Name: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream; Extra basil for garnish

A velvety, rich tomato soup that’s both comforting and quick to make, this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup blends ripe canned tomatoes with fresh basil and a touch of cream (or coconut milk) for a smooth, satisfying meal. Perfect for chilly days or when I need a cozy, nourishing bowl of comfort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled tomatoes

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 teaspoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 1/2 cups vegetable broth

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream

Extra basil for garnish

Directions

I heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

I add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 5–7 minutes until it becomes translucent.

I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute or two until fragrant.

Next, I add the tomato paste and cook it for a minute to deepen the flavor.

I pour in the canned tomatoes with their juices, sugar, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and the vegetable broth.

I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes.

After removing the pot from heat, I stir in the chopped basil.

I use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth, or I carefully transfer it in batches to a blender.

I stir in the coconut milk or heavy cream and taste to adjust the seasonings.

I serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil and a swirl of cream if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories per serving: 180 kcal

Variations

I use coconut milk for a vegan and dairy-free version with a hint of sweetness.

For a smoky twist, I sometimes add a pinch of smoked paprika.

When I want more protein, I stir in cooked white beans before blending.

If I’m out of fresh basil, I substitute with 1–2 teaspoons of dried basil, added during the simmering stage.

To turn it into a hearty meal, I pair it with grilled cheese or a crusty slice of sourdough.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months — I just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between. If it thickens, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

What kind of tomatoes should I use?

I use canned whole peeled tomatoes for the best texture and flavor, but crushed tomatoes can work too. Just make sure they’re high quality for the richest taste.

Can I make this soup completely vegan?

Yes, I use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream, and this soup becomes totally plant-based without losing its creamy texture.

Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely. I freeze it in portions so I can thaw just what I need. I avoid freezing it with dairy — coconut milk freezes better — but both versions still reheat well.

Is this soup spicy?

Only slightly. I include crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, but I skip it if I want it completely mild — or I add more if I’m craving heat.

Can I make this soup without a blender?

Yes. If I don’t have a blender, I use a potato masher for a chunkier texture, or I leave it rustic with visible tomato pieces and onion bits.

Conclusion

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is my go-to for comfort in a bowl — simple to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and bursting with flavor. Whether I serve it solo or with a grilled sandwich, it’s a timeless classic that I keep coming back to, especially when I want something warm, nourishing, and full of homemade goodness.

Recipe: