If you are looking for a heartwarming dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the tangy sweetness of juicy tomatoes with the fresh, aromatic punch of basil, plus a velvety, rich texture that only a creamy base can provide, this soup is a standout. It’s perfect as a comforting lunch, a quick dinner, or an elegant starter for dinner parties. Each spoonful balances freshness with indulgence, making it a must-have recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a key role in layering flavors, textures, and vibrant colors that make this soup irresistible.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing vegetables, adding subtle richness and depth.
- Diced tomatoes (canned with juice): Provide the fresh, tangy tomato foundation for the soup.
- Carrots, finely diced: Add a natural sweetness and vibrant color to balance the acidity.
- Small onion, finely diced: Brings aromatic sweetness and a gentle bite.
- Celery ribs, finely diced: Introduce a mild, crunchy earthiness.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and gives body to the soup.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Contributes savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Dried oregano: Offers a warm, herbal undertone.
- Dried basil leaves: Infuse classic Italian flavor notes that meld beautifully with fresh basil later.
- Butter: For making the roux; it enriches the soup and balances acidity with creaminess.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the soup and creates a silky smooth texture.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory kick and umami richness.
- Half and half (or whole milk): Delivers the soup’s creamy consistency and luscious mouthfeel.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning that highlights and unites all flavors.
- Fresh basil, chopped: The fresh herbaceous finish that elevates the soup to next-level deliciousness.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, toss in your finely diced carrots, onions, and celery. These humble vegetables cook down to create an aromatic base bursting with natural sweetness and earthiness. Sauté them for a few minutes until they start to soften and the kitchen fills with an inviting fragrance—you’ll know you’re off to a great start!
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Herbs
Next, pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice, then add tomato paste, chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. These ingredients come together to build a flavorful broth that simmers to tender perfection. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it cook for several minutes until the vegetables are softened and everything melds beautifully. This step unlocks the vibrant tomato essence and infuses herbaceous notes.
Step 3: Puree the Soup
If you like a smooth, silky soup, now is the time to blend. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, pureeing everything until smooth. This step is optional—feel free to leave the soup chunky if that’s your style—but blending truly transforms this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe into a luscious delight that glides across your palate.
Step 4: Prepare the Roux
In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Slowly whisk in the flour and keep stirring constantly for about 10 minutes until the roux turns a lovely golden brown color. This slow cooking develops a rich, nutty flavor base and is essential for giving your soup that signature creamy texture without any grit. Patience here really pays off with fantastic depth and creaminess.
Step 5: Incorporate the Roux
Take a big ladle full of the hot soup and whisk it into the roux pot to form a thick paste. Gradually add a few more scoops of soup, stirring constantly to keep it smooth and velvety. Then, pour this mixture back into the main soup pot and stir well. This technique thickens the soup perfectly, ensuring a luscious, velvety body that feels indulgent yet comforting.
Step 6: Add Cheese, Cream, and Seasonings
Finally, stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese, half and half (or whole milk), salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more dried oregano and basil if desired. Let the soup warm through for a few more minutes so every bite is creamy, cheesy, and kissed with fresh herbs—pure soup perfection!
Step 7: Store or Serve
If you are not serving immediately, store the soup covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. This soup tastes fantastic the next day as the flavors continue to develop!
Step 8: Serving Suggestion
For a fun and cozy presentation, serve your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe in homemade bread bowls. The bread soaks up every drop and adds a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the soup’s smooth richness. It’s a visual and culinary treat that will impress all your guests.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes transform the soup from simple to spectacular. A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil adds a bright, fresh note, while a grating of parmesan cheese on top offers an extra punch of umami. You can also drizzle a little good-quality olive oil or swirl in a touch of cream to enhance the visual appeal and richness.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic grilled cheese sandwiches are a timeless match—the crispy, buttery bread with melty cheese complements the soup’s creaminess perfectly. Crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables also make fantastic accompaniments, rounding out the meal with additional textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the bowl? Try serving the soup in mini cups as a warm appetizer at parties. You can also transform it into a vibrant pasta sauce for a cozy dinner twist. Another fun idea is topping the soup with homemade croutons for delightful crunch or swirling in a basil pesto to boost the herbal dimension. The possibilities with this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe are as endless as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to one week when stored in an airtight container. This makes it an ideal recipe for meal prep or to have ready on hand for busy days. Just give it a good stir before reheating to bring all the flavors back to life.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this soup for longer storage. Place it in freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove, stirring occasionally for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. If the soup has thickened up too much in the fridge or freezer, simply add a splash of broth, milk, or water to loosen and restore that perfect creamy consistency. Avoid boiling to preserve the delicate flavors and smooth texture.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep all the rich flavor and depth but make the soup completely vegetarian. The rest of the ingredients remain the same and just as delicious.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
While fresh basil elevates this recipe wonderfully, you can still use extra dried basil if fresh isn’t available. Add it gradually and taste as you go, since dried herbs are more concentrated and can quickly overpower the soup.
Is it okay to use whole milk instead of half and half?
Yes! Using whole milk will result in a slightly lighter soup, but still incredibly creamy and flavorful. Half and half just adds a bit more richness if you’re looking for that indulgent texture.
Can I skip pureeing the soup?
Definitely! The soup will be chunkier and more rustic, which many people love. Pureeing is optional depending on whether you prefer a smooth or chunky texture with your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe.
How long does it take to make from start to finish?
This soup takes about 40 minutes from prep to table, making it a relatively quick yet deeply satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend treat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe enough for those days when you crave comfort food that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. The blend of fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and luscious creaminess is a classic combination that never fails to please. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, whether for a quick lunch, dinner side, or a crowd-pleasing starter. Go ahead and make it your own—you deserve a bowl of this comforting joy today!
Print
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring diced tomatoes, fresh and dried basil, and a rich creamy base made with butter, flour, and half and half. Perfect for a cozy meal, it combines the bright acidity of tomatoes with the smoothness of a golden roux and freshly grated parmesan cheese for added depth. Served warm and optionally pureed for a velvety texture, this soup is ideal for lunch or dinner and pairs wonderfully with homemade bread bowls.
Ingredients
Produce
- 2 carrots, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 ribs celery, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Canned Goods
- 2 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes, with juice
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Dairy
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups half and half (or whole milk)
Oils and Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely diced carrots, onion, and celery. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat slightly and cook for several minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Puree the Soup (Optional): Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender to puree until smooth. This step is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a chunkier texture. Return the pureed soup to the pot if blended separately.
- Prepare the Roux: In a separate medium pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 10 minutes, until the mixture develops a golden brown color and a nutty aroma. This creates a flavorful roux that will thicken the soup.
- Incorporate the Roux: Ladle a big scoop of the soup into the roux pot and stir to combine thoroughly, forming a thick paste. Gradually add a few more scoops of soup to the roux, stirring well to ensure smoothness. Pour the roux mixture back into the main soup pot and stir to incorporate.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, half and half, salt, black pepper, and fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra oregano and basil if desired. Cook the soup for a few more minutes, just until warmed through and slightly thickened.
- Store and Serve: Store any leftover soup covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. For an extra special presentation, serve the soup in a homemade bread bowl.
Notes
- You can skip pureeing if you prefer a chunkier soup texture.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Half and half can be substituted with whole milk for a lighter option, though it will be less creamy.
- Use fresh basil in addition to dried herbs for an enhanced fresh flavor.
- This soup freezes well. Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
