basil, add slowly and taste as you go!
- Controlling Creaminess: Start with less cream cheese (or cream), blend, then add more to suit your preference—the soup will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Balancing Acidity: A touch of sugar goes a long way in mellowing out tangy tomatoes, but let the soup simmer fully first, then taste before adding more sugar.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Garnishes
Top your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkling of chopped fresh basil, a swirl of cream, or those swoon-worthy mozzarella balls. Even a few toasted croutons or shaved Parmesan can make each bowl feel extra special!
Side Dishes
This soup begs to be paired with warm, crispy grilled cheese sandwiches, a hunk of crusty sourdough, or a big mixed-green salad. Crackers, garlic breadsticks, or mini panini all make wonderful sidekicks to your bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Try pouring the soup into cute mugs for a cozy lunch or serving it as mini shooters for appetizers at a party. For a dramatic twist, hollow out a sourdough boule and pour the Creamy Tomato Basil Soup right in—it’s a total showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge—it’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors often get even better as they hang out together overnight!
Freezing
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup freezes like a dream! Let it cool completely, then pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’ll have cozy comfort ready when you need it.
Reheating
Gently rewarm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often—especially if you used cream cheese. If it thickens, just add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up to your liking.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this soup?
Absolutely! During tomato season, swap in about 2 pounds of ripe, peeled tomatoes for the canned variety—just chop them and extend your simmer time to develop that deep, sun-kissed flavor.
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Is it possible to make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based cream cheese or rich non-dairy milk (like oat or cashew cream) in place of the dairy. The result will still be decadently creamy and full of the same sunny flavor.
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What can I use instead of an immersion blender?
If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup carefully (in batches, if needed) to a regular blender or food processor—just take care blending hot liquids and let steam escape!
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Why do you add sugar to tomato soup?
A little sugar rounds out the tart edge of tomatoes, softening acidity without making the soup actually sweet, so each bite is balanced and deeply savory.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in need of some soul-soothing comfort, I truly hope you’ll treat yourself to this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, it’s the kind of simple, flavorful meal you’ll come back to again and again. Happy cooking, and don’t forget the big, warm hunk of bread for dunking!
Print
Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Tomato Soup. Made with a blend of fire-roasted tomatoes, vegetables, and a touch of cream cheese, this soup is perfect for cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Tomato Soup:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (pureed tomatoes)
- 1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 large yellow onion (approx. 2–2.5 cups diced)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
Soup Base:
- 2 TBSP grape seed or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
- 2 celery stalks (approx. 1/2 cup diced)
- 10 baby carrots, chopped
- 5–6 oz cream cheese (or 1/2-3/4 cup of milk or cream)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1–2 TBSP dried or fresh basil plus extra to garnish
- 1/2 tsp salt or season to taste
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: In a pot, saute chopped onions, celery, and carrots in 2 TBSP oil until tender.
- Add Aromatics: Once onions are translucent, add garlic and saute for about a minute.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook Soup: Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, cream cheese, and broth. Simmer for 25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and sugar if needed.
- Enhance Flavor: Stir in basil to taste.
- Puree: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with basil and mozzarella balls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
