Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
A quick and easy creamy tomato basil soup that is comforting, rich, and perfect for cozy evenings. Ready in under 20 minutes using simple pantry staples and fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon sugar (if tomatoes are too acidic)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the entire can of whole peeled tomatoes with juice, breaking up the tomatoes with a spoon.
- Pour in 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth, stir, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil leaves and let wilt for about 2 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, blend in batches in a regular blender and return to pot.
- Slowly stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk and heat through for 2 minutes without boiling.
- Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional sugar to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra basil leaves or a drizzle of cream if desired.
Notes
If soup is too thick after blending, add more broth or water to reach desired consistency. Sautéing onions and garlic slowly is key to building flavor. Use quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano for best taste. When blending hot liquids in a regular blender, vent lid slightly and cover with a kitchen towel to avoid splatters. Fresh basil should be added near the end to preserve brightness. Adjust creaminess by adding more or less cream or coconut milk. Season gradually as broth and canned tomatoes contain salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cu
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 17
- Fiber: 3.5
- Protein: 3.5
Keywords: creamy tomato basil soup, easy tomato soup, quick soup recipe, comfort food, homemade soup, basil soup, dairy-free soup option