%20Easy%20Recipes%20Soup%20Recipes%20Easy%20Soups%20Tomato%20Recipes%20easy%20dinner%20recipe%20ideas%20cooking%20instructions%20soup%20recipe.jpeg "Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe (Easy Homemade)")
This creamy tomato basil soup recipe turns canned tomatoes and a few pantry staples into a rich, velvety soup that tastes like it simmered all day. It's one of the easiest homemade soup recipes to make on a weeknight, coming together in about 40 minutes with mostly hands-off cooking time. Fresh basil and a touch of cream round out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, making this the kind of comforting tomato soup recipe that's perfect on its own or paired with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for dipping.
Why you'll love this recipe
- ✓Made with canned tomatoes and pantry staples — no need for a grocery run.
- ✓Silky, restaurant-style texture from a quick blend at the end.
- ✓Easily made dairy-free by leaving out the cream.
Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Total
40 min
Yield
4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for serving
Instructions
- 1Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion until softened, about 6 minutes.
- 2Add the garlic and cook 1 minute, then add the tomatoes (with their juices), broth, and sugar.
- 3Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon as they soften.
- 4Add the fresh basil, then blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender (or in batches in a regular blender).
- 5Stir in the cream, if using, and season with salt and pepper. Warm through gently and serve topped with extra basil.
Notes & Tips
- A pinch of sugar balances the natural acidity of canned tomatoes.
- Blend carefully if using a countertop blender — hot liquid expands, so fill it only halfway.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; add the cream fresh after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make tomato basil soup without cream?
Yes, the soup is still rich and flavorful without it — the cream simply adds extra silkiness and mellows the tomato's acidity.
What's the best pairing for tomato soup?
A classic grilled cheese sandwich for dipping is the most popular pairing, though crusty bread or a side salad also work well.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, though you'll need about 3-4 pounds of ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped, and a slightly longer simmer time to develop the same depth of flavor.
How do I fix soup that tastes too acidic?
A small pinch of sugar or a splash of cream helps balance excess acidity from the tomatoes without making the soup taste sweet.
Can I freeze tomato basil soup?
Yes — freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container. For the best texture, add fresh cream after reheating rather than freezing it in.
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