Tomato Basil Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting classic that combines the rich flavor of tomatoes with the aromatic essence of fresh basil. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for cozy, chilly days and pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. With just a handful of ingredients, including the essential San Marzano tomatoes and a touch of heavy cream, this homemade version of tomato soup will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 2 cans (28 oz each) San Marzano tomatoes

• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: Grated parmesan cheese, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Sauté the Onion: Heat olive oil and butter in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until golden brown.

2. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the San Marzano tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then bring the soup to a boil.

4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8 minutes with the lid slightly ajar.

5. Blend: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. (Let the soup cool a little first if you don’t have an immersion blender.)

6. Add Cream and Basil: Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated parmesan, if desired. Enjoy with bread or grilled cheese!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegan: Use coconut cream or oat milk instead of heavy cream, and vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.

• Extra Creamy: Add more heavy cream or blend in some ricotta or cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.

• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular canned tomatoes instead of San Marzano?

San Marzano tomatoes provide the best flavor, but regular canned tomatoes can be used as a substitute.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. The flavors will deepen over time.

3. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop.

4. Can I make this soup without blending it?

Yes, you can leave it chunky if you prefer a heartier texture.

5. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Yes, you can add carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

6. How can I make the soup sweeter?

If you find the soup too tart, add a small amount of sugar (½ teaspoon at a time) to balance the flavor.

7. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Yes, use 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh basil. Adjust to taste.

8. What kind of bread goes well with tomato basil soup?

Sourdough, French bread, or garlic bread all pair wonderfully with tomato soup.

9. How do I make this soup spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for some extra heat.

10. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, sauté the onions and garlic, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4–6 hours, then blend and add cream.

Conclusion

Tomato Basil Soup is a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any season, but especially comforting on colder days. This easy recipe brings together the sweetness of tomatoes, the freshness of basil, and the richness of cream for a truly satisfying meal. Pair it with your favorite bread or grilled cheese, and you’ve got a delicious, heartwarming dish that the whole family will love.

Tomato Basil Soup

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Soup, Comfort Food
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting classic that combines the rich flavors of San Marzano tomatoes and fresh basil, finished with a touch of heavy cream. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for cozy nights, especially when paired with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. With just a few ingredients, this homemade version of tomato soup will quickly become a family favorite!

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Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 cans (28 oz each) San Marzano tomatoes

4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)

½ cup heavy cream

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Grated parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

• Sauté the Onion: Heat olive oil and butter in a soup pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until golden brown.

• Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

• Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the San Marzano tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then bring the soup to a boil.

• Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 8 minutes with the lid slightly ajar.

• Blend: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. (Let the soup cool a little first if you don’t have an immersion blender.)

• Add Cream and Basil: Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated parmesan, if desired. Serve with bread or grilled cheese!

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Notes

Vegan: Use coconut cream or oat milk instead of heavy cream, and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Extra Creamy: Add more heavy cream or blend in some ricotta or cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.

Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little extra heat.

Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.