Rich and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Classic

Soup lovers rejoice as this rich and creamy tomato basil soup delivers pure comfort in every spoonful.

Vibrant red tomatoes blend seamlessly with fragrant herbs to create a velvety masterpiece.

The kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Fresh basil leaves dance through the silky texture, adding a bright, herbaceous note.

Each carefully crafted batch offers a delightful balance of tangy and smooth flavors that will steal your heart.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant dish that feels both rustic and refined.

Why Rich and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Is a Favorite

• Savor Simplicity: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality soup with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Rich, creamy texture and classic tomato-basil combination deliver ultimate comfort food that warms both body and soul, ideal for cozy meals.
• Quick Culinary Magic: From start to finish, this soup comes together swiftly, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-style dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for casual family dinners, elegant gatherings, or a satisfying lunch, this soup adapts seamlessly to various dining occasions and preferences.

Ingredients for Rich and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

• Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes that provide the rich, tangy foundation of the soup.
• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps blend and enhance the soup's overall taste.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that add depth and complexity to the soup's flavor profile.

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that helps create a smooth base for the soup.
• Flour: Used to create a roux and thicken the soup's consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and creates a velvety smooth texture.

• Basil: A fresh herb that brings a bright, aromatic flavor to the soup.
• Sugar, Salt: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's overall taste.

How to Make Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Simmering the Base

• Fresh tomatoes
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Let it simmer for about 20 minutes to blend the flavors fully.

Remove from heat and strain through a food mill into a large bowl, discarding any solid remnants.

Step 2: Creating a Velvety Roux

Return the empty stockpot to the stove.

Melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a smooth roux.

Carefully add the strained tomato mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Sprinkle in sugar and salt, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Finishing with Cream and Herbs

Lower the heat to medium-low.

Gently stir in fresh basil leaves and heavy cream.

Warm the soup thoroughly, but avoid boiling.

The goal is to create a silky, rich texture that showcases the vibrant tomato and herb flavors.

Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with additional fresh basil if desired.

Pro Tips for Rich and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

• Use a food mill or fine-mesh strainer to achieve a velvety, lump-free soup texture, removing any tough tomato skins or seeds.
• Slowly whisk the tomato mixture into the roux to prevent clumping and create a perfectly smooth, thickened base for the soup.
• Keep the heat low when adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain the soup's rich, silky consistency.
• Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant flavor and bright green color, enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter version that still provides a creamy texture.

Flavor Variations for Tomato Basil Soup

• Vegan Tomato Herb Soup: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, swap heavy cream with coconut milk, and use olive oil instead of butter for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sodium Tomato Basil Soup: Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduce salt, and enhance flavor with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano.
• Gluten-Free Creamy Tomato Soup: Substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for thickening, keeping the rich texture intact.
• Roasted Tomato Basil Soup: Roast tomatoes, onions, and garlic before blending to develop deeper, caramelized flavors and add smoky complexity.

Serving Suggestions for Tomato Basil Soup

• Cozy Bread Companions: Serve with crusty sourdough or rustic garlic bread for dipping, soaking up every delicious drop of this velvety soup.
• Gourmet Garnish Party: Top with fresh basil leaves, crumbled feta cheese, or a swirl of extra cream to add texture and elevate the soup's visual appeal.
• Temperature Perfect Pairing: Enjoy this soup warm alongside a crisp green salad or as a starter before a light pasta dish, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Ladle into deep ceramic mugs or classic soup bowls, making each serving feel like a comforting embrace during chilly evenings.

Storage Advice for Tomato Basil Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing, as it can separate.
• Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore consistency if needed.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop heating when soup reaches desired temperature.

FAQs

• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, canned whole peeled tomatoes work perfectly and can save you time while maintaining great flavor.

• Is this soup vegetarian-friendly?

No, the recipe uses chicken broth. To make it vegetarian, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.

• How do I prevent lumps when adding flour to the soup?

Gradually whisk in the tomato mixture a little at a time while stirring constantly to create a smooth, lump-free base for your soup.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and reheat gently on the stove, being careful not to boil it to maintain the creamy texture.

Rich and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting homemade Rich and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup brings Italian countryside warmth to kitchen tables. Fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes blend into a silky smooth experience you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 4 cups fresh tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped)

Liquids and Dairy:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons white sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Combine tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chicken broth in a stockpot. Simmer at medium heat for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
2. Pass the cooked mixture through a food mill into a large bowl, extracting smooth liquid and discarding solid remnants.
3. Cleanse the stockpot and melt butter over medium heat. Incorporate flour to create a golden-brown roux, whisking carefully to prevent burning.
4. Gradually introduce tomato mixture into the roux, stirring continuously to eliminate potential lumps and ensure smooth consistency.
5. Season the soup with sugar and salt, adjusting flavors to personal preference.
6. Return soup to stove, maintaining low heat. Carefully fold in fresh basil and rich heavy cream without allowing the mixture to boil.
7. Gently warm the soup until heated through, ensuring cream integrates smoothly and basil releases its aromatic essence.
8. Ladle into warm serving bowls and present immediately for optimal taste and temperature.

Notes

• Picking ripe, in-season tomatoes will dramatically boost the soup’s natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Using an immersion blender provides a smoother texture alternative to a traditional food mill, saving time and kitchen cleanup.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, reducing overall calorie content without sacrificing creaminess.
• Consider roasting tomatoes and onions beforehand to intensify their caramelized, complex flavor profile before blending into the soup base.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg