Easy Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate creamy tomato soup recipe! Get ready to discover a truly comforting classic that brings warmth and flavor to your table. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, a quick lunch, or even an elegant appetizer. You’ll love how easily this tomato soup recipe comes together, making delicious homemade food accessible to everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe

This incredible creamy tomato soup recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

• Incredibly Easy to Make: Perfect for busy parents and beginners, it requires minimal effort.
• Rich, Velvety Texture: Blended to perfection for a smooth, luxurious feel.
• Deep, Comforting Flavors: Sweet tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil create a delightful taste.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve it as a starter or a light main course.
• Always a Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone enjoys a classic, comforting bowl of tomato soup.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite homemade tomato soup recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building the deep, satisfying flavor. You’ll be surprised how much taste you can achieve with so few items in this delightful tomato soup recipe.

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 yellow onions (3 cups finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (1 Tbsp minced)
• 56 oz crushed tomatoes (two, 28-oz cans with their juice, preferably San Marzano)
• 2 cups chicken stock (or vegetable)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (plus more to serve)
• 1 Tbsp sugar (or added to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (or to taste to combat acidity)
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more to serve)

Notes & Substitutions

• Tomatoes: Use the best quality canned crushed tomatoes you can find. San Marzano tomatoes offer superior flavor and less acidity, enhancing your creamy tomato soup.
• Dairy: Heavy cream creates the richest texture, but you can use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• Stock: Chicken stock adds depth, but vegetable broth makes this an excellent vegetarian creamy tomato soup.
• Herbs: Fresh basil is key, but a pinch of dried oregano or thyme can also complement the flavors.
• Sweetness: Adjust the sugar amount to balance the acidity of your specific tomatoes.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this simple tomato soup recipe. Just a few kitchen essentials will get the job done beautifully. These items help ensure a smooth, effortless cooking experience from start to finish.

• Large nonreactive pot or Dutch oven
• Immersion blender or standard blender
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create the best creamy tomato soup recipe right in your own kitchen. This detailed guide ensures a perfect result every time, making this tomato soup recipe a joy to prepare.

• Prep: Start by finely chopping your yellow onions and mincing the garlic cloves. This preparation ensures even cooking and optimal flavor release for your delicious tomato soup.
• Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large nonreactive pot or enameled Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt. Once melted, add the chopped onions to the pot. Sauté the onions for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are beautifully softened and turn a light golden color. This slow sauté builds a crucial flavor base for your homemade tomato soup.
• Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for just 1 minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make the soup bitter.
• Combine Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes with their juice, chicken stock, chopped fresh basil, granulated sugar, and black pepper. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
• Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, enhancing this simple tomato soup recipe.
• Blend for Creaminess: You can certainly leave your soup with a rustic, chunky consistency if you prefer. However, for a truly creamy tomato soup, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup to your desired smooth consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer the hot soup to a standard blender in batches. Fill the blender only about halfway to avoid overflows. Secure the lid tightly, holding it down with a kitchen towel, and pulse a few times initially to get it started before blending until completely smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot over medium heat.
• Finish with Dairy: Stir in the heavy cream and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the soup to return to a gentle simmer for another 2-3 minutes, just enough to warm through and combine the flavors. The cream helps balance the acidity, making this a truly creamy tomato soup.
• Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt and pepper to your preference. Once seasoned, turn off the heat. Ladle the warm, comforting creamy tomato soup into bowls and garnish with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly crafted tomato soup recipe!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Making this creamy tomato soup recipe is straightforward, but these tips ensure perfection. A little extra care goes a long way in developing fantastic flavor.

• Sauté Onions Slowly: Don’t rush this step. Caramelizing the onions properly adds a crucial sweetness and depth to the tomato soup recipe.
• Blending Hot Liquids: Always exercise caution when blending hot liquids. If using a standard blender, work in small batches and vent the lid to release steam to prevent pressure buildup.
• Adjust Acidity: If your soup tastes too acidic, simply add a bit more sugar, a splash more cream, or even a tiny pinch of baking soda to neutralize it.
• Seasoning: Taste your soup often. Add salt and pepper gradually until the flavors truly pop. Proper seasoning elevates any homemade tomato soup.
• Tomato Quality: Opt for high-quality San Marzano tomatoes. Their naturally sweet, less acidic profile significantly impacts the final taste of your perfect tomato soup.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This versatile creamy tomato soup offers endless possibilities. Enjoy it fresh, store it for later, or customize it to your liking. It’s a wonderfully adaptable dish.

• Serving: Pair this fantastic tomato soup with classic grilled cheese sandwiches or crunchy homemade croutons. A swirl of pesto or a dollop of sour cream also makes a delicious topping.
• Storage: Store any leftover creamy tomato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! For best results, freeze it before adding the heavy cream. Simply thaw, reheat, then stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese when ready to serve. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling, especially if it contains cream, to prevent separation.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the tomatoes.
• Roasted Tomatoes: For an even deeper, more complex flavor, roast fresh tomatoes before adding them. This intensifies their sweetness and adds a smoky note to your homemade tomato soup.

Nutrition Information

This creamy tomato soup recipe provides essential nutrients. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, and antioxidants like lycopene. The vegetables contribute beneficial fiber.

Disclaimer: Nutrition estimates are based on ingredients and may vary. Please consult a professional for exact dietary advice.

FAQ

Got questions about this classic tomato soup recipe? We’ve got quick answers to help you perfect your dish. These common inquiries cover everything from ingredients to preparation.

• Can I use fresh tomatoes? Yes, you can! For the best flavor, roast them first to concentrate their sweetness and deepen their taste before blending them into your soup.
• How can I make the soup thicker? If you prefer a thicker consistency, simply simmer the soup for a longer period without the lid. This allows more liquid to evaporate.
• Is this soup freezer-friendly? Absolutely. It freezes best if you omit the heavy cream and Parmesan until you’re ready to reheat and serve the creamy tomato soup.
• What are San Marzano tomatoes? As described by culinary experts, San Marzano tomatoes are a specific variety of plum tomato prized for their sweet flavor, low acidity, and thick flesh, making them ideal for sauces and soups.
• How can I make it vegan? Substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth and use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.

Conclusion

You now have everything you need to create this simple, perfect creamy tomato soup. This recipe embodies comfort, warmth, and timeless flavor, making it a joy to prepare and eat. We hope this incredible tomato soup recipe becomes a treasured staple in your kitchen. Enjoy every delicious spoonful of this comforting classic!

Easy Creamy Tomato Soup

This creamy tomato soup is quick, comforting, and incredibly flavorful. With rich tomatoes, fresh basil, and smooth cream, it’s the perfect homemade soup for cozy nights or elegant starters.

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Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 yellow onions (about 3 cups finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 56 oz crushed tomatoes with juice (preferably San Marzano)
• 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more to serve)
• 1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream (or full-fat coconut milk)
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional)

Equipment

• Dutch oven or large pot
• Immersion blender or standard blender
• Sharp knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Method

 

1. Finely chop onions and mince garlic. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt butter, and sauté onions for 10–12 minutes until soft and golden.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable stock, chopped basil, sugar, and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, partially cover the pot, and simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup in the pot, or carefully blend in batches using a standard blender. Return to the pot if needed.
6. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with crusty bread or grilled cheese.

Notes

San Marzano tomatoes give the best flavor, but any quality crushed tomatoes will work. To make it dairy-free, use coconut milk and skip the cheese. Add sugar gradually to balance acidity depending on your tomato brand. Taste and adjust before serving.

Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.