Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe You’ll Absolutely Love

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of tomato basil soup to soothe the soul. Whether you’re craving comfort on a chilly evening or looking for a hearty starter to complement a fresh salad or sandwich, this classic soup delivers both flavor and nutrition in one easy-to-make dish. It’s creamy, rich, and packed with aromatic herbs that elevate simple pantry ingredients into something truly delicious.

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What is Tomato Basil Soup?

Tomato basil soup is a creamy, savory blend of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, often combined with other vegetables like onion, celery, and carrots. It’s a popular comfort food known for its smooth texture and deep, slightly tangy flavor. The addition of cream or milk makes it rich and satisfying, and it’s often topped with grated parmesan cheese or fresh basil for an extra punch of flavor.

Why You’ll Love It

• Easy to make with everyday ingredients.
• Comforting and nourishing – perfect for any time of year.
• Customizable to suit your taste and dietary needs.
• Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly.
• Pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches or crusty bread.

Tomato Basil Soup Variations

• Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter, omit cheese, and replace half-and-half with coconut milk or oat milk.
• Roasted Tomato Version: Roast fresh tomatoes with garlic and onion before blending for a deeper, smokier flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
• Chunky Style: Skip the blending step or only partially blend for a rustic texture.

Serving Suggestions

Tomato basil soup pairs perfectly with:

• Drizzle with olive oil or top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
• Serve it with chopped salad, quinoa salad, or broccoli salad.
• Grilled cheese or panini sandwiches.
• A side Caesar salad or mixed greens.
• Garlic bread or croutons.

Ingredients

(Yields 8 servings)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 2 carrots, finely diced (optional – about 1 cup)
• 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 ribs celery, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
• ½ cup butter (optional)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (optional – for thickening)
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1½ cups half and half (or whole milk)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

How to Make Tomato Basil Soup (Step-by-Step)

1. Sauté Vegetables

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.

2. Add Tomatoes and Broth

• Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, and chicken broth. Add dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

3. Simmer

• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 20–25 minutes, until vegetables are very tender.

4. Blend

• Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches.

5. Cream Base (Optional)

• In a separate saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour and whisk together constantly for about 10 minutes or until the roux is a nice golden brown color.

6. Combine

• Add the cream mixture to the blended soup. Stir in grated parmesan cheese, half and half, salt, pepper and fresh chopped basil.
• Add additional oregano and basil if needed, to taste. Stir well. Cook for a few more minutes until warmed through.
• ladle into bowls, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

• Make Ahead: This soup gets even better the next day. Make a day in advance and refrigerate.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 264kcal
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 1095mg
• Potassium: 326mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Final Thoughts

• Tomato Basil Soup is a timeless classic that combines simplicity with comfort. Whether you enjoy it as a light lunch, a cozy dinner, or the perfect appetizer, it never fails to please. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, customize, and freeze — making it a must-have in any home cook’s recipe collection.
• Don’t forget to check out our recommended kitchen tools and recipes on our website, myhomewish.com, to streamline prep and elevate your cooking game.