Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion, you’ve come to the right place! This creamy Tomato Basil Soup is not only delicious but also packed with hidden vegetables. It’s one of those recipes that warms your heart and fills your stomach, making it great for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up a batch!

What makes this creamy Tomato Basil Soup truly special is its rich flavor and creamy texture. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies without anyone noticing! Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer or make it the star of your main course, this recipe will become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just two steps to follow, you can have this soup ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the creamy texture, and they won’t even realize they’re eating their veggies!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: It stores well in the fridge for up to a week, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it on its own or served in a homemade bread bowl—delicious either way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients! These are easy to find and come together beautifully to create a flavorful soup.

For the Soup Base

• 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)
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves

For the Creamy Texture

• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1½ cups half and half (or whole milk)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Variations

The beauty of this creamy Tomato Basil Soup lies in its flexibility! You can easily adjust ingredients or add new flavors based on what you have at home.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick.
• Try Different Cheeses: Swap out parmesan for mozzarella or cheddar for another flavor twist.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use plant-based cheese and almond milk instead!

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by adding olive oil to a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, toss in those finely diced carrots, onions, and celery. Sauté them for just a few minutes until they soften. This step is key because sautéing brings out their natural sweetness and builds a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Next up, add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, chicken broth, oregano, and dried basil into the pot. Bring everything to a gentle boil. Let it cook for several minutes until those veggies are tender. The aroma will be amazing!

Step 3: Puree the Soup

Now comes the fun part! If you prefer a smooth soup, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches. Blending gives your soup that velvety texture that makes every spoonful delightful. If you like it chunky, feel free to skip this step!

Step 4: Prepare the Roux

In another pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Gradually stir in flour while whisking constantly. Keep going for about ten minutes until your roux turns a lovely golden brown color. This step thickens your soup beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Roux and Soup

Take a big ladle full of your soup mixture and add it to the roux; it will start forming a thick paste—this is perfect! Add more scoops while stirring until smooth. Then mix this back into your main pot of soup.

Step 6: Add Creaminess

Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese along with half and half (or whole milk), salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil. Taste your creation—feel free to add more oregano or basil if desired! Cook everything together for just a few minutes until warmed through.

Step 7: Store Your Creation

Your creamy Tomato Basil Soup is ready! Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Step 8: Enjoy!

For an even cozier experience, serve this delicious soup in homemade bread bowls—it’s pure comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Creating the perfect Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is easy with a few simple tips!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your vegetables and herbs, the more vibrant your soup will taste. Fresh basil, in particular, enhances the flavor profile beautifully.

• Don’t Rush the Roux: Take your time when making the roux; a golden brown color adds a rich flavor to the soup and helps achieve that perfect creamy texture.

• Blend to Your Preference: If you prefer some texture in your soup, blend only half of it. This way, you get the creaminess without sacrificing that hearty feel.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adding more salt, pepper, or herbs at the end can really make a difference in achieving that perfect balance of flavors.

• Store Properly: To maintain freshness and flavor, store your soup in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Serving this delicious Creamy Tomato Basil Soup can turn an ordinary meal into something special. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil on top not only adds color but also enhances the aromatic experience.
• Croutons: Homemade or store-bought croutons provide a nice crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
• Drizzle of Olive Oil: A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds richness and a touch of elegance to your serving bowl.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing! The crispy, gooey goodness of a grilled cheese complements the smooth texture of the soup perfectly.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery garlic bread is always a hit. It’s great for dipping and adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
• Salad with Balsamic Dressing: A light salad with mixed greens and balsamic vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup with its refreshing crunch.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables not only add color but also bring earthy flavors that enhance your overall dining experience.

Enjoy creating and serving this delightful Creamy Tomato Basil Soup—it’s sure to warm hearts and bellies alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

This creamy Tomato Basil Soup is perfect for meal prep! It stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors throughout the week or even longer. Here’s how to keep your soup fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the soup in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating to preserve its texture.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Got questions? You’re in good company! Here are some common queries about this delicious recipe.

Can I make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup vegan?

Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use non-dairy milk instead of half and half. The flavor will still be amazing!

How do I adjust the thickness of my Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, add more roux during cooking. For a thinner consistency, simply stir in additional broth or milk until desired thickness is reached.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?

Yes! If you have ripe tomatoes, you can chop them up and use them instead. Aim for about 3 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes to replace each can.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about making this creamy Tomato Basil Soup as I am! It’s not just a nourishing meal; it’s a bowl of comfort that brings warmth on chilly days. Enjoy every scoop, whether you’re savoring it alone or sharing with loved ones. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with delightful aromas!