Tomato Basil Soup

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of tomato basil soup on a chilly evening. This recipe blends ripe tomatoes with fresh basil for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s quick enough for weeknights but cozy enough for slow dinners. I usually start by sautéing garlic and onions while chopping the tomatoes, which makes the process smooth and easy. It’s perfect for busy evenings, casual family meals, or nights when you just want something soothing and simple. The bright, fresh flavor of basil lifts the rich tomato base, making it both satisfying and easy to love.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This tomato basil soup is cozy, easy to make, and full of flavor with minimal effort. It works well for weeknight dinners because it’s fast to prepare and doubles as a make-ahead meal for later. The recipe is flexible—you can add cream for richness or keep it light and vegan. Leftovers reheat beautifully, and the soup is freezer-friendly, making it practical for meal prep. Budget-friendly ingredients, simple steps, and comforting flavor make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is worth saving for any time you want a warm, satisfying, and approachable meal.

Ingredients

Tip: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and natural sweetness.

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (optional for creaminess)

all ingredients for tomato basil soup arranged

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Dice onions and garlic. Chop tomatoes and roughly chop basil. Gather broth and seasonings so everything is ready before starting the cooking process.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Add onions to the pot and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Add tomatoes and cook until they start breaking down, releasing a rich aroma and deep color.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Pour in broth, add basil, salt, pepper, and sugar if using. Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the soup thicken slightly.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or carefully transfer to a blender. Stir in cream if desired and simmer for 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving warm.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Once the vegetables are chopped, this soup cooks mostly on its own, making it ideal for multitasking or prep-ahead cooking. You can make it earlier in the day, store in the fridge, and reheat quickly. It’s also freezer-friendly, so you can double the recipe and save portions for future weeknight dinners. Pinterest users will love that it’s practical without losing fresh, homemade flavor.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t overcook garlic
Garlic burns easily and turns bitter. Add it after onions are soft and cook just until fragrant for a smooth, mild flavor.
Balance acidity
Some tomatoes are very acidic. A small pinch of sugar or a splash of cream helps round the flavor without making the soup sweet.
Fresh basil at the end
Add basil toward the last few minutes of simmering or right before blending. This keeps the flavor bright and prevents it from turning bitter.
Smooth or chunky
Use an immersion blender for a creamy soup or pulse briefly for a chunkier texture. Avoid over-blending if you prefer a more rustic, hearty feel.

Variations

Meaty version
Add cooked shredded chicken or crumbled sausage for extra protein. Stir in near the end of cooking and let heat through. This turns the soup into a filling, weeknight-friendly meal.
Vegetarian option
Use vegetable broth and skip cream or replace it with coconut milk. Add roasted red peppers for extra depth and natural sweetness.
Ingredient swap
Roasted cherry tomatoes or canned fire-roasted tomatoes work well if fresh tomatoes aren’t available. Adjust cooking time slightly to develop flavor.
Flavor or herb boost
Add a pinch of smoked paprika, a bay leaf, or fresh oregano with basil. These small additions create a more complex flavor without extra effort.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled cheese pairing
Serve alongside a classic grilled cheese for a comforting, family-friendly meal. Soft soup and melted cheese are a perfect match.
Crusty bread
Offer a thick slice of rustic bread to soak up the soup. Toasted bread adds texture and a cozy touch.
Fresh salad
Pair with a simple green salad with olive oil and balsamic. The lightness complements the rich tomato flavor.
Toppings for extra flavor
Drizzle with a little cream, sprinkle Parmesan, or add croutons. These small touches make the soup feel special without extra work.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage
Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to four days. Keep it separate from cream if added, to stir in before reheating.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
Freezing
Freeze in portions in airtight containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to maintain flavor and texture.
Make-ahead tips
Prepare the soup a day ahead; flavors will deepen overnight. Reheat gently before serving, adding cream or fresh basil last to maintain brightness.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Rest Time: Not needed
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 120–180 per serving
Protein: 3–5g per serving
Provides vitamin C and potassium from tomatoes. Values vary depending on broth and whether cream is used.

FAQs

Yes, it stores well in the fridge and can be reheated the next day with flavors even more developed.

Overcooking garlic or basil can make the soup taste bitter. Add both at the right stage of cooking.

Yes, use one 28-ounce can of whole or diced tomatoes. Adjust seasoning and simmer slightly longer for depth.

Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce, or blend less for a thicker texture.

Up to four days in an airtight container.

Conclusion

Tomato basil soup is simple, comforting, and full of fresh flavor, making it a go-to for cozy evenings or easy weeknight dinners. It’s flexible, approachable, and perfect for saving on Pinterest for later. Customize with cream, herbs, or protein additions to suit your taste. Whether served alone or with bread, it’s a meal that feels like home in every spoonful, warming both the kitchen and your heart.