Simple Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe

Quick & Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe: A Cozy Bowl of Comfort

Crafting a delightful simple creamy tomato soup can turn an ordinary evening into a comforting culinary adventure.

Fresh ingredients dance together in a harmonious blend of flavors.

Ripe tomatoes bring vibrant color and depth to this classic dish.

Kitchen magic happens when you combine a few pantry staples with minimal effort.

creamy textures mingle with robust tomato notes, creating a soul-warming experience.

Smooth and velvety, this soup promises to become your new go-to comfort meal.

Each spoonful whispers of home-cooked goodness that will make you want to grab a ladle and start cooking right now.

FAQs

  • Why use sugar in tomato soup?

Sugar helps balance the acidity of tomatoes, creating a more rounded and smoother flavor profile without making the soup sweet.

  • Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need about 4-5 medium tomatoes chopped. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes might require slightly longer cooking time to break down.

  • Is an immersion blender necessary?

While an immersion blender is convenient, a regular blender works fine. Just be careful when transferring hot soup and blend in small batches to prevent splattering.

  • How can I make this soup healthier?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or coconut milk to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

Simple Creamy Tomato Soup: Nostalgic Warm-Up

  • Easily adapt the recipe by adding different herbs, adjusting cream levels, or incorporating personal favorite toppings for a unique dining experience.
  • Perfect solution for busy weeknights, delivering a nutritious and satisfying dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
  • Universally appealing recipe that kids and adults will love, making mealtime stress-free and delightful with its creamy, rich texture.

Pantry Staples for Creamy Tomato Soup

Base Ingredients:
  • Diced Tomatoes: The star ingredient that provides the rich, tangy base for the soup.
  • Broth: Helps create a smooth and flavorful liquid foundation for the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, velvety texture and creamy richness to the soup.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: These ingredients build a deep, savory flavor profile for the soup.
  • Dried Basil, Oregano: Classic herbs that enhance the tomato's natural taste.
  • Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a subtle sweetness.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the overall flavor of the soup.
Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking.
  • Fresh Basil: Optional garnish that adds a bright, fresh herb note to the finished soup.

How to Purée the Perfect Tomato Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame.

Toss in chopped onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Add minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for a quick minute, filling your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

Pour in these ingredients:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Vegetable or chicken broth
  • Dried basil
  • Dried oregano
  • Pinch of sugar

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Let the ingredients mingle and develop deep, rich flavors for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Transform Into Silky Soup

Take the pot off the heat.

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a smooth, creamy texture right in the pot.

No immersion blender?

Carefully transfer the soup to a standard blender, blending in batches until perfectly smooth, then return to the pot.

Step 4: Finish With Luxurious Cream

Swirl in heavy cream and return the pot to low heat.

Warm the soup gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing the cream to integrate seamlessly.

Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.

Step 5: Serve With Style

Ladle the vibrant soup into bowls.

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pair with crusty bread or a golden grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips for Velvety Tomato Soup Texture

  • Use an immersion blender for the easiest and safest way to puree hot soup without transferring multiple batches, reducing mess and potential burn risks.
  • Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of tomatoes, creating a more rounded and complex taste profile in your soup.
  • Stir heavy cream gently and slowly to prevent curdling, ensuring a silky and smooth texture throughout the soup.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, creamy consistency of the original recipe.
  • Keep soup warm on low heat before serving, but avoid boiling after adding cream to preserve its smooth texture and prevent separation.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Tomato Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
  • Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick.
  • Pour soup into a saucepan, warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little broth or water to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.

Grilled Cheese and Salad Pairings for Tomato Soup

  • Pair with Crisp Grilled Cheese Triangles: Create classic sandwich triangles with sharp cheddar melted between sourdough bread, providing a perfect crunchy contrast to the smooth, creamy tomato soup.
  • Match with Herbed Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay with herbal undertones that complement the soup's basil and oregano notes, enhancing the tomato's natural sweetness.
  • Complement with Rustic Garlic Croutons: Toss homemade croutons made from day-old bread cubes, toasted with olive oil, garlic, and dried herbs, adding delightful texture and crunch to each spoonful.
  • Enhance with Fresh Parmesan Sprinkle: Grate high-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the soup, introducing a salty, nutty dimension that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.

Variations on Creamy Tomato Soup

  • Vegan Creamy Tomato Soup: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully plant-based version.
  • Roasted Tomato Variation: Roast tomatoes in the oven with garlic and herbs before adding to the soup for deeper, caramelized flavor. Enhance complexity by using fire-roasted canned tomatoes.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Soup: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and a splash of harissa paste. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley for extra zest.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip sugar and use diced fresh tomatoes. Replace cream with Greek yogurt or cauliflower puree to maintain creamy texture while reducing carbohydrates.
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Simple Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe

Simple Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting creamy tomato soup brings Italian countryside warmth to your kitchen with rich, velvety texture and classic Mediterranean flavors. Perfectly balanced ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a soul-soothing bowl that welcomes you home with each delightful spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 14.5-ounce (411 grams) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Aromatic Ingredients:

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Seasonings and Optional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature. Sauté chopped onions for 5-6 minutes until translucent and softened.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for one minute, releasing aromatic flavors without browning.
  3. Pour diced tomatoes, broth, dried basil, oregano, and sugar into the pot. Stir ingredients thoroughly and bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Allow soup to cook for 10-15 minutes, enabling ingredients to develop a rich, harmonious flavor profile.
  5. Remove pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree soup until completely smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer soup in batches to a standard blender, processing until uniform in texture.
  6. Return blended soup to low heat and incorporate heavy cream. Warm gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  8. Transfer soup to serving bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an elegant touch.
  9. Accompany with crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich to create a satisfying, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the most vibrant soup taste, preferring San Marzano or Roma varieties for their rich, sweet profile.
  • Adjust cream consistency by using half-and-half for lighter texture or coconut milk for dairy-free option, creating versatile dietary alternatives.
  • Control soup thickness by adding extra broth if too dense or simmering longer to reduce liquid and concentrate flavors.
  • Enhance nutrition by adding roasted red peppers or switching some tomatoes with fire-roasted canned tomatoes for deeper, smoky undertones.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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