Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Featured in: Quick Cozy Plates

Savor the richness of this creamy tomato basil soup, where sweet tomatoes and fragrant basil are gently simmered with onion in olive oil, then blended to a velvety-smooth consistency. Finished with a swirl of cream for extra lusciousness and seasoned to perfection, every spoonful delivers cozy Italian-inspired flavor. Enjoy it piping hot with crusty bread, or add your own touch with plant-based cream alternatives for a vegan option. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or comforting lunch, this soup is easy to prepare in one pot and suited for gluten-free diets.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:07:00 GMT
Velvety creamy tomato basil soup topped with fresh basil, perfect for cozy evenings.  Save
Velvety creamy tomato basil soup topped with fresh basil, perfect for cozy evenings. | sizzlebloom.com

A smooth, aromatic soup with the richness of cream and the freshness of basil — pure comfort in a bowl.

This soup became my go-to on chilly evenings when I wanted something soothing but easy. The blend of tomato, basil, and cream was so comforting & my family instantly loved it.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Onion: 1 small, chopped
  • Diced tomatoes: 2 cans (14 oz each)
  • Vegetable broth: 2 cups
  • Fresh basil leaves: ½ cup
  • Cream or half-and-half: ½ cup
  • Salt and pepper: to taste

Instructions

Sauté the onion:
In a pot, cook onion in olive oil until translucent.
Add base ingredients:
Stir in tomatoes (with liquid), vegetable broth, and basil. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Blend:
Use an immersion blender or carefully blend in batches until smooth.
Add cream and season:
Return soup to heat, add cream, and season with salt and pepper.
Serve:
Serve hot with crusty bread or croutons.
A bowl of creamy tomato basil soup, enhanced with aromatic herbs and spices.  Save
A bowl of creamy tomato basil soup, enhanced with aromatic herbs and spices. | sizzlebloom.com

This recipe always brings back memories of my kids helping me toss the basil into the pot, eager to taste the first spoonful.

Required Tools

You'll need a pot, immersion or countertop blender, and a ladle for serving.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy. Gluten-free if your broth is certified.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 240, Total Fat: 12 g, Carbohydrates: 22 g, Protein: 4 g per serving.

Rich and smooth creamy tomato basil soup served with crusty bread for dipping. Save
Rich and smooth creamy tomato basil soup served with crusty bread for dipping. | sizzlebloom.com

Serve it with fresh bread & enjoy! This soup is both comforting and elegant for weeknight dinners.

Common Questions

What is the best type of tomatoes to use?

Canned diced tomatoes offer convenience and consistent flavor, making them ideal for a smooth, rich soup base.

Can I use dried basil if fresh isn't available?

Fresh basil provides a vibrant aroma, but dried basil can be substituted; just use half the amount and add early.

How do I make this dairy-free?

Swap cream for coconut milk or any unsweetened plant-based cream to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

What's the best method for blending?

An immersion blender allows easy pureeing directly in the pot. Alternatively, use a countertop blender in batches.

How can I add extra flavor?

Red pepper flakes add heat, while roasting the tomatoes beforehand creates a deeper, caramelized taste.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Rich tomato soup with cream and basil, blended to a silky texture for pure comfort and flavor.

Setup Duration
10 min
Heat Duration
20 min
Complete Duration
30 min
Created by Emily Dawson

Classification Quick Cozy Plates

Skill Level Easy

Heritage Italian

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-Free, No Gluten

Components

Base

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 2 cans (14 ounces each) diced tomatoes
04 2 cups vegetable broth
05 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

Cream

01 1/2 cup cream or half-and-half
02 Salt, to taste
03 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method Steps

Phase 01

Sauté Aromatics: Warm olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally.

Phase 02

Simmer Base: Incorporate diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, and basil leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes.

Phase 03

Puree: Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender, or process in batches with a countertop blender, ensuring careful handling of hot liquids.

Phase 04

Finish and Season: Return soup to pot, stir in cream or half-and-half, and season with salt and pepper to preferred taste.

Phase 05

Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls and accompany with crusty bread or croutons if desired.

Kitchen Tools

  • Medium pot
  • Immersion or countertop blender
  • Ladle

Dietary Alerts

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains dairy. Confirm vegetable broth is gluten-free if needed.

Dietary Information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy Value: 240
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 4 g