Creamy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup
Cuddle up with a bowl of this creamy homemade tomato basil soup made with simple pantry ingredients like diced tomatoes, carrots, onions, and herbs. This cozy, flavorful recipe is perfect for chilly nights and makes the perfect dish by itself or with a delicious grilled cheese on the side!
Fall is one of our favorite seasons because it marks the beginning of . . . soup season! And what better way to kick it off than with a classic recipe? There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of creamy tomato basil soup, especially when it’s homemade. This version uses simple ingredients like butter, carrots, onions, and celery for a flavorful base, along with rich tomato paste, herbs, and a touch of cream for that irresistible silky finish. We also keep it convenient by using canned tomatoes, which saves you time!
It’s the kind of soup that feels both cozy and elevated, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend lunch. Serve it with a classic grilled cheese sandwich, a slice of crusty bread, or a crisp green salad for the ultimate comfort meal that will warm you up in the chillier months ahead.
Why you’ll love tomato basil soup
- Simple, wholesome ingredients – No canned soup used here! Just fresh veggies, herbs, and pantry staples you already have at home.
- Perfectly creamy and comforting – A splash of heavy cream and Parmesan gives this soup a luscious, irresistible texture.
- A rich but balanced flavor – A touch of sugar cuts the acidity of the tomatoes, while herbs like basil and oregano bring warmth and depth.
- Great for meal prep – This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
- Pairs with everything – From grilled cheese to garlic bread or even pasta, this soup complements any cozy meal.
Ingredients needed
- 1/4 cup butter (half a stick): Adds richness and is used to sauté the vegetables for a flavorful base.
- Carrots, yellow onion, celery: The classic trio that builds natural sweetness and depth in the soup.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and gives the soup a deeper color.
- Diced tomatoes (2 cans): The main body of the soup, providing bright, tangy tomato flavor.
- Vegetable broth: Balances the acidity and helps achieve the perfect consistency.
- Dried oregano, dried basil, Italian seasoning: Layered herbs that infuse the soup with warmth and complexity.
- Salt and pepper
- Granulated sugar (not pictured): Just a small amount helps mellow out the tartness of the tomatoes.
- Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and rounds out the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan: For saltiness and a subtle nutty finish.
- Fresh basil leaves (not pictured): For garnish, adding color, aroma, and a burst of freshness to the soup.
How to make tomato basil soup
Cook the veggies
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery with butter to a large pot over medium-high heat and cook until the vegetables are softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor.
Add tomatoes and seasonings
Pour in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir to combine and bring everything to a boil.
Simmer, then blend
Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or transfer carefully to a blender in batches and return to the pot once blended).
Add some final touches and serve
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Then ladle into bowls and top with chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan, if desired.
What to serve with tomato basil soup
Nothing completes a bowl of delicious tomato basil soup like the perfect side dish. Whether you’re in the mood for something crispy, cheesy, or fresh, these pairings are guaranteed to turn your cozy bowl of soup into a complete and satisfying meal.
- Pair with a classic grilled cheese sandwich: The ultimate classic combo that we never get tired of! Try our version with sourdough bread.
- Serve alongside cheesy garlic bread: Perfect for dunking into the soup!
- Toss together a simple green salad: Pair it with a delicious lemon vinaigrette! Or if you want the ultimate fall meal to go along with the soup, try our roasted sweet potato salad, which makes the perfect complement.
- With pasta or ravioli: Serve it as a side or starter before a pasta dish for a cozy Italian-inspired meal. We recommend our delicious, buttery spinach & ricotta ravioli.
How to store tomato basil soup
- Refrigerate properly. Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat.
- Freeze in portions. The soup can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to preserve the creamy texture.
- Make ahead of time. If freezing the soup, skip the cream and stir it in after reheating for the best consistency.
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Creamy Homemade Tomato Basil Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cuddle up with a bowl of this creamy homemade tomato basil soup made with simple pantry ingredients like diced tomatoes, carrots, onions, and herbs. This cozy, flavorful recipe is perfect for chilly nights and makes the perfect dish by itself or with a delicious grilled cheese on the side!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups carrots, finely diced
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 ribs celery, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes, with the juice
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat with butter. Add the carrots, onion, and celery and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies are softened. Add the tomato paste and continue to stir for 1-2 minutes until deep red and incorporated into the mixture.
- Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and sugar to the pot. Stir and bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover with the lid slightly tilted and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. (Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and once blended, return to the pot.)
- Stir in the heavy cream and top the soup with the grated Parmesan. Remove the pot from the stove and divide the soup into bowls with fresh basil leaves as garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Soups
I love this soup, delicious
Thank you so much