Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Recipe

If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of homemade soup on a chilly day. That’s why I’m absolutely thrilled to share my Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Recipe with you—it’s fan-freaking-tastic and lives up to all the cozy soup dreams I’ve ever had. This recipe is simple, rich, and perfectly balanced with fresh basil, tangy tomatoes, and a luxurious creamy finish that I know you’re going to fall in love with. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every detail so your soup turns out just right every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Recipe really lies in using quality, fresh ingredients that complement each other so well. I always recommend using ripe San Marzano tomatoes if you can find them—it makes a world of difference in flavor. And fresh basil is a must; dried just doesn’t compare here.

• Unsalted Butter: Use unsalted so you can control the saltiness of your soup perfectly.
• Yellow Onions: Finely chopped for that subtle sweetness which caramelizes beautifully when sautéed.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic wakes up the flavor, making the soup more aromatic.
• Crushed Tomatoes: I swear by the two 28-ounce cans of San Marzano tomatoes with their juices for depth and sweetness.
• Chicken Stock: Adds savory richness—homemade or store-bought works just fine.
• Fresh Basil: Chopped generously to infuse the soup with fresh herbal notes.
• Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes—add to taste!
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground gives a nice gentle kick.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: This is the secret that gives the soup its luscious creamy texture without overpowering the tomato.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a savory umami boost, plus it melts beautifully into the soup.

Variations

I love how versatile this recipe is—you can make it your own depending on what you have in the kitchen or what flavors you’re craving. Don’t hesitate to tweak the herbs or add some heat with spices if that’s your jam.

• Vegetarian Variation: Swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly without losing depth.
• Extra Creamy: Use more heavy cream or a touch of crème fraîche for an ultra-rich version I like on especially cold nights.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika—I’ve done this when we wanted a little warmth.
• Chunky or Smooth: I sometimes blend half the soup and leave the rest chunky for texture—try it and see what you prefer!

How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic for the Perfect Flavor Base

Start by warming up your pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Then add the finely chopped onions—this is where the flavor foundation begins. Sauté them for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and golden. The slow caramelization brings out a natural sweetness I absolutely love. Next up, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn! This step alone gets your kitchen smelling incredible.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Stock, and Basil for Depth

Now, pour in those glorious crushed tomatoes along with their juice, followed by the chicken stock and chopped fresh basil. Sprinkle in your tablespoon of sugar to tame the tomatoes’ acidity, then season with black pepper. Stir everything together, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat. Partially cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. This simmer is key for marrying all those flavors into something truly beautiful.

Step 3: Blend to Your Desired Creaminess

Here’s where it’s decision time—do you want a chunky soup or silky smooth? I usually grab my immersion blender directly in the pot, blending just enough to get a creamy texture that still has bits of tomato and basil. If you prefer a perfectly smooth texture, blend in batches with a countertop blender, taking care not to fill it too much with hot liquid and pulsing a few times to avoid splatters. Either way, return your blended soup to the pot over medium heat before moving on.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Parmesan

This is my favorite part. Slowly stir in the heavy whipping cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese, then bring the soup back up to a gentle simmer. This combination truly makes the soup creamy and adds a subtle savory umami that’s just dreamy. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if you need. Then, it’s time to turn off the heat—your creamy tomato basil soup is ready to serve!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a few delicate ribbons of basil leaves—it just makes the presentation pop and adds a burst of flavor with every spoonful. Sometimes, I drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or swirl in some crème fraîche for an elegant touch when I’m serving guests.

Side Dishes

For me, nothing beats pairing this soup with a perfectly toasted grilled cheese sandwich. My family actually begs for this combo! You can also serve it alongside crusty garlic bread or a light, peppery arugula salad for a simple yet satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to impress, especially for a cozy dinner party, I serve the soup in rustic bread bowls—that warm crust makes the experience so homey and fun. Another favorite is layering it in small mason jars for a casual lunch setting or presentation at a brunch. It always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge where they stay fresh for up to 4 days. Just make sure to cool the soup completely before refrigerating to preserve that bright tomato flavor.

Freezing

This Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Recipe freezes beautifully! I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When thawing, I do it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently over low to medium heat on the stove. Stir frequently to prevent the cream from separating, and if the soup is too thick, add a splash of stock or water to loosen it up. I find that reheating slowly preserves the soup’s creamy texture perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I remember the first time I made it—it was an instant family favorite and quickly became my go-to whenever I wanted something both simple and impressive. I’m genuinely excited for you to try it because it’s exactly the kind of soup that brings comfort and joy together. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and dive in—I promise once you taste this, it’ll have a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!

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