There is something utterly comforting and soul-warming about a bowl of tomato soup on chilly days, which is exactly why the Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to make and share. This recipe takes humble canned tomatoes and transforms them into a luscious, velvety soup bursting with bright herbs, a hint of warmth from optional red pepper flakes, and a rich creaminess that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cozying up by the fireplace or need a quick, soothing meal, this creamy tomato soup checks all the boxes with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and a comforting, fresh flavor that makes the middle of winter something to look forward to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various fresh cooking ingredients on a white marbled surface arranged neatly. There is a white bowl with chopped white onions at the bottom left and another white bowl with fresh green basil leaves at the bottom right. A whole onion and diced carrot pieces rest on a wooden board on the top left, accompanied by a steel knife. In the center, an open can of red crushed tomatoes with its lid leaning on the can, a small white cup with thick red tomato paste, and a blue can labeled

This recipe is delightfully straightforward, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that each play a vital role in creating a rich and balanced soup. From the natural sweetness of carrots and onions to the herbaceous freshness of basil and thyme, every element builds layers of bold flavor and inviting texture.

Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing and adds a fruity richness to the soup.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened gently.
Carrots: Contribute natural sweetness and a lovely texture to balance the acidity of tomatoes.
Garlic: Offers a fragrant boost that brings the entire soup to life.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the soup a rich color.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Add a subtle kick that warms the palate.
Fresh basil leaves and stems: Give a bright, herby freshness that complements the tomato’s acidity.
Fresh thyme leaves (or dried): Introduce an earthy aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
Crushed canned tomatoes: The heart of the soup, offering concentrated tomato goodness all year round.
Vegetable stock or broth: Provides a savory liquid base; vegetable stock keeps it vegetarian and light.
Dry, unoaked white wine (optional): Adds acidity and complexity without overpowering the soup.
Heavy cream, milk, or unsweetened plant milk: Creates that silky, creamy consistency that makes this soup so indulgent.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics

Start by gently heating olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. As the kitchen fills with the fruity aroma of good olive oil, add diced yellow onion and carrots sprinkled with kosher salt and black pepper. The vegetables soften and sweeten within 5 to 6 minutes, setting the perfect flavor base. Then stir in finely chopped garlic, tomato paste, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little warmth. Let these cook together for a couple of minutes until the tomato paste deepens in color and the garlic releases its fragrance.

Step 2: Build and Simmer

Now it’s time for the stars to shine. Toss in fresh basil leaves, thyme, canned crushed tomatoes, your vegetable stock, and that splash of white wine if you’re using it. Give everything a good stir to combine and bring the pot to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a soft simmer, partially cover, and let it all cook for about 15 minutes until the carrots and onions are tender and flavors have melded beautifully.

Step 3: Blend

Carefully transfer the hot soup into a blender in batches, filling no more than two-thirds full. Blend each batch until silky smooth, using a kitchen towel to safely cover the lid opening to avoid any splash backs. For convenience, you can blitz the soup directly in the pot with an immersion blender until completely creamy.

Step 4: Finish the Creamy Tomato Soup

Return the blended soup to the pot and gently stir in the cream or your choice of milk alternative. Warm the soup through over medium-low heat, tasting as you go to adjust salt and pepper perfectly. This final step adds the velvety texture that transforms the dish into the ultimate winter comfort food.

How to Serve Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe

A large white pot filled with a smooth orange soup, having a creamy texture with light swirls of a slightly lighter orange mixed in. A wooden spoon with a darker handle is dipped into the soup, lifting a spoonful that creates a swirl pattern around it. The pot rests on a white marbled surface, with the handle of the pot visible on the left side. A woman's hand is holding the wooden spoon as it scoops the soup photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple swirl of fresh basil leaves, an extra crack of black pepper, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes make for beautiful and tasty finishing touches. These little additions elevate the soup and add contrasting notes to the rich creaminess.

Side Dishes

This creamy tomato soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread for dunking or a luscious grilled cheese sandwich with gooey mozzarella for an indulgent treat. The crunch and chew of the bread complement the soup’s smooth texture perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or garnish with crispy prosciutto bits, toasted pine nuts, or a drizzle of pesto. If you want to impress guests, top with a dollop of crème fraîche or swirl in some basil oil for that extra touch of elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover soup to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. You may want to add a splash of water or stock if the soup thickens too much after chilling.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Fresh tomatoes can be used, but canned crushed tomatoes provide the consistent, concentrated tomato flavor that makes this recipe easy and reliable year-round, especially in winter when fresh tomatoes aren’t at their peak.

Is it possible to make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap out heavy cream for unsweetened plant-based milk like oat or almond milk. It won’t be quite as rich, but still creamy and delicious.

What can I substitute for white wine?

If you’d rather skip the wine, you can simply leave it out or replace it with a little extra vegetable broth and a splash of vinegar (like white balsamic or apple cider vinegar) for acidity.

How spicy does the soup get with the red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes add only a gentle warmth that balances the sweetness and acidity. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder soup.

Can I prepare the soup entirely in a slow cooker?

Yes! Begin by sautéing the onion, carrots, and garlic on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Blend and stir in cream just before serving.

Final Thoughts

The Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe is truly a hug in a bowl that you’ll want to make again and again. Its effortless ingredients combine into a luxurious, cozy meal that embraces you with warmth and flavor on even the coldest days. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and transform simple pantry staples into a dish that feels homemade and heartwarming every time.

Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need