Name: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup unsalted butter; 2 cups yellow onion, chopped (medium sized); 1 tablespoon garlic, minced (about 3 cloves); 56 ounces crushed tomatoes (2-28 ounce cans); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 cups chicken broth; ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil); 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional); ½ cup heavy whipping cream; ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

There’s something truly irresistible about a warm bowl of soup that feels like a cozy hug. This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe hits all the right notes — velvety, fresh, and packed with comforting flavor that you’ll want to make again and again.

There are two bowls of bright orange tomato soup on a white marbled surface. Each bowl is white and filled with smooth tomato soup showing a swirled layer of white cream on top. The cream has light green chopped herbs sprinkled in the middle. One bowl in the front has two toasted golden brown bread pieces partially dipped into the soup on the right side. The orange soup has darker spots of black pepper scattered on its surface. The background has soft focus white and orange elements, enhancing the warm colors of the soup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this soup has saved the day — whether it’s a chilly night or when I’m just craving something soothing and hearty. Plus, it’s so easy to customize, and the flavors really sing together.

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of them in your kitchen already, making this a no-fuss go-to.
Rich and Creamy: The addition of cream and Parmesan creates a velvety texture that feels indulgent without being complicated.
Fresh Basil Flavor: That herbal brightness really lifts the whole soup and balances the richness perfectly.
Versatile and Customizable: Whether you want to keep it classic or add a twist, this recipe adapts beautifully.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe plays a role in creating its classic, comforting profile. Here's a quick look at what makes them work together so well.

Flat lay of unsalted butter in a simple white ceramic bowl, chopped yellow onion piled neatly on a white plate, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a mound of crushed ripe red tomatoes on a white plate, granulated sugar in a small white bowl, clear chicken broth in a small white bowl, fresh green basil leaves arranged on a white plate, balsamic vinegar in a small white bowl, heavy whipping cream in a small white bowl, shredded Parmesan cheese on a white plate, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich base for sautéing the onions, giving a silky mouthfeel right from the start.
Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when cooked slowly until golden.
Garlic: Brings a fragrant warmth that brightens the tomato flavor.
Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the soup—use good quality canned tomatoes for a fresh, vibrant taste.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a smooth flavor.
Chicken Broth: Builds a savory base; you can swap for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
Fresh or Dried Basil: Adds that signature herbaceous note—fresh is best when in season, dried works fine too.
Balsamic Vinegar (Optional): Just a splash brings an extra layer of depth and subtle tang.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Gives the soup that luscious creaminess and softens acidity.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts in to add nuttiness and a touch of umami richness.

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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.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is like a canvas. I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or swirling in extra cream if I’m feeling indulgent. You can really tweak it to match your mood or what’s in your pantry.

Variation: When I made this for a vegan friend, I swapped the butter for olive oil and used coconut or cashew cream instead — just as dreamy!
Seasonal Twist: Adding roasted red peppers or a handful of fresh spinach stirred in at the end gives it a colorful seasonal upgrade.
Texture Preference: If you like a chunkier soup, skip the blending step and enjoy the rustic tomato chunks with basil ribbons.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and give them a good stir every few minutes. You’re aiming for soft, golden onions here — it takes about 10 minutes, but the slow cook brings out a natural sweetness you don’t want to rush. When the onions are just right, add minced garlic and cook until you can really smell that lovely garlicky aroma, about one minute.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Base

Pour in the crushed tomatoes with their juice, then add chicken broth, basil, sugar, and a splash of balsamic vinegar if you’re using it. Stir everything together, crank up the heat until it just boils, and then lower it to a gentle simmer. Let this mingling happen for about 20 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 3: Blend to Perfection

This part is where you decide how smooth your soup gets. I love to use an immersion blender right in the pot — it’s quick and easy. If you don’t have one, a high-speed blender works too, just be sure to blend in batches and leave a small vent so steam escapes safely. The soup should be silky and even without splatters.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese

Finally, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then simmer gently on low for about five more minutes. This step softens the acidity and gives the soup that luscious creaminess you’re aiming for. Give it a taste — sometimes I add a touch more salt or pepper here.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, and if you want to get fancy, drizzle a little cream, sprinkle more Parmesan, or scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Then grab a crusty piece of bread (or your favorite scone) and dig in!

Top Tip

Trust me, blending this soup properly makes all the difference. I learned the hard way that rushing this step can lead to hot splashes or uneven texture that takes away from that smooth, creamy feel you want.

Immersion Blender Magic: Use it directly in the pot for convenience and less cleanup.
Blend in Batches: If using a high-speed blender, don’t fill it up — less risk of hot soup splattering all over.
Slow and Steady: Blend gently and pulse if needed, so your soup ends up perfectly smooth without overprocessing.
Watch the Heat: Let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid steam pressure build-up in your blender.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

creamy tomato basil soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my bowl with a swirl of extra cream and a little shower of freshly grated Parmesan. A few bright basil leaves on top add a fresh pop of color and aroma. Sometimes, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a dash of chili flakes lights it up just right.

Side Dishes

Nothing beats pairing this with a grilled cheese sandwich or some Ham and Cheddar Cheese Scones for dipping. Crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or even a simple side salad with a zesty vinaigrette compliments the soup beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls or even in espresso cups as a starter to a dinner party. Garnish the rim with a single basil leaf or a Parmesan crisp for a little wow factor that guests always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge and it lasts beautifully for up to three days. Leaving it to cool completely before sealing helps preserve the flavor and texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes surprisingly well! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat on low heat in a saucepan, stirring often to prevent sticking or scorching. If the soup thickens too much, a splash of broth or cream brings it back to that perfect creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup vegan?

Definitely! Swap the butter for olive oil, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace the heavy cream with your favorite plant-based cream or coconut milk. Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.

Do I have to peel the tomatoes?

Not at all! Using canned crushed tomatoes is perfect because they are already peeled and cooked down, saving you time and giving you a rich tomato base. If using fresh tomatoes, peeling is optional but recommended for smooth texture.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Yes! About 1 tablespoon of dried basil works well in place of ⅓ cup fresh. Just add it towards the beginning of simmering to allow the flavor to infuse fully.

How thick should my soup be?

This creamy tomato basil soup has a nice medium thickness—if you like it thinner, add a little more broth when simmering or when reheating. For thicker soup, reduce the liquid a bit or blend less for chunkier texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to make and share. It feels like a warm hug in a bowl — familiar, satisfying, and endlessly comforting. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and find it becomes your go-to whenever you want something cozy and delicious with minimal fuss.