Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup

Need easy soup recipes? This creamy tomato and basil soup is sunshine in a bowl! Ready in under an hour, it's pure comfort. Get the recipe now!

June 7, 2025
By Emily Torres.

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Recipe Introduction: Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup: Sunshine in a Bowl

Fancy a taste of sunshine? i've been playing with easy soup recipes , and i think you're going to love this one.

This creamy tomato and basil soup is pure comfort in a bowl, honestly.

A Taste of Italy, Made Easy

Think of this as a nonna-approved recipe – if nonnas were super busy, that is. it's inspired by traditional italian flavors, but it's totally streamlined for the modern kitchen.

Seriously, you can whip this up in under an hour. it's bursting with fresh tomato flavor, perfectly balanced by sweet basil and a touch of cream.

Imagine dunking in grilled cheese into this delicious soup recipes . i can almost smell it!

This recipe is dead easy, and it uses some of the basic tenets of creating a creamy italian parmesan sausage soup crockpot or similar warm soup recipes , but we will give it a fresh summery feel.

Ready in a Flash

This is an easy recipe, perfect for beginner cooks. prep takes about 15 minutes, and it simmers for another 35.

Boom. you've got a warm hug in a bowl ready in under an hour. the recipe makes about 4 servings, enough for a small family or for leftovers the next day, comfort soup at it's best.

Good For Your Soul (and Your Body!)

Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, so this soup is actually good for you! it's also the perfect thing to serve on a chilly evening when you're craving comfort soup recipes .

I can taste the warm broth now.

What makes this soup extra special? the fresh basil, of course! it just brightens everything up, and makes you want to dive right in.

I know many of you want those sausage soup recipes, maybe similar to that flavor nectar creamy parmesan italian sausage soup, but trust me, tomato soup with basil is the bees knees!

Now, let's talk ingredients.

Right then, let’s get cracking on this soup, shall we?

Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup Recipe Card

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approximately 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (approximately 2 teaspoons)
• 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes (1.6 kg total)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (411 g)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (950 ml)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (tightly packed)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)
• Parmesan cheese, grated (optional garnish)
• Croutons (optional garnish)
• Drizzle of olive oil (optional garnish)

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth (be careful when blending hot liquids – vent the lid!).
• Stir in heavy cream and fresh basil. Heat through gently, being careful not to boil.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and/or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!

So, you fancy whipping up some creamy tomato and basil soup ? ace! here's what you'll need, no faffing about.

It's easier than you think, promise. we are going to have delicious warm soup recipes in no time!.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Good quality extra virgin is the way to go, if you have it.
• Onion: 1 medium , chopped. Yellow onions are great all-rounders.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Don’t be shy!
• Crushed Tomatoes: Two 28 ounce cans (1.6 kg total). Look for good, vibrant colour.
• Diced Tomatoes: One 14.5 ounce can , undrained (411 g).
• Veggie Broth: 4 cups (950 ml). Low sodium is usually best, you can always add more salt later.
• Oregano: 1 teaspoon , dried.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional). Just for a bit of a cheeky kick.
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup (120 ml). Full fat is best for that creamy texture.
• Fresh Basil: 1 cup , roughly chopped. Loads of it!.

Seasoning Notes: A Little Bit of Magic

Honestly, the oregano and basil are key . they are the magical essential spice combinations to a great tomato soup. the red pepper flakes? a tiny bit really lifts the flavour.

If you are looking for comfort soup recipes , remember to add spices!. also, flavor enhancers and aromatics are going to make all the difference.

Flavor nectar creamy parmesan italian sausage soup can be quite a treat!.

Don't have oregano? A pinch of Italian seasoning works. Out of red pepper flakes? A dash of hot sauce could work, but be careful!. This is a comfort soup for a reason!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large pot or Dutch oven.
• Immersion blender (or regular blender). Be careful blending hot liquids!. I burned myself once. It was not fun.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Cutting board and chef's knife. Obvious, but worth mentioning. Delicious soup recipes start by chopping things!

Honestly, you can get away with using a wooden spoon instead of fancy spatulas. a regular saucepan works too, if you don’t have a dutch oven.

We are making an homemade soup recipe , so we keep it simple, yeah?.

Right then, let’s get cracking on these easy soup recipes ! let’s whip up some sunshine in a bowl with my creamy tomato and basil soup .

