If you’ve ever craved a cozy bowl of comfort, this Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Recipe is an absolute game-changer. I love this because it combines the fresh brightness of basil with a rich, velvety texture that hugs you from the inside out. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want something simple yet satisfying, this soup hits all the right notes—and I’m excited to share how you can make it just right in your kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: It comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Balanced Flavor: The cream and parmesan melt away tomato acidity for a smooth, comforting bowl.
Versatile: You can make it chunky or fully blended to suit your mood.
Family Favorite: This soup reliably wins over even picky eaters every single time.

A white bowl filled with smooth, bright orange tomato soup topped with shredded white and light yellow cheese and thin strips of green basil. A golden brown toasted sandwich with melted cheese inside is being dipped into the soup by a woman's hand, showing stretchy white melted cheese pulling between the sandwich and soup. The background has a soft, dark surface that contrasts with the bright colors of the soup and sandwich. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil, tomato soup recipes, easy homemade tomato soup, healthy tomato soup, comforting basil tomato soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients really makes this Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Recipe shine. I always opt for San Marzano crushed tomatoes because they’re naturally sweet and flavorful, and fresh basil gives it that fresh, herbaceous punch you can’t beat.

Flat lay of four tablespoons of unsalted butter, three whole yellow onions, three whole garlic bulbs with cloves, a large pile of crushed ripe red tomatoes with juice, a small white bowl of golden chicken stock, a small bunch of fresh green basil leaves, a small white bowl of white granulated sugar, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small mound of freshly grated parmesan cheese, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil, tomato soup recipes, easy homemade tomato soup, healthy tomato soup, comforting basil tomato soup

Unsalted butter: Adds a creamy richness and lets you control the salt perfectly.
Yellow onions: They caramelize beautifully, lending sweetness and depth.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives an aromatic kick without overpowering.
Crushed tomatoes: Quality matters—San Marzano if you can find them, for pure flavor.
Chicken stock: Adds savory body—feel free to swap for vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
Fresh basil: Adds just the right herbal note; add more at the end for garnish too.
Sugar: Balances acidity; you can tweak the amount based on your tomatoes.
Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a subtle spice lift.
Heavy whipping cream: Makes the soup luxuriously creamy and rich.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated brings umami and depth you won’t want to skip.

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.

Variations

I love playing around with this Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Recipe depending on what’s in season or what mood I’m in. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—once you get the basics down, there’s so much room for personalization!

Make it vegan: Swap butter with olive oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, along with vegetable stock, and it’s just as creamy and comforting.
Add roasted red peppers: I sometimes roast a few red peppers & blend them in for a smoky twist that my family goes crazy for.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika adds an exciting warmth without stealing the show.
Chunky or smooth: If you like texture, skip blending altogether or pulse briefly; otherwise use an immersion blender for silky smoothness.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic to Build Your Base

Start by heating a large nonreactive pot over medium heat, then melt the unsalted butter. I always let the onions cook low and slow for 10-12 minutes until they’re soft and golden—this step is non-negotiable because it unlocks the soup’s natural sweetness. Adding garlic at the end and sautéing for just about a minute releases all that wonderful aroma without burning it, which can turn bitter.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Stock, Basil & Simmer

Pour in your crushed tomatoes along with their juices, chicken stock, chopped basil, sugar, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, partially cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This simmering helps all those flavors marry beautifully—if you smell it, you’ll want to jump right in with a spoon.

Step 3: Blend to Your Preferred Consistency

If you’re like me and prefer smooth soups, grab your immersion blender and carefully blend right in the pot until velvety smooth. If you don’t have one, transferring the soup in batches to a regular blender works too—just be cautious with the hot liquid, and pulse lightly at first. Alternatively, keep the soup chunky if you love texture. Both ways are delicious.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan for Ultimate Creaminess

Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan. Let the soup return to a gentle simmer, then taste and adjust salt and pepper. This last step makes all the difference—it mellows acidity and results in a creamy, rich finish that’s absolutely addictive.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Recipe

Low & Slow Onion Cooking: Taking your time to caramelize onions adds natural sweetness that makes the soup taste layered and complex.
Adjust Sugar Gradually: I add sugar little by little because tomatoes vary in acidity—taste as you go to keep the balance spot-on.
Use Fresh Basil at the End: Adding chopped basil during simmering and some fresh on top preserves its brightness and aroma.
Avoid Overblending: I learned if you blend too much, the soup can become gluey; just stop when smooth enough for your liking.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Recipe

A white bowl with a handle holds smooth orange tomato soup as the first layer, topped with a small pile of finely shredded white cheese and thin strips of fresh green basil leaves scattered on top. To the back right of the bowl, two triangular grilled sandwiches with golden brown toasted bread and melted white and orange cheese inside are stacked slightly overlapping. Two silver spoons lay crossed next to the bowl on a white marbled surface background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil, tomato soup recipes, easy homemade tomato soup, healthy tomato soup, comforting basil tomato soup

Garnishes

I keep it simple and fresh by topping each bowl with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil. Sometimes, a drizzle of good olive oil or a swirl of cream can add a lovely finishing touch and elevate the presentation.

Side Dishes

My absolute favorite pairing is a crispy Grilled Cheese Sandwich—it’s the ultimate comfort combo, especially with nice melty cheddar. You can also try crusty bread, garlic knots, or even a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this soup in mini bread bowls—it’s impressive and adds an extra level of coziness. Also, sprinkling a few toasted pine nuts or a touch of chili oil adds texture and a pop of unexpected flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm with this soup! I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind cream may separate a bit, so give it a good whisk while reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat to prevent scorching. Stir frequently and add a splash of stock or cream if it’s too thick. Microwave works too; just warm in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it smooth.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace the butter with olive oil and swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Skip the parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative to keep it completely dairy-free without losing that rich, creamy texture.
How can I prevent the soup from being too acidic?

The key is balancing acidity with sugar and cream. Adding a little sugar cuts the sharpness of tomatoes, and stirring in heavy cream mellows the overall tang. Also, cooking down the tomatoes and onions properly helps develop sweeter flavors.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can, but you’ll need quite a few ripe tomatoes—about 3 pounds peeled and chopped—to match two 28-ounce cans. Fresh tomatoes require longer cooking to break down and develop flavor, so expect to simmer a bit more to get that luscious texture.
Is it okay to skip blending the soup?

Definitely! Leaving some chunks gives the soup a rustic, hearty feel. I personally enjoy blending because of the creamy smoothness, but it’s really about your texture preference.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s that dependable hug-in-a-bowl that never disappoints. I remember the first time I made it for friends, and they couldn’t stop raving about the balance of flavors and velvety texture. Whenever you’re craving something cozy yet fresh, this recipe is your go-to—easy to make, versatile, and utterly satisfying. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!