The first spoonful greets you with the sweet aroma of sun-ripened tomatoes and the peppery perfume of fresh basil. Silky, rich, and brimming with flavor, this tomato basil soup is comfort in a bowl. This recipe delivers café-style flavor with simple ingredients and just 40 minutes of hands-on time.
Whether it’s a crisp fall evening, a rainy spring afternoon, or a summer night when garden tomatoes are overflowing, this soup’s vibrant red hue and fragrant herbs make every meal feel special.
A Little Inspiration
My love affair with tomato basil soup began in a small Tuscan café where the chef roasted tomatoes until caramelized and blended them with just-picked basil. One spoonful, and I was hooked. Back home, I created this easy version to capture that same Italian warmth any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love It
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Creamy, velvety texture with or without dairy
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Bursting with fresh tomato flavor—use garden or high-quality canned tomatoes
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Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish
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Naturally vegetarian and easy to make vegan
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Freezer-friendly for quick lunches
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Perfect companion to grilled cheese or crusty artisan bread
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Packed with antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C
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Elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple for weeknights
What You’ll Need
US Measurements
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 lb fresh ripe tomatoes (or two 28 oz cans whole tomatoes)
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3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
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1 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
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½ tsp sea salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
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Pinch of sugar or honey (balances acidity)
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½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional, for creamy tomato basil soup)
Tip: For roasted tomato basil soup, halve fresh tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, and roast at 400 °F for 25 minutes before adding to the pot.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
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Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
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Immersion blender (or countertop blender)
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Sharp chef’s knife
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Wooden spoon
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Baking sheet (for roasted version)
Quick Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Difficulty: Easy
Let’s Cook It Together
1. Sauté the aromatics
Warm olive oil in a Dutch oven. Add onion and garlic; cook until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2. Simmer the tomatoes
Add chopped tomatoes (or canned), broth, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Blend until silky
Use an immersion blender for a smooth texture. Prefer a rustic finish? Pulse briefly to leave small tomato pieces.
4. Finish with basil
Stir in fresh basil. For extra richness, swirl in cream or coconut milk for the ultimate creamy tomato basil soup.
Little Secrets for Success
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Add fresh basil at the end to keep its bright, peppery flavor.
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Taste before serving—tomatoes vary in sweetness; a pinch of sugar may balance acidity.
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For a richer texture without cream, stir in a spoonful of butter before serving.
Fun Variations to Try
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Healthy tomato basil soup – Skip cream, add more broth and a drizzle of olive oil.
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Vegan tomato basil soup – Use vegetable broth and coconut milk for a dairy-free swirl.
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Roasted tomato basil soup – Roast tomatoes and garlic for deeper flavor.
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Iced tomato basil soup – Chill and serve gazpacho-style on hot summer days.
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Instant Pot version – Pressure cook on high for 8 minutes, quick release, then blend.
Perfect Pairings
Serve with:
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Classic grilled cheese sandwich
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Garlic bread crostini
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Fresh green salad with balsamic dressing
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A crisp Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon
(Cross-link idea: Try this soup alongside our [Homemade Focaccia Bread] and [Classic Caesar Salad] for a full Italian-inspired meal.)
A Sip Full of Health
Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health and glowing skin. Basil offers anti-inflammatory properties and vitamins A, K, and C. Together, they create a nutrient-rich dish that’s as nourishing as it is comforting.
How to Save It for Later
Cool completely, then store in airtight containers.
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Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
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Freezer: Up to 3 months
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Questions You Might Have
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes! Choose high-quality whole peeled tomatoes like San Marzano for best flavor.
How do I thicken the soup?
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely—swap cream for coconut milk or omit it.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, portion into freezer containers and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)
Approx: Calories 180 | Protein 4 g | Carbs 18 g | Fat 10 g | Fiber 4 g
Final Wrap-Up
A steaming bowl of tomato basil soup—creamy, fragrant, and glowing with garden-fresh flavor—is the ultimate comfort food. Pair it with crusty bread or a gooey grilled cheese for a meal that feels like a warm hug.
