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 minced garlic; 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· 4.5 from 12 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, fresh, and downright delicious soup to cozy up with, this Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come back to this recipe when I needed something quick yet flavorful. It’s smooth, creamy, and packed with fresh basil that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. Trust me, whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll enjoy how simple and satisfying this soup is to whip up.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity: Uses staple ingredients you likely already have, making it super accessible.
Fresh Basil Boost: Fresh basil adds bright, aromatic flavor that dried herbs just can’t match.
Creamy Texture: A splash of heavy cream smooths out the acidity of tomatoes beautifully.
Speedy Prep: Ready in just about 25 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.

Easy Tomato Basil Soup, Tomato Basil Soup, Homemade Tomato Soup, Fresh Basil Soup, Simple Tomato Soup Recipe - 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

This easy tomato basil soup blends fresh veggies and pantry staples that complement one another, giving you that classic, cozy taste with minimal fuss. When shopping, opt for good-quality canned fire-roasted tomatoes if you can — they add a pleasant smokiness without extra effort.

Easy Tomato Basil Soup, Tomato Basil Soup, Homemade Tomato Soup, Fresh Basil Soup, Simple Tomato Soup Recipe - 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: The base for sautéing adds a fruity richness to the soup’s flavor.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
Garlic: Brings that comforting warmth and fragrant aroma.
Chicken broth: The backbone of the soup liquid; adds savory flavor without overpowering.
Salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
Black pepper: A little kick that livens things up.
Fresh basil leaves: Star herb in this recipe – so fresh and fragrant, it transforms the soup.
Heavy cream: Offers that creamy texture and mellows tomato acidity beautifully.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Adds tomato goodness plus a hint of smokiness, making the soup vibrant and delicious.

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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 customizing this soup depending on my mood and what’s in my pantry. Feel free to play around — this soup is forgiving and perfect for making it your own without messing it up!

Go vegan: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. I tried this once, and the coconut flavor added an unexpected but delightful twist!
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes when you sauté the garlic for a subtle warmth. I do this sometimes when the weather calls for a little extra kick.
Thicker or thinner: For a thicker soup, simmer it a bit longer to concentrate flavors; for lighter, add more broth or even a splash of water.
Herb twists: Mix in fresh thyme or oregano if you want a more herbaceous depth.

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

Step 1: Sauté Onions Like a Pro

Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large saucepan. Toss in your diced onion and cook it gently for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. You want the onions to sweeten and mellow without browning — don’t rush this! Stir occasionally, and your kitchen will already start smelling inviting.

Step 2: Garlic and Tomatoes Join the Party

Next, add your minced garlic to the softened onions and cook for just about a minute until fragrant. Then stir in the chicken broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This simmering lets all the flavors marry beautifully.

Step 3: Blend to Creamy Perfection

Remove the pot from heat and toss in your chopped fresh basil leaves. Now comes the fun part: pureeing. I use a handheld immersion blender right in the pot to blend until silky smooth — it’s quick and mess-free. If you use a countertop blender, be very careful to vent the lid slightly to release steam and avoid pressure build-up. Blend until creamy.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Final Taste

Finally, stir in the heavy cream for that luscious finish. Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. You’ll notice how the cream balances the acidity of the tomatoes, giving you that classic comforting soup texture. Serve it hot, and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil truly makes all the difference — adding it at the end preserves its bright flavor and vivid color.
Simmer Gently: Keep your simmer low and slow to avoid the soup becoming too acidic or bitter.
Blend Safely: When blending hot liquids, always vent your blender lid and start slow to avoid splatters or steam burns.
Adjust Cream Last: Add cream at the very end to keep the soup silky and avoid curdling.

How to Serve Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Easy Tomato Basil Soup, Tomato Basil Soup, Homemade Tomato Soup, Fresh Basil Soup, Simple Tomato Soup Recipe - 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 like topping my soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few torn fresh basil leaves to boost that herbaceous aroma. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a tiny grating of Parmesan cheese adds a lovely touch too — it’s those little extras that take a simple soup up a notch.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich—melty cheddar and crispy bread are a total match made in heaven. Or serve alongside a crusty baguette for dipping. On busy nights, I’ve even served it with a quick arugula salad drizzled with lemon for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve ladled this soup into mini pumpkin bowls—it looks stunning and makes for fun fall entertaining. Another time, I piped a swirl of basil cream cheese on top for a creamy burst that surprised my guests in the best way. Get playful with garnishes and bowls, and you’ll wow at your next dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I’ve stored leftover tomato basil soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it tastes just as delicious the next day. I always let the soup cool completely before refrigerating, which preserves that fresh flavor. If you notice it thickens, just stir in a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this soup works wonderfully! I usually portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. When defrosted, the soup retains its smooth texture, though I recommend stirring in a little fresh basil or cream after thawing to brighten the flavors back up. I’ve found freezing makes this recipe a lifesaver for busy weeks.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat while stirring often to prevent sticking or scorching. Avoid boiling to keep the cream from separating. If the soup gets too thick, adding a splash of broth or water helps return it to the perfect consistency. Microwave works too—short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I make this soup without heavy cream?

Absolutely! If you want to skip the heavy cream, you can omit it or substitute with coconut milk, cashew cream, or even a dollop of plain yogurt added just before serving. Just keep in mind these alternatives will change the flavor slightly but still keep the soup luscious.
Is fresh basil really necessary for this soup?

Fresh basil is highly recommended because it adds a bright, fresh aroma and flavor that dried basil can’t fully replicate. But if you don’t have it, substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried basil—just add it earlier during cooking to let it infuse.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can! You’ll want about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Cook them down during the simmer step until they break down completely. The soup might be a bit less smoky without the fire-roasted canned tomatoes, but still delicious and fresh-tasting.
How long does this tomato basil soup keep?

In the fridge, it keeps well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it fully before refrigerating or freezing.

Final Thoughts

I keep coming back to this Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe because it feels like a warm hug in a bowl every single time. It’s so straightforward yet packed with enough flavor to satisfy everyone at the table — kids, adults, even picky eaters. I hope you make it your go-to too; it’s one of those recipes you’ll want in your cooking arsenal forever. Seriously, give it a try, and then call me to rave about it!

Easy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients & Why They Work

Tweak to Your Taste