Name: Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium white or yellow onion diced; 4 cloves minced garlic; 2 (15 ounce cans) fire roasted diced tomatoes; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 12 large fresh basil leaves chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 34 reviews

If you’re craving something cozy, fresh, and insanely comforting, you’re going to love this Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a simple yet flavorful meal. I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your soup turns out rich, creamy, and just bursting with that bright tomato-basil goodness.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Uses fresh basil and fire-roasted tomatoes for depth of flavor without fuss.
Quick to Make: Ready in about 25 minutes, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen forever.
Creamy Texture: The addition of heavy cream rounds out the acidity for a smooth finish.
Versatile: Easy to adjust for dietary preferences or to add your personal touch.

Tomato Basil Soup, easy tomato basil soup, creamy tomato soup, quick tomato basil recipe, comforting soup - A shiny silver pot filled with smooth, rich orange soup speckled with black pepper bits. A metal ladle is lifting some thick soup out of the pot, showing its creamy texture. In the background, there are bright red tomatoes on the vine, white garlic bulbs, and fresh green basil leaves. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe relies on simple pantry staples and fresh herbs that marry perfectly together. Picking good-quality fire-roasted tomatoes makes all the difference—you want that smoky sweetness to shine through. And fresh basil? It brings the signature zing that makes this soup pop.

Tomato Basil Soup, easy tomato basil soup, creamy tomato soup, quick tomato basil recipe, comforting soup - Flat lay of bright red fire roasted diced tomatoes in their cans, fresh large green basil leaves, a medium diced white onion, several peeled garlic cloves, and a small glass bowl of creamy heavy cream, all beautifully arranged with a few scattered basil leaves and garlic cloves for texture, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Olive oil: A gentle sauté base that adds a subtle fruity richness to the soup.
Onion (white or yellow): Adds natural sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent to mellow harshness.
Garlic: Just enough to infuse flavor without overpowering the freshness of basil and tomato.
Chicken broth: Boosts savoriness; you can swap for vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the flavors — don’t skimp!
Fresh basil leaves: Bright, aromatic, and absolutely key to achieving that classic tomato basil essence.
Heavy cream: For a luscious, velvety texture that balances the tomatoes’ acidity.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Pick canned for convenience, but fire-roasted for that smoky, robust flavor layer.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This soup is incredibly forgiving, which I really appreciate on hectic days. I often tweak it a bit depending on what I have on hand or the season. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—you’ll enjoy playing around with flavors and textures.

Variation: I sometimes swap heavy cream for coconut milk to give it a dairy-free twist that’s equally creamy and dreamy.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne or red chili flakes adds a pleasant warmth without overwhelming the delicate tomato basil profile.
Herb Swaps: If fresh basil is scarce, I add a little fresh oregano or thyme; it changes the flavor, but still tastes fantastic.
Thicker Soup: For a heartier meal, adding a peeled potato during simmering and blending it in gives a richer texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for around 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent—this tip is critical because caramelizing those onions gently draws out their natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until fragrant; garlic burns fast, so keep an eye on it to avoid bitterness.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the chicken broth and add those glorious fire-roasted diced tomatoes along with salt and black pepper. Crank the heat to bring everything to a boil, then reduce it and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This step melds all the flavors and softens the tomatoes perfectly.

Step 3: Blend and Add Basil

Take the pot off the heat, throw in the fresh basil leaves, then use a handheld immersion blender to puree your soup until it’s silky smooth. No immersion blender? No problem—just transfer the hot soup in batches to a regular blender, remembering to vent the lid slightly to let steam escape safely. This blending step is what gives the soup its creamy and unified texture.

Step 4: Creamy Finish and Taste Adjustment

Stir in the heavy cream to add that velvety richness. After mixing, taste your soup and tweak the salt and pepper to your liking. Trust me, this little step makes the world of difference. Serve it hot, and get ready to enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Go Slow on Sautéing: Taking the time to soften onions slowly draws out sweetness, critical for balancing acidic tomatoes.
Use Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: This ingredient adds a smoky depth you won’t get from regular diced tomatoes—it’s a game-changer.
Blend Carefully: When using a traditional blender, vent the lid with a kitchen towel to prevent hot soup explosions.
Cream Last: Adding heavy cream at the end ensures it doesn’t curdle and keeps the texture silky.

How to Serve Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Tomato Basil Soup, easy tomato basil soup, creamy tomato soup, quick tomato basil recipe, comforting soup - A white bowl filled with smooth orange soup that has a slightly speckled texture, topped with three fresh green basil leaves in the center. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with two whole garlic bulbs placed to the left. On the right side of the bowl, there is a shiny silver spoon resting on the marbled surface. In the background, blurred green leafy vegetables and a black and white striped cloth are visible. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my tomato basil soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves—adds a fresh burst of aroma and looks beautiful. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or shredded mozzarella is perfect if I want it extra indulgent. Crumbled feta or a sprinkle of Parmesan also works great to add a salty tang.

Side Dishes

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic companion here—golden, buttery, and melty to dip right into that creamy tomato soup. I also like to pair it with warm crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for scooping. On lighter days, a simple green salad complements the soup nicely without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls—cuts fun and edible right into the presentation. Garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers adds a pretty, restaurant-style touch. You can also swirl some pesto or balsamic reduction on top for an extra flavor pop that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover tomato basil soup in an airtight glass container in the fridge. It keeps well for about 3-4 days, which is perfect if you want a quick lunch or light dinner the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating because the cream sometimes settles a bit.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well—just let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. I find it holds flavor beautifully up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat your soup slowly on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from breaking or scorching at the bottom. If it looks a little thick, stirring in a splash of broth or water refreshes the consistency perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk, cashew cream, or any plant-based cream alternative. The soup still comes out rich and flavorful.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?

No fresh basil? No worries! You can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried basil, but add it earlier during the simmering for the flavor to release. The taste won’t be as vibrant but still tasty.
How thick should the soup be?

The soup should be creamy yet pourable—not too thick or runny. If it feels too thick after blending, adding broth or water while reheating fixes it. Too thin? Simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce.
Can I prepare this soup ahead for a crowd?

Definitely! This soup can be made a day ahead. Just reheat gently and stir in additional cream if it’s thickened too much, so it stays silky for guests.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods because it’s reliable, quick, and so full of flavor. I love sharing it with friends and family, especially when the weather turns chilly or when I just want something simple to warm up my soul. Give it a try—you might find yourself reaching for it again and again, just like I do!