I’m always on the hunt for quick dinner solutions that don’t sacrifice flavor, and this 20-minute tomato basil soup absolutely delivers. There’s something magical about transforming humble canned tomatoes into a velvety, aromatic bowl of comfort with just a handful of ingredients. The secret? Fresh basil and a splash of cream that elevate this from simple to sublime. Perfect for those evenings when you want something homemade but your schedule isn’t cooperating. And when paired with a golden, buttery grilled cheese sandwich? Well, that’s a combination that might just make your weeknight legendary.
Why You’ll Love this Tomato Basil Soup
Three simple words: creamy, comforting, quick. I’m talking about the kind of soup that makes you want to curl up with a good book on a chilly evening.
What’s not to love about a recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes?
The velvety texture comes from blending those tomatoes to silky perfection, while the heavy cream adds that luxurious mouthfeel we all crave.
And can we talk about fresh basil? It’s not just a garnish—it’s what transforms this from ordinary to extraordinary.
Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without the fuss.
What Ingredients are in Tomato Basil Soup?
To make this delicious tomato basil soup, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that combine to create pure comfort in a bowl.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 14 ounces canned whole tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons fresh basil
The quality of your tomatoes really matters in this recipe, so try to use the best canned tomatoes you can find—San Marzano tomatoes are fantastic if you can get your hands on them.
How to Make this Tomato Basil Soup
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add 4 minced garlic cloves.
Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden, about 1-2 minutes—be careful not to burn it or you’ll end up with bitter soup.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in your 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes and 14 ounces of canned whole tomatoes, juice and all.
Add 2 cups of chicken broth to the pot, giving everything a good stir to combine all those lovely flavors.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sea salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Using an immersion blender (honestly, one of the handiest kitchen tools ever), blend the soup until it reaches a smooth, velvety consistency.
If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches—just remember to vent the lid to prevent hot soup explosions!
For professional-quality blending results, a KitchenAid Professional stand mixer with attachment can also create perfectly smooth soups with consistent texture.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Basil
Remove the pot from heat and stir in ⅓ cup of heavy cream for that luxurious richness we all crave.
Add 4 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil, which gives the soup its signature aromatic flavor and pretty flecks of green.
Step 6: Final Seasoning Check
Give your soup a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Sometimes a soup needs that final touch to make all the flavors pop—trust your taste buds on this one.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and, if desired, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few small basil leaves.
The cheese melts slightly into the hot soup, creating little pockets of savory goodness with each spoonful.
What to Serve with Tomato Basil Soup
Nothing beats cozying up to a bowl of this creamy tomato basil soup for lunch or dinner, especially when you’ve got the perfect sidekick on your plate.
A classic grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar and a hint of Dijon mustard makes for the ultimate comfort food pairing—that crispy, buttery exterior dunked into the soup? Heaven.
For something lighter, try a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan.
Garlic bread or homemade croutons add wonderful texture for soup-dipping adventures.
And don’t forget a glass of Pinot Grigio if you’re feeling fancy, or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon for everyday meals.
My favorite weeknight combo? This soup with half a turkey avocado sandwich—quick, satisfying, and practically makes itself.
Tomato Basil Soup Substitutions and Variations
Make this soup your own with these simple tweaks:
• Pantry Swaps: No fresh garlic? Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder instead.
Fire-roasted canned tomatoes add smokiness if you have them on hand.
• Dietary Adjustments: For dairy-free/vegan options, substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for heavy cream.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Flavor Twists: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or stir in 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar for depth.
In summer, toss in fresh corn kernels or diced zucchini.
• Fun Garnishes: Try crunchy homemade croutons, a swirl of pesto, crispy bacon bits, or pumpkin seeds for texture.
A dollop of Greek yogurt creates a pretty marbled effect and adds protein.
• Quick Upgrade: Roast those canned whole tomatoes on a baking sheet for 10 minutes before adding to intensify flavor.
Leftovers and Storage for this Tomato Basil Soup
This soup actually tastes even better the next day when all those wonderful flavors have had time to mingle and deepen. Here’s how to keep it at its best:
- Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The cream might separate slightly, but don’t worry about it.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Leave a bit of space at the top for expansion.
- Reheating: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. The secret to maintaining that silky texture? Don’t let it boil rapidly when reheating.
- Refresh before serving: A tiny splash of cream and some fresh torn basil leaves work wonders to brighten day-old soup.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Basil Soup isn’t just a recipe—it’s a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
The marriage of sweet tomatoes, aromatic basil, and that touch of cream creates something that feels like it simmered all day, even though it’s ready in less time than it takes to watch a sitcom.
Perfect for those evenings when you need something warming but your schedule won’t slow down, or when unexpected guests drop by and you want to seem effortlessly impressive.
There’s something undeniably restorative about cradling a bowl of this vibrant soup, watching the steam rise as the world outside fades away for a moment.