Description
This easy creamy tomato basil soup is a comforting, family-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners or a healthy lunch, offering a rich, velvety texture and bright fresh basil aroma.
Ingredients
- 28 oz whole canned tomatoes, crushed/diced
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, low-sodium recommended
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in canned tomatoes and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Blend to Creamy Perfection: Using an immersion blender directly in the pot, blend until smooth. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a regular blender (vent the lid!). Return to the pot. (If your soup looks too thick, splash in 0.25 cup more broth or water until desired consistency.)
- Finish and Serve: Stir in heavy cream and fresh basil. Heat gently for 2-3 minutes until warmed through, but do not boil after adding cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste for your ideal creamy tomato basil soup.
Notes
For a dairy-free soup, use full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. For vegan, use vegetable broth and dairy-free swap. Elevate with San Marzano tomatoes, organic broth, or white beans for protein. Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory topping. A pinch of sugar or maple syrup can balance tomato acidity. Add balsamic vinegar or red pepper flakes for complexity. Garnish with fresh croutons or a drizzle of olive oil. Do not boil after adding cream (it can curdle). Do not skip fresh basil. Avoid over-reducing the soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 33 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering, Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.75 cups (420 ml)
- Calories: 300 calories
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg