Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort dish, Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is the answer! This soul-warming classic marries sweet tomatoes and aromatic basil in a smooth, velvety soup that feels like a cozy hug for your tastebuds. Packed with vegetables and swirled with parmesan and cream, each spoonful is pure magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is how it transforms ordinary pantry staples into something irresistible. Each ingredient is there for a reason: to build layers of flavor, create a velvety texture, and spotlight the vibrant color that makes this soup so inviting.

• Olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and giving the base a fruity, rich foundation.
• Canned diced tomatoes (with juice): The heart of the soup—use canned for ease and consistent sweetness.
• Carrots: Their natural sweetness balances out the tanginess of tomatoes, while sneaking in extra nutrients.
• Onion: When finely diced and sautéed, onions add savory depth and a gentle sweetness.
• Celery: Brings a subtle earthiness and rounds out the aromatic backbone of the soup.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps give the broth a gorgeous brick-red hue.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Gives body to the soup while letting the tomato flavor shine. You can use veggie broth for a vegetarian option.
• Dried oregano and dried basil: These classic Italian herbs make sure every bite bursts with herbal aroma.
• Butter and all-purpose flour: A traditional roux thickens the soup, while butter adds a luscious finish.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: For savory, salty depth and that signature creamy texture.
• Half and half (or whole milk): Swirls in the creaminess that makes this soup so dreamy.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the flavors.
• Fresh basil: Chopped basil gives the final burst of flavor and a beautiful herbal fragrance.

Variations

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is endlessly adaptable—so don’t be afraid to make it your own! It’s easy to tweak the recipe based on what you have at home, your dietary needs, or even the mood you’re in.

• Make it Vegetarian: Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth for a deeply savory, meat-free version.
• Go Dairy-Free: Swap in your favorite plant-based milk and a good non-dairy parmesan for a vegan-friendly dinner.
• Roasted Tomato Version: For even bolder flavor, roast your tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained first) in the oven before blending them.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you prefer a little heat.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour for a gluten-free delight.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add in your diced carrots, onions, and celery. Sauté for several minutes until everything is tender and aromatic—the kitchen should already smell amazing at this point!

Step 2: Build the Tomato Base

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (juice and all), tomato paste, chicken broth, and dried herbs. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the veggies are very soft. This step melds all the flavors, turning humble pantry items into a restaurant-quality soup base.

Step 3: Blend for the Perfect Texture

If you love a smooth Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer batches to a regular blender. Puree until silky, then return the soup to the pot. Or, for a bit of texture, blend just half and leave some veggie bits intact.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for about 10 minutes. The roux will turn golden and nutty—don’t rush this! It gives the soup its signature creaminess and thick, spoon-coating texture.

Step 5: Combine Soup and Roux

Ladle a bit of the hot soup into the roux to create a thick, smooth paste, then gradually add more soup, whisking all the while. Once it’s perfectly smooth, pour this back into the main soup pot and stir well. This step ensures a creamy, lump-free finish.

Step 6: Stir in Cream, Cheese, and Fresh Basil

To finish, stir in the parmesan, half and half (or milk), salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil. Cook a few more minutes, tasting and adjusting herbs as needed. The soup should be dreamy, creamy, and ready to ladle into bowls!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Garnishes

The finishing touches can make your bowl of Creamy Tomato Basil Soup truly special! Try a generous sprinkle of parmesan, a swirl of cream, a handful of extra chopped fresh basil, or a few crunchy homemade croutons on top. Each bite becomes even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

No one can resist the classic pairing of tomato soup and grilled cheese! Serve with a crusty sandwich, cheesy garlic bread, or even a garlic butter breadstick for dipping. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette brings balance to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a real wow factor, ladle your hot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup into hollowed-out bread bowls, or serve small portions as shooters for an elegant appetizer course. Drizzle with infused olive oil or try a heart-shaped dollop of cream for extra fun on Valentine’s Day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cooled Creamy Tomato Basil Soup will keep happily in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to one week. The flavors deepen as it sits, making tomorrow’s leftovers even tastier—just stir before reheating!

Freezing

To freeze, leave out the cream and cheese, as dairy can separate when thawed. Just freeze the soup base, then stir in the parmesan and half and half when you reheat for best texture and a fresh, creamy finish.

Reheating

Gently reheat Creamy Tomato Basil Soup over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. If it’s extra thick, add a splash more broth or milk until it reaches your ideal consistency. Avoid bringing it to a hard boil—gentle heat keeps everything smooth and creamy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Creamy Tomato Basil Soup from scratch, there’s never been a better time! This recipe delivers all the soul-satisfying flavor and silky texture of your favorite café version, with simple ingredients and easy steps. I can’t wait for you to cozy up with a bowl—let me know how it goes!

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