Name: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup unsalted butter; 2 cups yellow onion, chopped (medium sized); 1 tablespoon garlic, minced (about 3 cloves); 56 ounces crushed tomatoes (2 cans, 28 ounces each); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 cups chicken broth; ⅓ cup basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil); 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional); ½ cup heavy whipping cream; ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

There’s something incredibly soothing about a bowl of warm, velvety tomato soup—especially one that’s bursting with fresh basil and a creamy finish. This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is one of those recipes I come back to when I want simple comfort that still feels special and homemade.

A white bowl filled with bright orange tomato soup, topped with a swirl of white cream creating a marbled pattern on the surface. There are small black pepper specks scattered over the soup and a small pile of fresh green basil leaves in the center. A white spoon is placed inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with another portion of soup in a similar white bowl partially visible in the top left corner, and a glass of white creamy liquid behind the main bowl. A folded yellow cloth is on the bottom left corner of the image photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this soup countless times, and each batch feels like a warm hug. It’s quick, straightforward, and uses simple pantry ingredients that come together into something vibrant and rich. Plus, it’s a soup everyone seems to adore – even picky eaters! I’m super enthusiastic about how easy it is to make it your own, too.

Simplicity meets flavor: Minimal ingredients but maximum cozy, comforting taste.
Velvety texture: The cream and parmesan make it luscious without feeling heavy.
Fresh basil boost: Adds a bright herbal note that pairs beautifully with the tangy tomatoes.
Versatile and customizable: You can tweak it with extra spices, make it vegan, or add a balsamic punch—it’s all up to you.

The image shows two white bowls filled with bright orange creamy tomato soup. Each bowl has a swirl of white cream on top and is sprinkled with small green herb leaves and black pepper. In the front bowl, two golden toasted bread pieces are partly dipped into the soup, resting on the edge. The bowls sit on a white marbled surface, with a yellow cloth visible to the side. The overall look is warm and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this soup plays an important role in building those layers of flavor and creamy texture we all crave. The beauty is, these ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store and come together perfectly to make a soup that feels both homey and gourmet.

Flat lay of unsalted butter in a simple white ceramic bowl, chopped yellow onions in a white bowl, peeled garlic cloves next to minced garlic in a white bowl, crushed ripe red tomatoes in a white bowl, granulated white sugar in a small white bowl, clear chicken broth in a white bowl, fresh green basil leaves and chopped basil in a white bowl, dark glossy balsamic vinegar in a small white bowl, heavy whipping cream in a white bowl, shredded Parmesan cheese in a white bowl, whole uncracked brown eggs artistically placed nearby, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed 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

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften onions for a sweet base.
Yellow onion: Sautéed slow and low, it transforms into a tender, caramelized flavor bomb.
Garlic: Just the right amount to infuse warmth without overpowering the tomatoes.
Crushed tomatoes: The star that provides depth and body—canned tomatoes are perfect here since they’re consistent and flavorful year-round.
Granulated sugar: Balances acidity from the tomatoes, bringing harmony.
Chicken broth: Gives savory depth; you can swap vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Basil (fresh or dried): Brings that unmistakable sweet, peppery herb note that defines the soup.
Balsamic vinegar (optional): Adds a subtle tang and rounds out the brightness.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates the luscious creaminess without weighing it down.
Parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness and a slightly nutty finish that melds beautifully.

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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.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is how it folds perfectly into your preferred flavor profile. Whether you love it with a bit more garlic punch or want to skip dairy, it’s easy to adjust.

Variation: I sometimes add roasted red peppers to the pot for a smoky twist that my family adores—gives the soup an extra depth you might enjoy trying.
Dairy-Free Swap: Replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and skip the parmesan; you still get that delightful creaminess with a different vibe.
Herbal variations: Try stirring in some fresh thyme or oregano if you want a more rustic herbaceous note.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes during the saute step goes a long way.

