This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, this soup is packed with flavor and hidden vegetables that will delight your family and friends. The creamy texture and aromatic basil make it a standout choice for cozy nights at home or gatherings with loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this delicious soup ready in no time.
- Flavorful: The combination of tomatoes, herbs, and parmesan cheese creates a rich and satisfying taste that will keep you coming back for more.
- Versatile: Enjoy it on its own, with crusty bread, or even in a homemade bread bowl for a fun twist!
- Healthy Option: Packed with veggies like carrots, onion, and celery, this soup offers nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to a week, making it great for advance meal planning.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy delight.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: Ideal for simmering your ingredients evenly without spilling.
- Immersion blender: Makes pureeing the soup easy without the hassle of transferring it to a regular blender.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing the roux smoothly to avoid lumps.
Ingredients
This creamy Tomato Basil Soup is restaurant-quality DELICIOUS and it’s loaded with hidden vegetables.
Vegetables
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 14.5 ounce cans diced tomatoes (with the juice)
- 2 carrots (finely diced, about 1 cup)
- 1 small onion (finely diced, about 1 cup)
- 3 ribs celery (finely diced, about 1 cup)
Broth and Seasonings
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
Creamy Base
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups half and half (or whole milk)
Final Touches
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Add oil to a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add carrots, onions, and celery. Sauté them for a few minutes until they soften.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and dried basil to the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil. Cook for several minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup until smooth. This step is optional if you prefer a chunkier texture. Return the blended soup to the pot.
Step 4: Prepare the Roux
In a separate pot over medium-low heat, melt butter. Stir in flour using a whisk constantly for about 10 minutes until it turns golden brown.
Step 5: Mix Roux with Soup
Add a big ladle full of the soup into the roux—it will form a thick paste. Gradually stir in more soup until smooth. Combine this mixture back into the main soup pot.
Step 6: Final Ingredients
Stir in parmesan cheese, half and half (or whole milk), salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Adjust seasoning with extra oregano or basil if desired. Cook for just a few more minutes until warmed through.
Step 7: Store Leftovers
Store any leftover tomato basil soup covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Step 8: Enjoy!
For an extra treat, serve your creamy tomato basil soup in yummy homemade bread bowls!
Now you’re ready to enjoy this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, perfect for any day of the week!
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a cozy dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your soup experience.
With Crusty Bread
- A warm, crusty baguette pairs perfectly with the soup, allowing you to soak up every drop of creamy goodness.
In a Bread Bowl
- Serve your creamy tomato basil soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an impressive and delicious presentation.
Topped with Fresh Basil
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil to enhance the flavor and add a pop of color to your dish.
With Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- A classic pairing! Enjoy your soup alongside a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and depth to the soup, making each spoonful even more delightful.
With Croutons
- Add homemade or store-bought croutons for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup.
How to Perfect Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Perfecting your creamy tomato basil soup can take it from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out delicious every time.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs enhance the natural flavors of the soup significantly.
- Blend thoroughly: For an ultra-smooth texture, make sure to blend the soup until it’s completely smooth.
- Adjust seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving; this makes all the difference in flavor.
- Experiment with cheese: While Parmesan is fantastic, try adding other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- Add creaminess: If you want an even creamier texture, consider adding extra half-and-half or a splash of heavy cream.
- Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Pairing side dishes with your creamy tomato basil soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some top choices to complement your delicious soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A classic favorite that adds melty goodness and crunch alongside your creamy bowl of soup.Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast while balancing the rich flavors of the soup.Garlic Bread
Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup, adding extra flavor and texture.Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light side that ties in beautifully with the flavors of tomato basil soup.Stuffed Peppers
Hearty stuffed peppers can serve as a filling accompaniment that complements the creamy texture of the soup.Roasted Vegetables
Seasoned roasted vegetables bring out earthy flavors that pair nicely with the richness of creamy tomato basil soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making creamy Tomato Basil Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to avoid those pitfalls.
- Using canned tomatoes without draining: If you don’t drain the canned tomatoes, it can make your soup too watery. Always include the juice but consider the overall liquid balance.
- Skipping the roux step: The roux adds creaminess and thickness to your soup. Skipping this step will lead to a less satisfying texture. Make sure to cook it until golden brown.
- Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning your soup can make it bland. Taste as you go and adjust with salt and pepper for a flavorful finish.
- Overcooking vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can result in a mushy texture. Sauté them just until tender for optimal flavor and bite.
- Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and taste to your soup. Don’t skip it! Add chopped basil at the end for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store creamy Tomato Basil Soup in an airtight container.
- It will last in the fridge for up to one week.
Freezing Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
- It can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup special?
This creamy Tomato Basil Soup is loaded with hidden vegetables while delivering rich flavors that make it feel like a restaurant-quality dish.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just ensure to peel and chop them before adding them to the pot. You may need to adjust cooking times slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This creamy Tomato Basil Soup stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Just follow the storage instructions above.
How can I customize this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?
You can add additional spices like red pepper flakes for heat or incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This creamy Tomato Basil Soup is not only delicious but incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with different herbs or vegetables according to your preference. Enjoy this comforting dish on its own or serve it in a warm bread bowl!
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that warms the soul. This easy-to-make soup combines rich tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a creamy texture to create a delightful experience for your taste buds. Packed with hidden vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, it’s not just delicious but also nutritious. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate cozy meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this creamy tomato basil delight is sure to be a hit!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
- 2 carrots (finely diced)
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 3 ribs celery (finely diced)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups half-and-half or whole milk
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté carrots, onions, and celery until softened.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and dried basil; bring to a gentle boil and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender; return to pot.
- In a separate pot, melt butter and whisk in flour until golden brown to create a roux.
- Gradually mix the roux into the soup until smooth; then stir in parmesan cheese and half-and-half.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil; warm through before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
