Creamy Tomato Soup
Recipe Tested & Approved by Mia Hartwell
Every recipe is developed, cooked, and tested by Mia in a real home kitchen using everyday ingredients to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
A velvety, rich tomato soup made from scratch with a hint of garlic and basil. Far better than canned, and the perfect partner for a grilled cheese on a cozy night.
By Mia HartwellUpdated November 2, 2025
Developed using tested cooking methods — cook to the temperatures given and adjust times to your equipment.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Velvety homemade tomato soup in 30 minutes
- Far better than canned
- Vegetarian and easily made dairy-free
- The ultimate grilled-cheese companion
Creamy Tomato Soup
35 min totalServes 4
Nutrition (per serving)
Values are estimates. See our disclaimer for details.
- Calories
- 250kcal
- Protein
- 6g
- Carbs
- 26g
- Fat
- 14g
- Fiber
- 4g
- Sugar
- 13g
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium. Cook the onion 5 minutes until soft, then add the garlic for 1 minute.
- 2
Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1-2 minutes until it darkens slightly.
- 3
Add the whole tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, and sugar. Break up the tomatoes with a spoon.
- 4
Simmer 15-20 minutes to meld the flavors.
- 5
Blend until smooth with an immersion blender (or carefully in a countertop blender).
- 6
Stir in the cream and basil, season with salt and pepper, and serve with extra basil.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Caramelize the tomato paste for a minute or two — it adds deep, rich flavor.
- A small pinch of sugar balances the acidity of canned tomatoes; taste and adjust.
- Use good-quality whole peeled tomatoes; they make the best-tasting soup.
- Stir in the cream off the boil so it stays smooth.
Cooking from your phone or kitchen? Print this recipe or save it as a PDF to keep it handy.
How to Cook Creamy Tomato Soup
New to this dish? Follow along with the detailed guide below — we break down each stage so you get perfect results the very first time.
Build a savory base
Soften the onion and garlic, then cook the tomato paste until it darkens. Caramelizing the paste deepens the soup's flavor and color, giving even canned tomatoes a rich, slow-cooked taste.
Simmer and blend
Add whole peeled tomatoes and broth and simmer to meld the flavors, with a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Blending until completely smooth is what gives the soup its signature velvety texture.
Finish creamy
Stir in cream off the boil so it stays smooth, then add fresh basil for aroma. Taste and adjust the salt and sugar until balanced, and serve with grilled cheese for the classic pairing.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze (before adding cream) for up to 3 months, then stir in cream when reheating. Reheat gently.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy tomato soup pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite grain. Add a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it dairy-free?+
Yes — use coconut milk or a splash of cashew cream instead of heavy cream, or simply omit it for a lighter soup.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?+
In peak season, yes — use about 3 lbs ripe tomatoes and simmer a bit longer to break them down.
How do I make it heartier?+
Serve with grilled cheese, or stir in cooked pasta, white beans, or a swirl of pesto.
You might also like
Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Tender pan-seared chicken tossed with penne in a velvety garlic-parmesan cream sauce. It comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes like the kind of pasta you'd order at a trattoria.
- Total time
- ⏱ 35 min
- Calories
- 🔥 640 cal
- Protein
- 💪 42g protein
Lemon Herb Baked Chicken
Juicy oven-baked chicken breasts in a bright lemon, garlic, and herb marinade. A reliable, healthy weeknight dinner that stays tender thanks to a quick brine-style marinade.
- Total time
- ⏱ 37 min
- Calories
- 🔥 290 cal
- Protein
- 💪 39g protein
Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet
Golden chicken thighs glazed in a sticky honey-garlic-soy sauce, all in one skillet. The sauce reduces into a glossy glaze that's equal parts sweet, savory, and garlicky.
- Total time
- ⏱ 30 min
- Calories
- 🔥 410 cal
- Protein
- 💪 33g protein
Loved this recipe? Pin it so you can find it again — and explore more easy dinners.