Name: Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 12 large fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 (15 ounce) cans fire roasted diced tomatoes

Jump to Recipe·5 from 17 reviews

If you’re craving something cozy, fresh, and packed with flavor, you’re going to love this Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe. It’s the kind of soup that warms you up from the inside out, with just the right balance of tangy roasted tomatoes and fragrant basil, all smoothed out with a little cream. I make this on busy weeknights when I want something comforting without a long list of ingredients or fancy techniques. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through every step so your soup turns out just right, whether it’s your first time or the hundredth!

❤️

Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: You only need staples you likely have on hand, making it super accessible.
Balance of Flavors: The fire roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with fresh basil.
Quick and Easy: Prep and cooking time total about 25 minutes, perfect for a speedy meal.
Flexible and Customizable: You can swap out ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your mood or what’s in your pantry.

Easy Tomato Basil Soup, Tomato Basil Soup, homemade tomato soup, quick tomato basil soup, comforting tomato soup - A shiny silver pot filled with smooth, rich orange soup speckled with black pepper bits. A metal ladle is lifting some thick soup out of the pot, showing its creamy texture. In the background, there are bright red tomatoes on the vine, white garlic bulbs, and fresh green basil leaves. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a role in creating a luscious, well-rounded soup without fuss. I like to buy fire roasted diced tomatoes because they add a subtle smoky flavor, but regular canned tomatoes also work. Using fresh basil is essential—it really brightens up the whole soup.

Easy Tomato Basil Soup, Tomato Basil Soup, homemade tomato soup, quick tomato basil soup, comforting tomato soup - Flat lay of bright red fire roasted diced tomatoes in their cans, fresh large green basil leaves, a medium diced white onion, several peeled garlic cloves, and a small glass bowl of creamy heavy cream, all beautifully arranged with a few scattered basil leaves and garlic cloves for texture, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Olive oil: A good-quality olive oil gives your soup a smooth base and brings out the sweetness in the onions.
Onion: I prefer white or yellow onion for their natural sweetness once sautéed, which forms the flavor foundation.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds aromatic punch; don’t skip it or use pre-minced, as fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference.
Chicken broth: It deepens the soup’s savoriness—feel free to use vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian-friendly version.
Salt & Black pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances all the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Fresh basil leaves: This herb is the star here, lending a fresh, peppery sweetness that transforms the soup.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and smooths the acidity from the tomatoes, making every spoonful silky.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: These provide bold, smoky tomato flavor and a fantastic texture balance after pureeing.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is so flexible. Over time, I’ve tried different tweaks depending on what I’m craving or have on hand, and each version has its own charm. Don’t be afraid to mix things up—you might discover your new favorite spin.

Variation: I sometimes swap heavy cream for coconut milk to make it dairy-free, and honestly, it’s still creamy and delicious.
Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika wakes up the soup if you want a bit more kick.
Herb swap: If fresh basil isn’t available, dried basil works too—just remember it’s less vibrant, so add it earlier in cooking.
Make it vegan: Using vegetable broth and skipping the cream or substituting it with cashew cream keeps it plant-based and tasty.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in your biggest saucepan over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion, and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent—that’s the moment you get that sweet, fragrant base going. Be patient here; this step really builds your flavor. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just one minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn, or you’ll get bitterness in your soup.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth, Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and the fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, season with salt and pepper, then bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering helps the flavors marry and the tomatoes soften beautifully—don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Blend in Fresh Basil

Remove the pot from heat and add the chopped fresh basil leaves. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree until silky smooth—you can also carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender, but be sure to vent the lid to prevent steam pressure buildup. This step is key because it transforms chunky ingredients into a creamy, luscious soup and infuses it with that vibrant basil flavor.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Adjust Seasonings

Finally, stir in the heavy cream for that velvety texture. Taste and tweak your salt and pepper to your liking. If it feels a little thick, add a splash of broth or water until it’s just right. Now, ladle your soup into bowls and enjoy it while it’s piping hot!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Use Fire Roasted Tomatoes: They add a subtle smokiness that makes this soup taste like you’ve been simmering it for hours.
Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Adding garlic too early or cooking it too long can turn it bitter—one minute is perfect.
Vent Your Blender: When pureeing hot liquids, removing the center insert or using a kitchen towel to cover prevents steam buildup and potential splashes.
Adjust Cream at the End: Add the cream after blending so you don’t lose that rich texture or dull the basil’s brightness.

How to Serve Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Easy Tomato Basil Soup, Tomato Basil Soup, homemade tomato soup, quick tomato basil soup, comforting tomato soup - A white bowl filled with smooth orange soup that has a slightly speckled texture, topped with three fresh green basil leaves in the center. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with two whole garlic bulbs placed to the left. On the right side of the bowl, there is a shiny silver spoon resting on the marbled surface. In the background, blurred green leafy vegetables and a black and white striped cloth are visible. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my soup with a few fresh basil leaves to echo that herbal note. A drizzle of good olive oil or a tiny swirl of cream makes it look fancy but effortless. Sometimes, I add toasted croutons or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a little crunch and salty tang. These simple touches really elevate the experience.

Side Dishes

Grilled cheese sandwiches are my go-to pairing—a classic combo that never disappoints. But you can also serve this soup alongside a fresh green salad or some crusty bread for dipping. When I want a heartier meal, I’ll add roasted veggies or a protein like a simple baked chicken breast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, I’ve ladled this soup into mini bread bowls—totally charming and delicious. You could also swirl in pesto or add a parmesan crisp on top for a touch of elegance. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both homemade and a little fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge—it keeps beautifully for about 3 to 4 days. Just be sure to let it cool before sealing, which helps keep the freshness intact. On busy days, having this ready-to-go soup in the fridge feels like a lifesaver.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. I pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags (leave room for expansion!), and it keeps for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer to warm the soup slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help restore the original silky consistency if it thickened in the fridge or freezer.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative. The soup will still be rich and flavorful, perfect for anyone avoiding animal products.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can, but it changes the preparation a bit. You’ll want about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Roast them first to get that same fire-roasted flavor and then follow the recipe. It’s a bit more work, but worth it if you have fresh tomatoes to use!
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

No worries! You can carefully transfer your soup in batches to a standard blender—just be sure to vent the lid slightly to let steam escape and avoid pressure buildup. Blend until smooth, then return the soup to the pot for the final steps.
How can I make this soup spicier?

Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while the soup simmers is my favorite way to give it a gentle heat. You can also stir in a little hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper right before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen, especially on chilly days when I want a meal that feels both fresh and comforting. It’s quick enough to make on a busy weeknight, yet flavorful enough that I’m happy to serve it to guests. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s easy enough for weeknights but cozy and delicious enough to fall in love with. I can’t wait for you to taste that blend of smoky tomatoes and fragrant basil swirled with cream. Trust me, once you make this soup, it’ll be a favorite in your home, too.