Easy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe: Warm Comfort in Minutes

Creamy tomato basil soup represents the ultimate comfort food for those seeking warmth and rich flavor in every spoonful.

Vibrant red ingredients blend together to create a velvety texture that instantly soothes the soul.

Mediterranean culinary traditions inspire this delightful recipe, refineing simple vegetables into a luxurious dining experience.

The harmonious combination of ripe tomatoes and aromatic herbs produces a sensational taste that dances across your palate.

Fresh ingredients elevate this classic soup from ordinary to extraordinary, promising a delightful meal that satisfies both hunger and emotional cravings.

Smooth and elegant, this culinary creation brings restaurant-quality sophistication directly to your kitchen table.

Each carefully crafted batch promises a symphony of tastes that will transport you to sunny, herb-filled gardens.

Cooking Instructions for Creamy Tomato Basil Goodness

Step 1: Prepare Vegetable Base

• Celery
• Carrots
• Onion
• Garlic

Mince until finely chopped and uniform in size.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Mixture

• Butter
• Olive oil

Cook over medium-high heat. Add minced vegetables and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir constantly for an additional minute.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Fire-roasted tomatoes
• Seasonings
• Bay leaf

Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 15 minutes or until carrots become tender.

Step 4: Enhance Soup Creaminess

• Parmesan cheese

• Milk
• Half and half
• Heavy cream

Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust liquid consistency as needed. Remove bay leaf.

Step 5: Create Smooth Texture

Use an immersion blender or standard blender to puree soup. When using a standard blender, work in small batches and allow steam to release to prevent pressure buildup.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle soup into bowls. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips for a Velvety Tomato Basil Soup Every Time

• Chop Vegetables Efficiently: Use a food processor to quickly and uniformly mince celery, carrots, onion, and garlic, saving time and ensuring even cooking.
• Control Soup Thickness: Adjust the soup's consistency by adding more chicken broth for a thinner texture or cream for a richer, thicker soup.
• Blend Safely: When pureeing hot soup, work in small batches and remove the blender's center cap to allow steam to escape, preventing potential pressure buildup.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let the soup simmer slowly to allow seasonings to meld and develop a more complex, robust taste.
• Boost Creaminess Perfectly: Whisk Parmesan cheese thoroughly to create a smooth, velvety texture without lumps, ensuring a luxurious soup experience.

How to Store and Reheat Tomato Basil Soup Properly

• Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before transferring to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or cream. Avoid boiling to prevent separation of dairy ingredients.

Best Pairings for Tomato Basil Soup

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, rustic sourdough or ciabatta to dip into the creamy soup, soaking up all those rich, velvety flavors.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's richness and complement its tangy tomato base.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Grilled Cheese: Prepare a classic grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar or melty mozzarella for the ultimate comfort food combination.

Flavor Twists to Elevate Classic Tomato Basil Soup

• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Replace fire-roasted tomatoes with roasted green chiles, add cumin and chili powder. Top with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Garden Blend: Incorporate roasted red peppers, swap chicken broth for vegetable stock, and add a dollop of Greek yogurt. Sprinkle with za'atar seasoning for extra Mediterranean flair.
• Roasted Vegetable Upgrade: Roast tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions before blending to intensify flavor. Use smoked paprika and add a splash of red wine for deeper complexity.
• Vegan Creamy Alternative: Substitute dairy with coconut milk, use vegetable broth, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Blend cashews for added creaminess and protein boost.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup That Feels Like Home

• Savor Rich Flavor Layers: This soup combines fire-roasted tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, and Parmesan cheese, creating a deeply satisfying taste profile that builds complex flavor dimensions in every spoonful.
• Enjoy Super Creamy Texture: The blend of milk, half and half, and Parmesan creates an incredibly smooth, velvety consistency that feels luxurious and comforting without being heavy.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexibility in dairy choices and blending methods, allowing home cooks to adjust thickness and smoothness according to personal preference, making it adaptable for different tastes and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this soup takes just about 30-40 minutes to prepare, making it an excellent option for busy families wanting a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients List for Tomato Basil Soup from Scratch

• Celery: Adds a subtle, fresh crunch and depth of flavor to the soup base.
• Carrots: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Onion: Offers a foundational aromatic base for the soup's flavor profile.
• Garlic: Brings a rich, pungent taste that enhances the overall depth of the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Serves as the primary liquid foundation for creating a rich, savory soup.
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Delivers a smoky, intense tomato flavor with a slightly charred essence.
• Milk, Half and Half, or Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture and softens the soup's acidity.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the soup with its natural creaminess.
• Bay Leaf: Provides a subtle herbal undertone and depth to the overall soup flavor.
• Flour: Helps to thicken and create a smooth, consistent soup texture.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Provides a rich base for sautéing vegetables and adds depth to the soup's flavor.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy tomato basil soup blends Italian simplicity with comforting richness, marrying ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil in a luxurious blend. Silky smooth and perfectly seasoned, this classic soup invites you to savor each spoonful of Mediterranean-inspired warmth.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 stalks celery, chopped into thirds
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped into thirds
• ½ large onion, peeled and quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 (14 ounces / 400 grams) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juice
• 1–2 cups milk, half and half, or heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Fats and Thickeners:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup flour

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon dried basil or ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• Garnish (optional): freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Transform celery, carrots, onion, and garlic into a fine, uniform mince using a food processor or sharp knife, creating a flavor-packed aromatic base.
2. Heat a blend of butter and olive oil in a spacious Dutch oven, allowing the fat to shimmer and dance over medium heat. Elevate the temperature to medium-high and introduce the minced vegetable medley, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 4 minutes.
3. Dust the softened vegetables with flour, stirring continuously to create a roux that will thicken the soup and provide a silky texture. Cook for one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually stream in chicken broth, whisking consistently to prevent lumps. Incorporate fire-roasted tomatoes and a symphony of seasonings, including the aromatic bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to tenderize.
5. Introduce Parmesan cheese, whisking until it melts seamlessly into the soup. Pour in milk, half and half, or cream, transforming the soup into a luxurious, velvety consistency. Simmer on low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
6. For a supremely smooth texture, utilize an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Exercise caution to release steam and prevent potential splattering.
7. Remove the bay leaf and adjust the soup’s consistency by adding extra chicken broth or cream as desired. Taste and fine-tune seasonings to personal preference.
8. Serve the soup in warm bowls, crowning it with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a delightful presentation and an extra layer of flavor.

Notes

• Prep smarter by using a food processor to quickly mince vegetables, saving time and creating uniform texture.
• Create a flavor base by sautéing minced vegetables in butter and olive oil, which enhances the soup’s depth and richness.
• Gradually add liquids and whisk continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Blend carefully when pureeing hot soup, allowing steam to escape to prevent dangerous splattering.
• Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting liquid levels with chicken broth or cream for perfect texture.
• Elevate the final dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adding a salty, nutty finishing touch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg