Why You’ll Love This Best Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
If you’re dreaming of a meal that feels like a warm hug, this best creamy tomato basil soup recipe is the answer. It’s velvety, rich, and packed with bold flavors thanks to sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hidden boost of vegetables! Whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly night or a quick meal that still feels fancy, this soup delivers every time. Plus, you can make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in an Instant Pot. How versatile is that?
Pure Comfort from Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Honestly, few things in life match the cozy satisfaction of a hot bowl of creamy tomato basil soup. It’s that classic comfort food that never goes out of style. The creamy texture, the burst of tomato flavor, the hints of fresh basil it all comes together in the most perfect way. Even better, this recipe sneaks in extra veggies without compromising on taste, making it not only comforting but a little nutritious too!
Ingredients for the Best Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Ready to dive in? Here’s what you’ll need to make this heartwarming best creamy tomato basil soup recipe from scratch:
What You Need to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Diced tomatoes (with juice) | 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) |
| Carrots, finely diced | 2 (about 1 cup) |
| Onion, finely diced | 1 small (about 1 cup) |
| Celery ribs, finely diced | 3 ribs (about 1 cup) |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried basil leaves | 1½ teaspoons |
| Butter | ½ cup |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup |
| Freshly grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Half and half (or whole milk) | 1½ cups |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Freshly ground black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Fresh basil, chopped | ¼ cup |
Time to Cook the Best Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Let’s talk timing. Good news it’s pretty quick!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Whether you’re whipping this up after a long day or prepping ahead for the week, this creamy tomato basil soup fits into almost any schedule!
Steps to Make It: Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, toss in the carrots, onions, and celery. Stir often and sauté until the veggies start to soften, releasing their lovely aromas. It usually takes about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Next, add in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir well and bring the pot to a gentle boil. Let it cook for several minutes, just until the vegetables become fork-tender. Smells amazing already, right?
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Now it’s time to make things creamy! Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Blend until smooth and silky. If you like your tomato soup a little chunky, you can blend only half the batch and leave the rest rustic!
Make It Perfect: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Done Right
Step 4: Prepare the Roux
Meanwhile, in a separate small pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, stir in the flour. Whisk constantly for about 10 minutes until the mixture turns a gorgeous golden brown color. This roux will give your soup that restaurant-level creaminess we all love.
Step 5: Marry the Flavors
Add a big ladleful of the soup into the roux. Stir vigorously it will look like a thick paste at first. Gradually add more soup (about 2–3 cups), whisking all the time until it’s silky smooth. Then pour this roux-soup mix back into the main pot and stir everything together beautifully.
Step 6: Finish with the Good Stuff
Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese, half and half (or whole milk if you prefer), salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil. Let it simmer a few more minutes until everything is warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Your best creamy tomato basil soup recipe is ready to be devoured!
Mix It Up: Creative Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Variations
One of the best parts about this soup? It’s super adaptable! Here are a few fun variations:
- Want it extra rich? Swap half and half for heavy cream.
- Prefer vegan? Use vegetable broth, coconut milk, and vegan Parmesan.
- Love spice? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the oregano!
- Need it gluten-free? Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux.
Feel free to make it your own. Every version turns out utterly delicious!
Perfect Partners for Best Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Soup is great, but you know what’s even better? Soup and something to dip into it! Here’s what goes amazingly well with this creamy tomato basil soup:
- Easy Family Tater Tot Casserole—a gooey, crunchy classic pairing.
- The Best Creamy Potato Soup — A Comforting Classic.
- Beetroot and Arugula Salad—crisp and refreshing, a perfect starter.
Each partner adds its own magic to the meal, turning a simple soup night into something truly special!
Busy Day Hero: Quick Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Fix
On those hectic days when cooking feels like a massive chore, this best creamy tomato basil soup recipe becomes your hero. Why? Because you can prepare it ahead, toss it into a slow cooker, or even whip it up quickly after work. Thanks to simple pantry staples like canned tomatoes, broth, and basic veggies, you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something magical. Plus, having a homemade meal ready in under 40 minutes? That’s a win!
Work Ahead
Planning ahead makes life so much easier! You can chop all your veggies and store them in the fridge a day or two before you plan to make the soup. You can also prepare the roux in advance—just keep it covered and refrigerated until needed. When it’s finally time to cook, you’ll have most of the work already done, helping you get a hot, satisfying meal on the table with almost no stress!
