Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. It’s rich, velvety, and bursting with the bright flavors of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. This soup is the perfect cozy meal for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a wholesome, hearty dish. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delightful soup that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re pairing it with a grilled cheese or enjoying it on its own, this recipe will soon become a staple in your kitchen.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup stands out for its luscious texture and balanced flavor. The combination of diced tomatoes and a hint of tomato paste intensifies the tomato essence, while the trio of carrots, onion, and celery create a subtle sweetness and depth. The addition of freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami richness, and the fresh basil at the end brings a bright, herbal note that elevates the entire dish. Plus, the creamy base made from butter, flour, and half and half ensures a smooth, indulgent consistency without being too heavy.

What You’ll Gather

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes, with the juice
• 2 carrots, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 small onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 ribs celery, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup half and half (or whole milk)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Equipment Breakdown

• Large heavy-bottomed pot – for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup evenly.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – to stir and prevent sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy with ingredients.
• Immersion blender (or regular blender) – to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
• Knife and cutting board – for finely dicing the vegetables and chopping fresh basil.
• Grater – to freshly grate the parmesan cheese.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, Made Easy

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in your large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and the onion turns translucent, about 8-10 minutes. This forms the flavor base of your soup.

Step 2: Add Tomato Paste and Herbs

Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil leaves. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to deepen in flavor and coat the veggies nicely.

Step 3: Pour in Tomatoes and Broth

Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice, followed by the chicken broth. Stir everything together, bring to a simmer, and let it cook for about 20 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the Roux

While the soup simmers, melt the butter in a separate small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a bubbly, golden paste. This roux will thicken your soup beautifully.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until creamy.

Step 6: Combine Roux and Soup

Slowly whisk the roux into the pureed soup. Return the pot to low heat and stir in the half and half, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Heat gently until everything is warmed through and the cheese melts into the soup, creating that signature creamy texture.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Basil

Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. The fresh herb adds a fragrant, fresh pop that livens up the soup just before serving.

What to Use Instead

• Vegetable broth: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
• Coconut milk: Use coconut milk instead of half and half for a dairy-free creamy alternative with a subtle coconut flavor.
• Vegan butter: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative to keep the richness.
• Non-dairy cheese: Try a dairy-free parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Avoid These Mistakes

• Don’t skip sautéing the vegetables – this step builds the foundation of flavor.
• Avoid adding the roux too quickly; whisk it in slowly to prevent lumps.
• Don’t boil the soup after adding the half and half to avoid curdling; keep it on low heat.
• Be sure to finely dice vegetables evenly so they cook uniformly and blend smoothly.

Freezer-Friendly Notes

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight freezer-safe containers. Leave some room at the top for expansion. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup thickens too much after freezing.

Quick Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes! If fresh tomatoes are in season, you can use about 4 cups of chopped ripe tomatoes. You may want to roast them beforehand for a deeper flavor, then proceed with the recipe as usual.

Is it possible to make this soup vegan?

Absolutely. Substitute the butter with vegan butter, use vegetable broth, swap half and half for coconut milk or another plant-based milk, and replace parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the vegetables or swirl in some hot sauce at the end. A bit of smoked paprika can also add a nice smoky heat.

What’s the best way to serve this soup?

It’s fantastic on its own or paired with a warm grilled cheese sandwich. For a twist, try serving it alongside a Rustic Tomato Fig Jam Grilled Cheese to complement the tomato basil flavors.

Because You Liked This

• Creamy Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta – A luxurious pasta dish with the same creamy tomato and basil goodness, perfect for seafood lovers.
• One Pan Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta With Mushrooms – A quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s rich, flavorful, and uses a similar tomato basil sauce base.

Next Steps

Once you’ve mastered this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, try experimenting with additional ingredients like roasted red peppers or a splash of cream for extra indulgence. You can also elevate your meal by pairing the soup with homemade bread or a fresh salad. Don’t forget, the fresh basil is key—add it right before serving for the best flavor. This recipe is a great way to bring warmth and comfort to your table, and it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Enjoy the rich, creamy, and vibrant taste of this classic soup that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!

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