Honestly, this comfort soup is a hug in a mug!

Creamy Tomato and Basil Soup: Sunshine in a Bowl

This isn't your average tomato soup, loves. it’s got that nonna's secret ingredient kind of vibe, but it's totally doable even after a full-on day.

Think simple, elegant, and bursting with flavour. perfect with a grilled cheese – cheddar, mind you – on a dreary tuesday, or as a starter for a posh dinner, darling.

This is one of those warm soup recipes you'll make again and again.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic

First things first: mise en place . that's fancy chef talk for "get your act together." chop 1 medium yellow onion (aim for about 1 cup ), mince 2 cloves of garlic (around 2 teaspoons ), and roughly chop 1 cup of fresh basil .

Open two (28 ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes and one (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes (don't drain!). measure out 4 cups of vegetable broth .

This makes your life a million times easier.

Safety First: Keep your knives sharp! A sharp knife is safer than a dull one. Honestly, ask Thomas Keller!

From Zero to Hero: The Cooking Method

1. Sauté those Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big pot over medium heat. Chuck in the onion. Cook it till it's soft, about 5 minutes . Add the garlic. Cook it till it smells amazing, about 1 minute .
2. Tomato Time: Stir in your crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (juice and all!), vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano , and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you fancy a bit of a kick, you cheeky thing!). Salt and pepper to taste.
3. Simmer Down: Bring it to a simmer, then turn the heat down low. Cover the pot. Simmer for 25 minutes . Let those flavours get to know each other.
4. Smooth Operator: Grab your immersion blender and CAREFULLY blend the soup right in the pot until it's smooth as silk. Or, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Be super careful blending hot liquids! Vent the lid!
5. Creamy Dreamy: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and the fresh basil. Heat it through gently. Don't let it boil!
6. Taste Test: Have a taste. Add more salt and pepper if you need to. Serve it up hot! Garnish with more fresh basil, grated Parmesan, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil. You do you!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game

• Roast 'em Tomatoes: For a deeper flavour, roast the diced tomatoes with garlic and herbs before adding them.
• Basil is Boss: Fresh basil is key! Don't even think about using dried.
• Too Acidic? Add a tiny pinch of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

See, weren't I right? That was easy wasn't it? I've even got more easy soup recipes where that came from!

This italian sausage parmesan soup 12 tomatoes ain't got nothing on this. and honestly, this homemade soup recipe is ten times better than that chicken pot pie soup recipe everyone's obsessed with.

If you want some sausage soup recipes i'll gladly provide that to you. this can be a soup dinner so tasty and nutritious!

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this amazing creamy tomato and basil soup. honestly, this is one of those easy soup recipes that’s just a winner.

You know? so simple, yet so satisfying.

Recipe Notes: Making Soup Super Simple

So, i know a lot of warm soup recipes can seem intimidating. they really don't need to be. let's break it all down.

I will help make it a super easy homemade soup recipe for anyone.

Serving Suggestions: From Bowl to Soul

This ain't just about soup, it’s about an experience. plating is everything. i love swirling a little extra cream on top.

Then add a sprig of fresh basil. makes it look all fancy, doesn't it? seriously though, a simple grilled cheese is the pairing.

Or some lovely crusty bread for dunking. it's seriously chef's kiss .

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? this soup keeps great. pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days. want it to last longer? freezing is your friend.

Just let it cool completely first. when reheating, gently warm on the stovetop. stir occasionally to avoid burning. i've tried nuking it, but stovetop's way better.

It keeps the creamy texture just right.

Variations: Switch it Up!

Want a bit more oomph ? for a richer, more decadent flavor, try roasting the tomatoes, like thomas keller would! also, this is so easy to adapt.

Swap heavy cream for coconut cream to make it vegan. how good does that sound? or, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, so i'm no nutritionist, but let's get real. this soup is packed with vitamins from the tomatoes. basil is good for you, too.

It’s also relatively low in calories. it really is comfort soup , that's good for you and the soul. the creamy parmigiana italian sausage soup is great, but has tons of cheese.

Honestly, this creamy tomato and basil soup is a hug in a bowl. it's one of those delicious soup recipes that just makes you feel good.

So, give it a go! you won't regret it.