Save Some For Later
One of the best things about this creamy tomato basil soup is how beautifully it stores. In fact, the flavors deepen and get even better after a day or two! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. If you want to freeze it, leave out the half and half and cheese initially. Add them in after reheating to avoid curdling. It’s the ultimate meal prep hero for busy weeks!
Everyone’s Happy
Whether you’re feeding picky kids, hungry teenagers, or a crowd of adults, this best creamy tomato basil soup recipe makes everyone happy. It’s familiar yet exciting, classic yet flexible. Plus, it’s easy to adjust based on dietary needs. You can make it heartier with add-ins like cooked pasta or roasted chicken, or keep it light and veggie-packed. Either way, it’ll bring smiles all around the table!
Good For You Too
Sure, it’s creamy and dreamy but it’s also secretly packed with veggies! Carrots, celery, onions, and tomatoes come together to create a nutritious foundation rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. Thanks to the fresh basil and real Parmesan cheese, you’re getting bursts of flavor without needing heavy, processed ingredients. It’s comfort food you can feel good about eating.
Easy Clean Up
After a delicious meal, nobody wants a mountain of dishes. Luckily, this creamy tomato basil soup keeps cleanup simple. You only need a large soup pot and a small saucepan for the roux. Plus, if you use an immersion blender instead of transferring batches to a countertop blender, you’ll cut down even more on dishwashing time. A hearty homemade meal and barely any cleanup? That’s the dream!
Switch It Up
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few ideas to switch up your best creamy tomato basil soup recipe and keep things exciting:
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a sweet-tangy twist.
- Mix in a handful of spinach or kale for an extra veggie boost.
- Top each bowl with crispy bacon bits or croutons for crunch.
- Sprinkle a little smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
With so many easy tweaks, you’ll never get bored!
Simply Perfect
At the end of the day, what really sets this creamy tomato basil soup apart is its perfect balance: rich but not heavy, fresh yet deeply savory. Every spoonful brings comfort, joy, and a hint of nostalgia. It’s a soup that welcomes you home, warms your heart, and keeps you coming back for just one more bowl. It’s not just good—it’s simply perfect.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’re good to go. The flavor will still be incredible, and it’ll be fully vegetarian-friendly.
How do I make it vegan?
Easy peasy. Use vegetable broth, replace the butter with vegan butter or olive oil, use plant-based milk like coconut milk, and skip or replace the Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes! Just leave out the dairy (half and half and Parmesan) before freezing. Add them in once you reheat the soup to keep the texture creamy and smooth without curdling.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
No worries. You can increase the amount of dried basil, although fresh basil adds a brighter, fresher flavor. A good trick is to stir in a little pesto if you have some on hand!
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Definitely. Just roast or simmer fresh tomatoes first to enhance their sweetness. You’ll need about 6–8 medium tomatoes to replace the canned ones.
How can I make it spicier?
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when you add the oregano and dried basil. You can also stir in a dash of hot sauce right before serving!
Why You Need to Try Tomato Soup
If you’ve been searching for a cozy, heartwarming dish that’s both easy and impressive, this best creamy tomato basil soup recipe is your answer. Packed with flavor, full of hidden veggies, and customizable for just about every taste, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Whether you’re making a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a hungry crowd, this creamy tomato basil soup will never let you down.
So grab your ingredients, put on your favorite cozy sweater, and get ready to savor pure comfort in a bowl. Once you taste it, you’ll know exactly why this soup has been a beloved classic for decades!
Print
Best Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This best creamy tomato basil soup recipe combines fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, hidden vegetables, and rich cream for the ultimate cozy meal.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cans diced tomatoes with juice (14.5 ounces each)
2 finely diced carrots (about 1 cup)
1 small finely diced onion (about 1 cup)
3 ribs finely diced celery (about 1 cup)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
½ cup butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1½ cups half and half or whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat and sauté carrots, onions, and celery until softened.
Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and dried basil and bring to a gentle boil.
Cook until the vegetables are tender.
Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth and return it to the pot.
In a separate pot, melt butter over medium-low heat and whisk in flour continuously for about 10 minutes until golden.
Ladle a scoop of soup into the roux, whisk to form a paste, and gradually add 2–3 more scoops, whisking until smooth.
Add the roux mixture back into the main soup pot and stir well to combine.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, half and half, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil.
Simmer gently until warmed through, then serve.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk and vegan Parmesan cheese.
To freeze, omit the half and half and cheese until after reheating to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooker, Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 264 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1095 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Keywords best creamy tomato basil soup, creamy tomato basil soup recipe, homemade tomato basil soup, easy tomato basil soup