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

Step 1: Sauté the base until golden and fragrant

Start by heating unsalted butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook them slowly, stirring often, for about 10 minutes until they soften and turn a light golden color. This step builds the sweet, savory foundation—don’t rush it! Once the onions are ready, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so, just until you can smell that lovely garlicky aroma.

Step 2: Combine the ingredients and simmer

Next, dump in your crushed tomatoes with all that delicious juice, followed by chicken broth, chopped basil, sugar, balsamic vinegar if you’re using it, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper. Give everything a good stir and bring it up to a gentle boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully—remember to stir occasionally to keep things from sticking.

Step 3: Blend until smooth and luscious

For that signature creamy texture, use a high-speed blender or an immersion blender to puree the soup. Be cautious—your soup is hot—so blend in small batches or gently with an immersion blender right in the pot. This step is where the soup really transforms into something silky and indulgent.

Step 4: Add cream and parmesan for richness

Stir in the heavy cream and shredded parmesan cheese, then let the soup warm on low heat for about five minutes. This final touch adds creaminess and a cheesy depth that makes it just perfect. Don’t boil at this point; gentle warming works best to keep the cream silky and the flavors balanced.

Step 5: Serve and garnish with love

Serve your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe steaming hot, with optional extra cream, a little parmesan, and fresh basil leaves on top for a pretty Garnish. It’s simple but effective for that restaurant-quality look right at your kitchen table.

Top Tip

This soup is so classic that little tweaks make a big difference. Through trial and error, I learned some crucial tricks that really elevate the final dish—and I want you to benefit from them!

Slow cook your onions: Taking your time to sauté onions slowly is key to unlocking sweetness and a deep flavor base.
Blend carefully: Hot soups can spit and splash—I always blend in small batches or vent the blender lid slightly for safety and smoothness.
Cheese quality matters: Freshly shredded parmesan melts better and adds more flavor than pre-grated kind.
Simmer gently after cream: Avoid boiling once the cream is in—you want to preserve that silky texture without curdling.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a little drizzle of cream, a sprinkle of parmesan, and fresh torn basil leaves. Sometimes I add a swirl of pesto or a few croutons for a delightful crunch. These simple garnishes bring both color and texture to the bowl.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches—classic combo right? My go-to is sourdough with sharp cheddar. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside warm ham and cheddar scones for a cozy weekend brunch. Crisp green salads or roasted veggies work well too for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this soup in small espresso cups as a first course, garnished with microgreens and a parmesan crisp on the side. It makes the experience feel fancy but still comforting. You can also fill hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, rustic presentation everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I pour leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge. The soup holds up really well for up to three days, and the flavors even deepen overnight. Just give it a good stir before reheating because the cream may settle.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the soup, I recommend skipping the cream before freezing. Freeze the soup base in freezer-safe containers, then add cream and parmesan freshly when you thaw and reheat. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

I gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often so it warms evenly without scorching. If the soup is too thick after reheating, add a splash of broth or cream. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the silky texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this soup?

You can if tomatoes are in season and very ripe, but canned crushed tomatoes provide consistent flavor and texture year-round, making them ideal for this recipe. If using fresh, you’ll want to cook and crush them down well before adding.

Is there a vegan version of this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe?

Definitely! Swap out the butter for olive oil, use vegetable broth, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and omit the parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative to keep it creamy and delicious.

How do I prevent the soup from being too acidic?

The addition of sugar and a splash of balsamic vinegar helps balance acidity. Also, slowly cooking the onions until browned adds natural sweetness that counters the tart tomatoes nicely.

Can I make this soup ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors further meld. Make it the day before, refrigerate, and gently reheat before serving. Just add any final cream or cheese toppings after warming.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe holds such a special place in my kitchen routine because it’s simple but feels thoughtful—perfect for chilly days or any moment you want a little comfort. I really hope you try making it your own and enjoy the same cozy satisfaction every time you ladle out a bowl. It’s like a homemade hug in a bowl, and trust me, you deserve that.