If you are craving a comforting, luscious bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a silky smooth base made rich by parmesan cheese and half and half. Each spoonful delivers a vibrant, fresh flavor balanced with a velvety texture that will quickly become one of your favorite go-to soups. Whether for a cozy dinner or a simple lunch, this soup is pure magic in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two white bowls placed on a white marbled surface. The left bowl contains three separate layers from top to bottom: finely chopped green peppers, chopped orange carrots, and white chopped onions. The right bowl is divided into two main parts: one half filled with a red tomato sauce with green herbs sprinkled on top, and the other half containing a mix of green peppers, carrots, and onions. A woman's hand is pouring a white liquid into the right bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

As with many timeless recipes, the magic lies in the simplicity and freshness of the ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating the vibrant color, fragrant aroma, and satisfying richness that defines this dish.

Olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the vegetables to soft perfection.
Diced tomatoes (2 cans): Choose diced tomatoes with juice for an intense tomato flavor and natural sweetness.
Carrots: Finely diced carrots contribute natural sweetness and beautiful color to the soup.
Onion: The finely diced onion gives a subtle savory depth to balance the sweetness.
Celery: Adds a gentle aromatic earthiness and crunch initially that softens during cooking.
Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor, intensifying the soup’s rich undertones.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a flavorful base while allowing the tomato and herbs to shine.
Dried oregano and basil: These herbs bring the classic Italian-inspired freshness to the soup.
Butter: Creates the base for the roux that thickens and enriches the soup.
All-purpose flour: Used in the roux to develop that signature creamy texture without lumps.
Parmesan cheese: Infuses a subtle umami and nutty flavor that elevates the soup’s richness.
Half and half (or whole milk): Adds creaminess while keeping the soup silky and light.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Fresh basil: Stirred in at the end, this brings a bright, fragrant finish that complements the tomatoes perfectly.

TIP

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

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced carrots, onion, and celery. Sauté these classic mirepoix vegetables just until they soften and start to release their wonderful aromas. This foundational step builds depth and subtly enhances the sweetness in your soup.

Step 2: Simmer with Tomatoes and Herbs

Next, stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juice, tomato paste, low-sodium chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then simmer until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld beautifully. This simmering step infuses every spoonful with rich tomato brightness and herby warmth.

Step 3: Puree Until Smooth

For that perfectly smooth, velvety texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Pureeing is optional if you prefer a chunkier soup but remember how that creamy texture transforms this recipe into something truly special. Return the smooth soup to the pot once done.

Step 4: Prepare the Roux

In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for about 10 minutes. The roux will turn a gorgeous golden brown color and develop a nutty aroma—this is the secret to the soup’s luxurious creaminess and perfect thickness.

Step 5: Combine Roux with Soup

Slowly incorporate a ladle of soup into the roux, stirring vigorously to create a smooth paste without lumps. Gradually add a few more ladles of soup, blending well each time. Once combined, stir this thickened roux mixture back into the main soup pot. This technique elevates the texture to rich and silky perfection.

Step 6: Stir in Cheese, Cream, and Seasonings

Finally, add the freshly grated parmesan cheese, half and half (or whole milk), salt, freshly ground pepper, and chopped fresh basil. Give the soup a good stir to meld all these luxurious ingredients together. Adjust the seasoning with a little more oregano and basil if you like extra herbal brightness. Heat through gently for a few minutes until piping hot and wonderfully fragrant.

Step 7: Storage Tips

Once your Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe is ready, you can store it covered in the refrigerator for up to one week, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy days.

Step 8: Serving Suggestion

For an inviting presentation, try serving this soup in a homemade bread bowl. It’s an irresistible way to enjoy every last drop!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick orange soup on a white marbled surface. On top of the soup, there is a white dollop of cream, a small pile of grated cheese, and a sprinkle of green herbs placed next to each other on one side. In the next image, a black spoon is lifting some of the smooth orange soup, showing small bits of herbs mixed inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your soup with a few simple garnishes like a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh grated parmesan, or a few basil leaves for an elegant finish. A dollop of crème fraîche or a swirl of pesto can add wonderful texture and flavor contrast as well.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with crusty artisan bread, garlic knots, or a warm grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal. Light salads with tangy vinaigrettes also complement the creamy and savory profile beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the soup in mini hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful, fun twist or use painted ceramic soup bowls to create a cozy vibe at your table. For entertaining, offer the soup shooters with a fresh basil leaf on top for elegant appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps exceptionally well for up to seven days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

This soup freezes nicely, so portion it out in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags and freeze for up to three months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Adding a splash of milk or broth when reheating helps maintain that luscious texture and prevents it from thickening too much.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have ripe, juicy tomatoes, you can substitute about 4 cups of peeled, chopped fresh tomatoes. Just simmer them a little longer to soften and release their flavors.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the low-sodium chicken broth for a high-quality vegetable broth. The soup remains just as flavorful and delicious!

Can I use milk instead of half and half?

Whole milk works well if you want a lighter version, though the soup will be slightly less rich and creamy. For best results, stick with half and half or add a little extra parmesan to boost creaminess.

How thick is this soup supposed to be?

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe has a medium-thick, luscious texture — thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still easy to ladle. You can adjust thickness by adding more broth or milk as you prefer.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Certainly! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while simmering or top with a swirl of spicy chili oil to give your soup an exciting kick without overpowering the classic flavors.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Creamy Tomato Basil Soup Recipe that makes it a heartfelt favorite anytime you want soothing comfort with layers of fresh, vibrant flavor. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do because every spoonful feels like a little celebration of simple, delicious cooking. Give it a try soon—you’ll be reaching for this recipe time and time again!