Name: Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 12 large fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 (15 ounce) cans fire roasted diced tomatoes

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 78 reviews

If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food. Combining the smoky charm of fire roasted tomatoes with the bright, herbal notes of fresh basil and a touch of luxurious cream, this soup strikes the perfect balance between rich and refreshing. It’s incredibly simple to whip up on a busy day, yet tastes so thoughtfully crafted that it feels like a culinary hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows fresh ingredients on a white marbled surface. There are two round metal bowls filled with bright red chopped tomatoes, with one bowl smaller and placed slightly below the larger one. A small glass bowl holds smooth, white sour cream or yogurt. Around these bowls, there are clusters of fresh green basil leaves with big, shiny leaves, two whole bulbs of garlic with papery white skins, some scattered garlic cloves, and a small pile of finely diced white onions. The arrangement is clean and colorful, with the reds, greens, and whites contrasting sharply. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential, creating a medley of flavors that come together to form a soup with beautiful texture, vibrant color, and remarkable depth. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

Olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and garlic while adding a subtle fruity warmth.
White or yellow onion: Provides a naturally sweet and soft base flavor once sautéed.
Garlic cloves: Adds just the right hint of pungent aroma and depth.
Chicken broth: Acts as the flavorful liquid foundation, enriching the soup.
Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the soup perfectly.
Black pepper: Brings a gentle, spicy kick to balance the sweetness.
Fresh basil leaves: Released just before blending for a fresh, herbal punch.
Heavy cream: Adds smooth richness and silky texture that makes the soup feel indulgent.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: The star ingredient with a smoky, robust tomato flavor that gives character to every spoonful.

How to Make Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the onions to build your flavor base

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they turn soft, translucent, and sweet-smelling. This step unlocks the natural sugars and lays a flavorful foundation for the soup.

Step 2: Cook the garlic and combine the key ingredients

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then add the chicken broth, fire roasted diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything up to a boil to let those flavors meld, before turning down the heat and letting it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This simmering time allows the soup’s body to deepen and the tomatoes to soften even more.

Step 3: Puree the soup for the perfect texture

Remove the pot from the heat and toss in the chopped fresh basil leaves. Using a handheld immersion blender, blend the soup right in the pot until velvety smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender in batches, venting the lid slightly to prevent steam buildup. Returning the pureed soup to the pot keeps the process seamless.

Step 4: Add the finishing touch of cream and adjust seasonings

Stir in the heavy cream to give the soup its signature creamy richness. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve the soup piping hot for the best comforting experience.

How to Serve Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

A large silver pot filled with smooth, thick orange tomato soup speckled with black pepper is placed on a white marbled surface. A silver ladle is lifted above the pot, holding a round layer of the same orange soup with visible pepper flakes. In the blurred background, bright red tomatoes on the vine, fresh green basil leaves, and white garlic bulbs add vibrant color. The soup surface inside the pot has a slight shine and textured bubbles. The focus is sharp on the ladle and soup with a soft depth of field. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When it comes to dressing up this soup, simplicity shines. A few torn fresh basil leaves scattered on top brighten the presentation and amplify that fresh basil flavor. For a bit of texture, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a warm grilled cheese sandwich. The bread is perfect for dipping, adding a pleasant crunch contrast to the smooth, creamy tomato basil soup. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad to keep things light and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests, try serving the soup in small cups as an elegant appetizer at your next dinner party. Alternatively, swirl in a handful of sautéed mushrooms or roasted red pepper strips right before serving to add color and flavor variations that keep each bite interesting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe tastes just as wonderful the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep those flavors fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from breaking and to preserve the soup’s lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version without sacrificing flavor.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you want to lighten things up, try coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. Just keep in mind it may slightly change the flavor profile.

Is fresh basil necessary, or can I use dried basil?

Fresh basil really elevates the freshness and aroma of the soup. Dried basil can be used in a pinch, but add it earlier in the cooking process as it needs time to rehydrate and release flavor.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the onions and garlic first, then add all ingredients except the cream to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, blend, add cream, and warm through before serving.

How spicy is this soup?

This Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is mild and comforting, but feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat to brighten it up.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is the perfect cozy kitchen companion when you want something soothing and super tasty without fuss. Its simplicity and rich flavor profile make it a true crowd-pleaser, and I can’t wait for you to try it for yourself and share that comforting warmth with your loved ones.