Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

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This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a quick and easy meal that’s bursting with flavor. Made with simple ingredients like crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese, this velvety smooth soup is the perfect option for a cozy night in.

Why We Love This Recipe!

Easy Recipe: With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that anyone can master.
Crowd Pleaser: From the ravings of friends to my family’s stamp of aproval, It’s safe to say that this tried and tested soup recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Make a batch for game day, to warm up in the fall, or an easy Sunday supper. Any way you serve it, this pot of soup gets gobbled up in a hurry!
Natural Flavor: The combination of rich tomato flavor, creamy texture, and aromatic basil makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.

This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and comforting meal.

Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this easy tomato basil soup recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you warm any time of year.

So, grab a ladle and get ready to enjoy some delicious and comforting hot soup!

Ingredient Notes

Olive Oil & Butter: Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor. The butter adds a buttery richness to the soup. You can use unsalted or salted butter, depending on your preference. I like to use both oil and butter for a delicious combination. Using oil in the cooking process prevents the butter from burning while sautéing the vegetables
Onion: Use yellow or white onion for this recipe. The onion provides a sweet and savory base for the soup.
Carrots: Shredded carrots add sweetness and texture to the soup. You can shred them using a box grater or food processor.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced or grated garlic adds depth and aroma to the soup. Use more or less garlic depending on your preference. Roasted Garlic would be a wonderful addition as well.
Tomato Paste: Tomato paste adds depth and richness to the soup.
Whole Tomatoes: Use canned whole tomatoes for convenience and consistency. You can use diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand.
Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the sodium level of the soup. You can substitute vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the soup. You can substitute half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Avoid using pre-grated Parmesan cheese, if possible as it can contain additives and fillers. However, it will work to make this soup even easier to make.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add more or less depending on your preference.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a bright and herbaceous flavor to the homemade tomato Soup. To maximize the basil flavor, add the leaves at the end of the cooking process after the soup has been blended and the heat is turned down. You can use fresh basil leaves to garnish the soup before serving it for even more flavor and color.

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy version: Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the soup for a spicy kick.
Creamy roasted red pepper version: Add roasted red peppers to the soup before blending for a smoky flavor and creamy texture.
Italian sausage version: Brown some Italian sausage and add it to the soup for a hearty and flavorful twist.
Basil pesto version: Stir in some homemade or store-bought basil pesto to the soup for a burst of fresh herb flavor. This is perfect if you don’t have fresh basil available.
Mushroom version: Saute some chopped mushrooms with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes and broth for an earthy flavor.
Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegetarian cheese alternative. Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free and vegan version of the soup.
Tortellini Tomato Basil Soup: Add in frozen tortellini after blending the soup and cook for a delicious soup with pasta. Choose your favorite fillings. This can be done with cooked chicken, italian sausage or without a protein.
Canned tomato version: Use canned diced or crushed tomatoes with added herbs for a shortcut version of this easy tomato soup. This will replace the whole tomatoes.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and instructions!

Satuté Onions, Garlic and Carrots: In a large dutch oven or large soup pot, heat butter and oil over medium-high heat, then add onion, garlic, and carrots. Stir and cook for 5 or 6 minutes.
Add tomato paste and stir it in, cooking for another 3 minutes.
Add tomatoes, broth and cook: Next, add canned tomatoes with their juice and chicken or vegetable broth into the pot. Stir together and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, longer if you have time.
Blend: Once the soup has finished simmering, use an immersion blender to puree to blend the soup until smooth or desired consistency is reached.
Add Cream, Parmesan & Basil: After blending the soup; add cream, salt, and pepper. Once the cream is stirred in and warmed then add in parmesan cheese and basil and simmer (do not boil) for another 5-10 minutes.

Tips

Blend the soup until smooth: To achieve a velvety smooth texture, blend the soup with an immersion blender until there are no chunks of tomato or onion left. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender, but make sure to blend the soup in small batches and let it cool down a bit before blending. If you enjoy bites or chunks of tomatoes then leave them. This is easily adaptable when blending to your personal preference.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated cheese. Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture and taste of the soup.
Add the heavy cream after blending: To avoid curdling the cream, add it to the soup after blending and heat it through before adding the Parmesan cheese.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Depending on the salt content in the tomatoes, butter and parmesan cheese you may need more or less. You can also add more herbs or spices if you like.

Recipe FAQs

What type of tomatoes are best to use?

Use a high-quality canned tomato: Since the main ingredient in this soup is canned tomatoes, it’s important to choose a high-quality brand that has a rich and deep tomato flavor. San Marzano vine-ripened tomatoes are a great choice if you can find them. Tuttorosso Peeled Plum tomatoes are another good choice.

Can I omit the heavy cream to make the soup lighter?

Yes, you can omit the heavy cream and substitute it with half-and-half or milk to make the soup lighter. However, the soup will be less creamy and rich in flavor without the heavy cream. In order to keep it on the light side you can omit the cream.

Can I use other cheeses instead of Parmesan cheese?

Yes, you can use other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago instead of Parmesan cheese. Just make sure to use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor.

How do you thicken tomato soup?

If you want to be a thicker consistency, I recommend letting it simmer a while. If you don’t have time or want to speed up the process you can mix in a cornstach slurry to thicken the soup.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Once completely cooled, place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Freeze: Completely cool, then pour it in a freezer safe container or zip bag and freeze for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

You can also freeze in individual servings for a great make-ahead meal prep recipes.

Reheat:

Microwave: To reheat individual servings, place desired amount on a microwave-safe dish and reheat in 30-second intervals until heated to your liking.

Stovetop: To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir regularly to make sure it heats evenly all the way through. TIP: Add little water in the bottom of the pan, just enough to cover the bottom, before pouring in the soup. This will ensure the soup doesn’t burn the bottom of the pan.

What to Serve with Creamy Parmesan Tomato Soup

Tomato Basil Soup is one of my favorite ways to warm up on a chilly day while the fresh tomato flavor is also the perfect taste of summer! It such a delicious lunch or quick and easy weeknight dinner. Here are a few ideas that it is especially good served with:

Grilled cheese sandwiches: A classic pairing, a grilled cheese sandwich made with your favorite bread and cheese is the perfect complement to the rich and creamy tomato soup.
Garlic bread: Warm and toasty garlic bread is a great option for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the delicious flavors. Try it with this cheesy green chile bread.
Salad: A fresh and crunchy salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the soup. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a Caesar salad with homemade croutons.
Bruschetta: Toasted baguette slices topped with chopped tomatoes, garlic, and basil make a perfect appetizer or side dish to serve with tomato basil soup.
Croutons: Add a bit of crunch to your soup by making your own croutons with your favorite bread, garlic, and herbs.
Focaccia: A soft and fluffy focaccia bread is a great choice for soaking up the soup and adding some extra flavor and texture to your meal.

More Delicious Soup Recipes to Try

There’s nothing quite like a warm and comforting bowl of soup to nourish the body and soul, especially during the cooler months of the year. If you’re on the hunt for more easy soup recipes to add to your repertoire, look no further. From classic chicken noodle soup to warm chili recipes, there are endless options to choose from.

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
Creamy Potato Soup Recipe
Keto Chili Recipe (Low Carb Chili)
Zuppa Toscana Soup
Pasta Fagioli Soup
Smoky Ham & Split Pea Soup – from Life, Love and Good Foof

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