Creamy Tomato Soup

Name: Creamy Tomato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste); 1 tablespoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried basil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, with juices; 1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juices; 4 cups chicken broth; ½ to 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup fresh basil, chopped

By:

Thomas

Published:

September 25, 2025

[grow_share_buttons]

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This creamy tomato soup is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine curling up with a bowl of rich, velvety soup that somehow captures the essence of home. It’s bursting with flavor, thanks to those juicy canned tomatoes blended smoothly with aromatic herbs and spices. The best part? You can whip it up in about 20 minutes! Picture yourself enjoying this delightful soup, perhaps with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich on the side. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with comforting nostalgia. Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can make it your own! Let me guide you through this easy recipe to create a Creamy Tomato Soup that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart.

Why This Recipe Works

This creamy tomato soup recipe transforms ordinary canned tomatoes into a rich, velvety soup that rivals any restaurant’s version. By simmering the tomatoes with aromatic vegetables and spices, you achieve layers of flavor in just about 20 minutes. The addition of cream ensures a luxurious texture, while fresh basil brightens up the entire dish, making each spoonful a comforting delight.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Soup

You’ll fall in love with this creamy tomato soup for its simplicity and delightful taste. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for gatherings. Paired with grilled cheese sandwiches, it satisfies both the stomach and the soul. Plus, it’s customizable, allowing you to adjust spices and toppings to cater to your taste.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
1 tablespoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes, with juices
1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juices
4 cups chicken broth
½ to 1 cup heavy cream
½ cup fresh basil, chopped

Sauté the Aromatics

To start, heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil or butter, and wait a moment until it’s hot. Then, toss in the chopped onion, seasoning it with kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, and basil. Cook until the onion is lightly browned, which should take about 5-8 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make your stomach rumble.

Cook the Garlic

Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for an additional minute. You’ll appreciate the fragrant smell as the garlic becomes soft and aromatic, creating a fantastic base for your soup.

Combine the Tomatoes and Broth

Now it’s time to pour in the can of whole tomatoes (juices included) and the can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes (also with juices). Stir in the chicken broth, and turn up the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. The vibrant colors and delicious scents will be hard to resist.

Simmer for Flavor

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer away for a minimum of 10 minutes or up to 45 for those deeper, richer flavors. As the soup cooks, it thickens beautifully, creating a comforting, tasty base.

Blend the Soup

After simmering, turn off the heat. Carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth, or you can ladle the soup into a regular blender (in batches if needed) and blend until creamy. Just be careful to avoid spills; we don’t want any mess in the kitchen!

Add the Cream

Return the blended soup to the pot (if you used a blender) and heat gently if necessary. Slowly stir in ½ to 1 cup of heavy cream until it’s fully incorporated. As you do, watch how it transforms—becoming even more luscious and inviting.

Garnish and Serve

Toss in the chopped fresh basil, stirring it through the soup. Serve it warm. If you want a little extra, top with more fresh basil or prepare some grilled cheese sandwiches to dip into that delicious soup.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy tomato soup pairs perfectly with:
– Crusty bread to soak up all that goodness
– Grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic combo
– A sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost

Tips for Success

Don’t skip the simmering time; it truly enhances the soup’s depth of flavor.
Adjust the cream amount based on your desired richness—more cream will yield a richer soup.

Variations

Feel free to get creative by substituting coconut milk for a dairy-free option. For those who prefer a spicy kick, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to make it your own.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stovetop. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream to adjust the consistency.

Pairing Ideas

Here are a few more delicious pairings to enjoy with your creamy tomato soup:
– Grilled cheese sandwiches that melt in your mouth
– Crusty sourdough bread that’s perfect for dipping
– A classic Caesar salad to round out the meal

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, absolutely! Use about 2-3 pounds of ripe tomatoes, and blanch them before peeling.

2. Is there a vegan option for this soup?
Certainly! Use olive oil and swap the cream with coconut milk for a rich, dairy-free version.

3. How can I thicken the soup?
You can simmer the soup longer to reduce it, or add a sprinkle of cornstarch mixed with water to achieve your desired thickness.

4. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before you reheat.

5. What other herbs can I add?
Feel free to try thyme or parsley for a different flavor profile that suits your taste.

This creamy tomato soup is a heartwarming dish that encapsulates the essence of comfort food while being effortless to prepare. Whether you’re savoring it on a chilly evening or serving it to guests, this recipe promises satisfaction in every bowl.