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 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 wonderfully soothing about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly day. This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is one of those timeless comforts that feels like a hug in a bowl—rich, velvety, and bursting with fresh basil and tangy tomato goodness.

A white bowl filled with bright orange creamy tomato soup sits on a white marbled surface. On top of the soup are white cream swirls, sprinkled black pepper, and a small pile of chopped green basil leaves in the middle. A white spoon is dipped into the soup on the right side. In the background, part of another white bowl with the same soup and a glass jar filled with white cream are visible. A 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

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s just so simple yet layered with flavor. I've whipped it up countless times and it never disappoints—perfectly creamy with just the right tang of tomato and a fresh hint of basil.

Rich, creamy texture: The addition of heavy cream and parmesan gives it a smooth, indulgent mouthfeel that feels fancy but takes minutes to make.
Fresh basil flavor: Using fresh basil really elevates the soup and gives it that classic garden-fresh aroma—don’t skip it!
Easy to customize: Whether you want it vegan, a little spicy, or with a twist of balsamic vinegar, this recipe adapts beautifully.
Comfort food ready: It’s perfect for cozy nights, quick lunches, or impressing guests with a homemade touch.

Two white bowls filled with bright orange creamy tomato soup sit on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has a swirl of white cream on top, sprinkled with small green herb pieces and a few black specks of pepper. One bowl is closer to the front and contains two golden toasted bread slices partially dipped in the soup, while the other bowl is positioned slightly behind and to the left, showing just the soup and cream swirl. A yellow cloth is partly visible on the lower left side of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this soup plays a key role in creating a beautifully balanced flavor. From the buttery aroma of sautéed onions to the tang of crushed tomatoes and the richness of parmesan, these elements come together like old friends in a great meal.

Flat lay of a small pile of unsalted butter, a mound of chopped yellow onion, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a cluster of fresh crushed tomatoes still on the vine, a few granulated sugar crystals delicately scattered, a small white bowl filled with golden chicken broth, a handful of fresh green basil leaves, a small white bowl with dark balsamic vinegar, a small white bowl of heavy whipping cream, and a small white bowl heaped with shredded Parmesan cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: Helps soften the onions and adds a subtle richness without overpowering the flavors.
Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness and a mellow base to build the soup’s depth.
Garlic: Brings warmth and a fragrant punch—just the right amount to enhance but not dominate.
Crushed Tomatoes: The star of the show—go for good-quality canned ones for the freshest taste year-round.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a perfectly mellow soup.
Chicken Broth: Introduces savory depth; swap with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Basil (Fresh or Dried): Fresh basil is ideal; it brings a bright herbal note that defines this soup.
Balsamic Vinegar (Optional): Adds a subtle complexity with a slight tangy sweetness—I like using it when I want a richer flavor profile.
Heavy Whipping Cream: The secret to that luxurious creamy texture that makes it feel special.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, savory kick that rounds out the flavor beautifully.

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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

I love tweaking this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood I'm in. It’s forgiving and versatile, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Variation: When I want a lighter version, I swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk which adds a subtle sweetness and keeps it dairy-free.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives the soup a gentle heat that wakes up the flavors wonderfully.
Herbal Boost: Sometimes I mix in some fresh thyme or oregano alongside basil for extra herbaceous notes—especially in colder months.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics to Perfection

Start by heating butter in a large soup pot over medium heat, then toss in your chopped onions. This is where the magic begins—cook and stir for about 10 minutes until the onions are soft, translucent, and golden. This slow sauté is key to sweetening the onions and building a flavorful base. Then add your minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds to a minute—to avoid bitterness.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Broth & Basil

Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with their juice, then add your chicken broth, chopped basil, sugar, pepper, and balsamic vinegar if you’re using it. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally—this helps the flavors meld and the soup to thicken just right.

Step 3: Blend for Creamy Smoothness

If you like a smooth consistency (and I do!), carefully blend the soup in batches using a high-speed blender or an immersion blender right in the pot. Be cautious since the soup is hot—blending a little at a time makes this step safe and easier. This step makes the soup indulgently creamy and velvety.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Parmesan

Stir in the heavy whipping cream and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, then warm everything over low heat for about 5 minutes. This final step adds richness and a savory depth that makes this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe truly unforgettable.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to get the most out of this soup. I’ve found that the slow sauté of onions really transforms the flavor, and blending the soup while it’s hot but in small batches keeps things safe and smooth.

Sauté Low and Slow: Don’t rush the onions—this builds the sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
Blend Carefully: To avoid spills and burns, cool the soup slightly or blend in small batches with a towel over your blender lid.
Fresh Basil Over Dried: Whenever possible, opt for fresh basil—it makes an incredible difference in flavor and aroma.
Avoid Overheating Cheese: Add the Parmesan at the end and warm gently to prevent it from clumping or becoming grainy.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a swirl of extra cream, a sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan, and some whole basil leaves for that fresh pop of green. Sometimes, a few crunchy croutons or a dash of black pepper really completes the experience.

Side Dishes

Pairing it with buttery grilled cheese sandwiches or warm ham and cheddar scones (my favorite combo!) turns this simple soup into a truly satisfying meal. Garlic bread also works great if you want something easy and delicious on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, I love serving the soup in small espresso cups as an appetizer when entertaining, topped with mini basil sprigs and a tiny Parmesan crisp. It always impresses guests and adds a bit of flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. It keeps its flavor well — just give it a good stir before reheating because the cream can settle a bit.

Freezing

This soup freezes nicely too! Just skip the cream when freezing and add it back in after thawing. Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to three months.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If you froze it without cream, add the cream and Parmesan once heated through for the best creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for olive oil or a vegan butter substitute, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative. It’s just as delicious!

What’s the best way to get a smooth soup texture?

For a silky smooth soup, use a high-speed blender or an immersion blender to puree the soup after simmering. Remember to blend the hot soup in small batches and cover the blender lid with a kitchen towel to prevent splatters.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes! This soup holds up great for up to three days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to three months—just add the cream and Parmesan after reheating to keep the flavors fresh.

What can I serve with Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?

Grilled cheese sandwiches, ham and cheddar scones, garlic bread, or a simple green salad pair wonderfully with this soup. I especially love pairing it with warm toasted bread to make a complete, satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is one of those recipes I come back to over and over. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of fresh flavors that comfort the soul. I have no doubt you’ll find it just as delightful—and pretty addictive—as I do. So go ahead, cozy up with a bowl and a good book, or invite a friend over and share the warmth!