There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of creamy tomato basil soup, isn’t there? I can’t help but smile when I think about curling up with a steaming bowl of this rich, flavorful delight. It’s like a hug in a bowl! The combination of tomatoes and fresh basil creates a symphony of taste that dances on your palate, while the heavy cream adds a luscious richness that makes each spoonful feel indulgent. This soup is perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, and it’s so easy to whip up! Trust me, once you try this creamy tomato basil soup, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, especially on those chilly evenings when you just want something warm and satisfying. So, let’s dive right in and create some magic in the kitchen!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own comforting bowl of creamy tomato basil soup:

2 cups crushed canned tomatoes (preferably San Marzano for that rich flavor)
1 cup vegetable broth (homemade if you have it, but store-bought works too!)
1 cup heavy cream (the secret to that luxurious texture)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
1 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped; this is where the magic happens)
1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground, if possible)

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before you start cooking. It makes the process so much smoother, and you won’t miss anything along the way!

How to Prepare Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Making this creamy tomato basil soup is as simple as it is satisfying! You’ll be surprised how quickly it comes together, and the aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, grab your trusty soup pot and pour in that 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat until it shimmers—just a minute or two will do. Once the oil is hot, add in your 2 cups of crushed canned tomatoes, 1 cup of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. You’ll want to let it bubble away for about 15 minutes to let those flavors meld beautifully.

Now, here comes the fun part! After that simmer, it’s time to introduce the star ingredient: the 1 cup of heavy cream and your 1 cup of chopped fresh basil. Pour the cream in slowly while stirring—it’s going to look so creamy and dreamy! Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to infuse all those lovely basil notes into the mix.

Next, grab your blender. If you’re using an immersion blender, simply blend the soup in the pot until it’s smooth and velvety. If you’re using a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches (don’t fill it too high, or it’ll splatter!). Blend until silky and smooth—this is where the magic happens! You’ll want to return the soup to the pot after blending.

Finally, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, and don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for that extra pop of flavor. Your creamy tomato basil soup is now ready to be enjoyed, preferably with a slice of crusty bread for dipping!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: The heavy cream creates a luxurious mouthfeel that makes every spoonful a delight.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this soup in about 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Flavorful Comfort: The combination of fresh basil and tomatoes provides a deliciously comforting taste that warms the soul.
Perfect Pairing: This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, making it an ideal meal for a cozy lunch or dinner.

Tips for Success

To truly elevate your creamy tomato basil soup, here are a few pro tips that I’ve picked up along the way! First off, when selecting canned tomatoes, go for the crushed San Marzano variety if you can. They’re sweeter and more flavorful, giving your soup that delightful richness.

When blending, don’t rush it! If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches. This helps prevent splatters and ensures a smooth consistency. If you have an immersion blender, it’s a total game-changer—just blend right in the pot!

For serving, consider drizzling a bit of extra virgin olive oil on top for a touch of elegance. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few extra basil leaves can also add a lovely finishing touch. And remember, this soup is even better the next day—so feel free to make a big batch!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for one bowl of this creamy tomato basil soup. Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, with 25 grams of fat (of which 15 grams are saturated), 5 grams of protein, and 15 grams of carbohydrates. You’ll also get 2 grams of fiber and 5 grams of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients used, so they might vary a bit depending on your choices. Enjoy this delicious soup knowing it’s not just comfort food but a satisfying meal as well!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this creamy tomato basil soup?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, go for about 4 cups of ripe tomatoes. Just peel them, chop them up, and sauté them for a bit longer to develop that rich flavor. You might need a little extra broth to get the right consistency, but it’ll be delicious!

Q2: How do I store leftover creamy tomato basil soup?
To store your soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it! Just make sure to leave a little space in the container for expansion.

Q3: Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of this creamy tomato basil soup! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and use vegetable broth as you normally would. The flavor will still be fantastic, and you won’t miss the dairy!

Q4: How can I spice up my creamy tomato basil soup?
If you’re looking for a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you’re simmering the tomatoes. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also add depth, so feel free to experiment!

Q5: Is it necessary to blend the soup?
Blending is what gives your creamy tomato basil soup that velvety texture that’s just so comforting! If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can skip the blending step, but I highly recommend giving it a whirl for that luxurious mouthfeel!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To store your leftover creamy tomato basil soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If it seems a bit thick, feel free to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to get it back to that perfect creamy consistency!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Pinterest page for inspiration!