Few things warm you up from the inside out quite like a bowl of Creamy Tomato Soup. Silky-smooth, decadent, and just tangy enough, this classic comfort food is the perfect answer to chilly days, quick weeknight dinners, or a nostalgic lunch that transports you home again. Whether you’re dunking in a golden grilled cheese or simply savoring the rich tomato flavor by the spoonful, this version delivers fresh, vibrant taste with an extra-luxurious texture—thanks to a touch of cream and aromatic basil. It’s a dish guaranteed to make you smile, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect Creamy Tomato Soup is all about choosing simple, honest ingredients that sing together in every spoonful. Each component plays a starring role—delivering depth, color, and a luscious finish that makes this soup truly unforgettable.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps the onions and garlic soften to perfection.
- Onion: Brings a gentle sweetness as the aromatic foundation for your soup.
- Garlic: Infuses the tomato base with irresistible depth and warmth.
- Crushed tomatoes: The star ingredient, providing bold, bright tomato flavor and body.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates that classic tomato tang, amplifying richness and color.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a mellow, rounded taste.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out all the savory flavors in the soup.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle, warming kick that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Dried basil: Brings in that signature herby note that just screams “tomato soup.”
- Vegetable broth: The secret to a full-flavored, savory base that ties everything together.
- Heavy cream: Provides that luxurious, creamy texture that makes the soup so indulgent.
- Fresh basil & grated Parmesan (optional): Perfect for topping your bowl with extra freshness and a punch of salty-savory goodness.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent. Then add your minced garlic, and keep it moving around the pot for just another minute. By now, your kitchen should smell absolutely amazing—all thanks to those cozy aromatics building a flavor-packed foundation.
Step 2: Simmer the Tomato Base
Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, black pepper, dried basil, and vegetable broth straight into the pot. Stir everything to combine, letting the different flavors introduce themselves to each other. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for 15–20 minutes. This time on the stove is key; it gives all those ingredients a chance to meld into one deeply flavorful Creamy Tomato Soup.
Step 3: Blend Until Silky Smooth
Once the tomatoes have had a chance to cook down, remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree everything until it’s wonderfully smooth. If you prefer, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender—just be cautious, as hot liquids expand!
Step 4: Add the Cream and Finish
Return the soup to the pot if you’ve used a blender. Stir in the heavy cream, transforming your soup into a dreamy, luxurious bowl of comfort. Warm everything gently—no need to boil—then taste and add a bit more salt or pepper if you think it’s needed. Your Creamy Tomato Soup is ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Soup
Garnishes
A good garnish takes your Creamy Tomato Soup from simple to spectacular. Try a swirl of heavy cream, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or a handful of thinly sliced fresh basil right before serving. The extra pop of color and flavor will make every bowl feel special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
The ultimate pairing has to be a crisp, buttery grilled cheese sandwich for dunking—heavenly! But don’t stop there: try a crusty baguette, cheesy garlic bread, or a light green salad. Each option brings out a different side of this classic soup and turns a humble meal into an occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl! Serve Creamy Tomato Soup in mugs for a fun twist at family movie night, or as tiny shooter glasses at a party for an elegant appetizer. For a cozy dinner, ladle into rustic bread bowls so every bite has a bit of crust, or top with homemade croutons for crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cooled Creamy Tomato Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container, and give it a quick stir before reheating to restore that silky-smooth texture.
Freezing
To make your soup last even longer, simply freeze the cooled (un-garnished) soup in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to three months. For best results, add the cream after reheating, as dairy tends to separate in the freezer.
Reheating
Warm your Creamy Tomato Soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If it thickens up in the fridge, just splash in a little broth or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency. Avoid rapid boiling, which can change the gorgeous creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Creamy Tomato Soup vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut milk or homemade cashew cream. The soup is already vegetarian and will still be wonderfully rich and creamy without dairy.
How do I make the soup smoother?
For an ultra-smooth Creamy Tomato Soup, blend a bit longer with your immersion blender or use a countertop blender in batches. Don’t forget to strain the soup if you want an extra velvety finish with absolutely no tomato bits.
What can I use instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
If you don’t have canned crushed tomatoes, swap in whole canned tomatoes and crush them by hand or with your blender. You can even use fresh tomatoes that have been peeled and chopped—the flavor will be extra-bright and summery!
Is it okay to leave out the sugar?
Sugar balances out the natural acidity of the tomatoes, but if you prefer, you can omit it or use a splash of maple syrup or honey instead. Don’t worry, your Creamy Tomato Soup will still be deliciously balanced.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Definitely! Try tossing in a chopped carrot or a piece of celery with the onion for extra sweetness and depth. You can even stir in cooked spinach or kale at the end for a nutrition boost.
Final Thoughts
Nothing compares to the comfort of homemade Creamy Tomato Soup, and this easy recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Whether you share it with friends, serve it to family, or save it just for yourself, every creamy, vibrant bite is pure happiness. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it on repeat!
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Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of this Creamy Tomato Soup. Made with the finest ingredients, this comforting soup is a classic favorite that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For garnish:
- Optional fresh basil
- Grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté chopped onion until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, basil, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Puree the soup: Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or standard blender.
- Finish the soup: Return to the pot, add heavy cream, warm gently, adjust seasoning, and serve hot garnished with basil and Parmesan.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
- This soup pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches or a simple salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
