Name: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 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 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 so soothing about a warm bowl of velvety soup on a chilly day, and this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe definitely hits that cozy spot. It’s packed with bright tomatoes, fresh basil, and that lovely creamy finish that makes it feel like a hug in a bowl.

A bowl of bright orange creamy soup fills the frame, showing a smooth texture with a swirl of white cream on top. In the center, green chopped herbs add color and freshness, scattered lightly with small black pepper flakes. The soup sits in a simple white bowl on a white marbled surface. A white spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. Another white bowl of soup and a glass of white liquid are slightly out of focus in the background. A piece of yellow cloth peeks in from the bottom left corner. 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’ve made my fair share of tomato soups, and this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe stands out because it balances freshness with richness perfectly—without feeling heavy. It’s easy, quick, and so satisfying, whether it’s a lunch treat or a dinner starter.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry and fridge, making this a great go-to recipe.
Fresh Basil Flavor: The basil adds a wonderful aromatic brightness that lifts the whole soup.
Rich and Creamy Texture: The addition of cream and Parmesan cheese gives the soup that luscious mouthfeel without being too heavy.
Versatile and Customizable: It adapts well to whatever you have on hand, and you can easily make it vegan or dairy-free with a few swaps.

Two bowls of bright orange soup with creamy white swirls on top sit on a white marbled surface. The soup has a smooth texture and is garnished with small green herb pieces and black pepper flakes. In the bowl closest to the front, two toasted golden-brown bread pieces are dipped halfway into the soup, leaning against the bowl's edge. The bowls are white and round, and the scene is softly lit, showing details of the soup’s creamy surface and the crisp, textured bread pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe works together to create that perfect balance of comfort and brightness. Let’s walk through them so you know why each one is important, plus I’ll share my tips on what to look for while you shop.

Flat lay of a few medium yellow onions chopped in a simple white ceramic bowl, three whole uncracked garlic cloves beside a small white bowl of unsalted butter, a large white ceramic bowl filled with bright red crushed tomatoes, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of golden chicken broth, fresh green basil leaves loosely arranged, a small white bowl of balsamic vinegar, a small white bowl of heavy whipping cream, and a small white bowl of shredded Parmesan cheese, all placed 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: This adds richness and helps soften the onions beautifully. Unsalted lets you control the seasoning better.
Yellow Onion: Gives a sweet, savory base when sautéed, building flavor right from the start.
Garlic: Adds just enough pungency and warmth, but don’t overdo it or it’ll dominate the soup.
Crushed Tomatoes: Use good-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor—they’re the heart of this soup.
Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and bring harmony to the flavors.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and body; you can swap this with vegetable broth if you want to keep it vegetarian.
Basil: Fresh if possible for the best aromatic impact, but dried works in a pinch.
Balsamic Vinegar (optional): Gives a subtle tang and complexity—my secret ingredient that makes this soup stand out.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This turns the soup silky-smooth and comforting without being too thick.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory finish that rounds off the flavors perfectly.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I’ve played around with different herbs and creams, and you can absolutely make this your own without losing that classic feel.

Variation: A touch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick that warms you up—perfect for winter evenings when you want a little spice.
Vegan Swap: Try coconut cream instead of heavy cream and use vegetable broth; it still feels creamy and comforting.
Herb Substitutions: If basil is out of season, fresh oregano or thyme can make a nice alternative with a slightly earthier twist.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics Until Golden and Soft

Start by warming your soup pot over medium heat and melting the butter. Add the chopped onions and cook them slowly, stirring often, for about 10 minutes until they’re soft and turning a lovely golden color. I find this step is key—it builds a deep, sweet flavor base that makes the whole soup sing. Avoid rushing this part; if the onions brown too quickly, lower the heat.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomatoes, Then Simmer

Toss in your minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute (don’t let it burn!). Then stir in the crushed tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, chopped basil, sugar, balsamic vinegar if you’re using it, and a little pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Blend for Smoothness (Optional but Stunning)

If you prefer a smooth soup (which I usually do), now’s the time to blend. Use an immersion blender right in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup in small batches to a high-speed blender. Hot liquids can bubble up, so blend in small portions and hold the lid tightly. It’s worth the extra step because it creates that velvety texture that feels luxurious.

Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan, then Warm Through

Return the blended soup to the pot (if you did it in batches), then add your cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir gently but thoroughly and keep it on low heat for another five minutes—just enough to melt the Parmesan and let the soup thicken a tiny bit more. Don’t boil it here; you don’t want the cream to separate.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy the Comfort

Ladle your soup into bowls and garnish as you like—extra cream swirled on top, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or a few fresh basil leaves. Then settle in and savor every comforting spoonful.

Top Tip

Having made this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that help it shine every single time.

Onion Sauté: Don’t rush the onions; slow cooking them brings out sweetness and depth, which is the foundation of a flavorful soup.
Blending Safety: When blending hot soup, always blend in batches to avoid splatters and burns—this is a kitchen safety must.
Fresh Basil Timing: Adding basil early in the simmer lets its flavor infuse, but save some fresh leaves for garnish to keep that pop of brightness.
Cream Addition: Stir cream in last and keep heat low to avoid curdling—this keeps the silky texture intact.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

creamy tomato basil - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my soup with a drizzle of heavy cream for that pretty swirl, a few fresh basil leaves for color and aroma, and a generous sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese. Sometimes a crack of fresh black pepper adds a little depth. These simple touches make it look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with warm, crusty bread or my personal favorite — Ham and Cheddar Cheese Scones. The savory, flaky scones soak up the soup beautifully and add just the right amount of texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to serve the soup in small, clear glasses or mini cauldrons and garnish with micro basil and tiny curls of Parmesan. It feels special and elegant, and everyone loves the personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge and it stays fresh for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before reheating to bring the cream and cheese back together nicely.

Freezing

This soup freezes pretty well, which is great for batch cooking. Freeze it without the cream and Parmesan, then add those fresh when reheating. I find this helps keep the texture and flavor bright.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often so it heats evenly and doesn’t scorch. Add a splash of cream and some shredded Parmesan as it warms up to refresh that silky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes can work, especially if they’re ripe and in season, but you’ll need to cook them down longer to achieve the right consistency and flavor concentration. Canned crushed tomatoes are more convenient and consistent for this soup.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to keep that cheesy flavor.

Why is sugar added to the soup?

The sugar helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes, rounding out the flavor and preventing the soup from tasting too sharp or sour.

Can I store this soup in the freezer for a long time?

For best quality, consume frozen soup within 2-3 months. Be sure to freeze without dairy, and add cream and cheese when reheating to keep the texture smooth.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is one that has become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want something quick but still deeply comforting. It’s simple, bursting with fresh flavors, and versatile enough for everyday meals or special occasions. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s like sharing a warm smile through a bowl of soup.