Homemade tomato soup is so light and creamy. Top it off, this dish is super easy to make, healthy and packed full of bright flavors.
Tomato basil soup makes me feel like a kid again. If I am not dipping a grilled cheese into it, I am definitely sopping up the tangy broth with a hunk of fresh bread.
Tomato basil soup is a classic that everyone has to try at some point in their life. Nordstrom Cafe actually got me really hooked on it. It’s so darn good there! This homemade version is just as good, if not better. I am so pumped for you to try it!
Ingredients For Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato basil soup only requires a few, wholesome ingredients:
- Carrots – use any carrots you have on hand. In my opinion, orange carrots have the best and most bright flavor.
- Onion – Yellow or sweet onions will work great.
- Tomatoes – Canned Italian tomatoes are your best bet. They come whole and in a super tasty tomato puree. Bonus: They are already flavored with Italian seasoning.
- Hot Tip – You can make your own roasted tomatoes for this recipe. Bake chopped tomatoes, garlic, onions and Italian seasoning at 400 ℉ for 30 minutes in a roasting pan.
- Basil – Use fresh or dry basil. Fresh basil will give you the best flavor.
- Cream – Heavy cream will give you that rich, creamy flavor. It also compliments the acidity of your tomatoes.
- Broth – Feel free to use veggie or chicken broth. Better than Bouillon is my absolute favorite broth concentrate.
- Seasoning – Salt, pepper and Italian seasoning work great. If your Italian seasoning already has salt in it, keep that in mind before adding more.
How Do You Make Tomato Basil Soup From Scratch?
- Saute onions, carrots and dried basil with oil until they are golden, soft and translucent.
- Add the tomatoes, including the puree, and the broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to meld all the flavors together.
- Remove from heat. Add fresh basil and cream and place over medium heat. Warm until heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Blend the soup in a standard blender or with an immersion blender and serve.
Serving Tomato Basil Soup
I know I recommended grilled cheese and focaccia above, but here are a couple other options for you to try:
- No-Knead Bread – This simple loaf is perfect for dipping.
- No-Knead Baguette – This baguette tastes just as good as the ones I ate in France. Break off the pieces of crunchy bread and dip straight into your soup to enjoy.
- Ultimate Garden Salad – If you’re trying to lay off the carbs, a light and refreshing salad is the perfect accompaniment to a hot soup.
Storing Tomato Basil Soup
Soup is one of my favorite dishes to meal prep. It simply gets better and better as it marinates in the fridge! Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerating – Refrigerate tomato basil soup in an airtight container. It will last for up to a week. When you are ready to reheat it, place it in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
- Freezing – Tomato basil soup can be frozen in a freezer-friendly container or even a plastic storage bag. When you are ready to reheat it, place it in the fridge to thaw overnight. To reheat, place the soup in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Hot Tip: Only add the cream if you plan on eating the soup the same day. Cream can reheat a bit funny and break up into bits. Adding cream after you reheat will ensure the best flavor and texture.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 large carrots chopped
- 1 large onion chopped
- 28 oz canned Italian style tomatoes
- 1 qt chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tbsp salt adjust to taste
- 1 tsp pepper adjust to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the carrots, onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add the canned tomatoes, including the puree. Add the broth, and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add fresh basil and cream, and cook on medium heat until the ingredients are heated through.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Blend the soup and enjoy!
For a couple years I've been on a quest to find a recipe for tomato basil soup that can compete with what they serve at the Jolly Holiday Terrace at Disneyland. This is it! I loved it. Thank you.
Jennifer, I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe, thank you for taking the time to comment!
Instead of using canned tomatoes could Passata be used as a substitute ?
I haven't tried the flavor or Passeta so I cant give you a good recommendation. I believe that the flavor wouldn't be as good.
Hello. Is there a substitution for the heavy cream to make it “healthier”. Currently doing the WW program! Any suggestions that did include dairy for this recipe? Almond milk?
Thank you!!
Hey Mary, you can skip out on it or add less. Its there for flavor so if you are trying to replace it, I would skip altogether!
I have a question about the canned tomatoes. In the video you used two large cans of tomatoes. In the recipe above, you show 28 oz. canned tomatoes. Is the correct amount two (28 oz.) cans of tomatoes? I just love all your recipes. Thank you.
Hey Zina, in the video we doubled up he ingredients. Our campra guy was there so we had more people to feed. 🙂 Sorry, the two jars would be confusing to me as well.
oh no! Where's the old version of this?! It was such a staple in our home and now I can't find it!
Hey Karina, Before it was just roasted tomatoes with bell peppers and garlic, blend and serve. But give this version a try, its creamy, so good! I feel like its elevated to another level 🙂
Post both versions of this soup
I agree, you should have both versions up! 🙂
I had the ingredients at home so I made this today and it was a huge hit. No leftovers!Thanks for the recipe.
That is so good to hear! Thanks for sharing.
One of my favorite soups!
Yey, it has been on repeat in our home.
Such a great tip about freezing it! I think I'm going to put them in single sized portions so it's easy to grab for lunch. It's delicious!
Jen, that's a great idea. Thanks for sharing!
Looks so delicious! How much basil should be added? I’m not sure what “bn” stands for.
Sorry, that would be about 1 cup of basil.