If you are craving something that’s cozy, velvety, and bursting with perfectly balanced flavors, you are in for a treat with this Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe. This soup is the ultimate comfort food that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful. Using simple canned tomatoes alongside fresh herbs and creamy richness, it transforms humble pantry staples into a shine-worthy dish that feels like a hug from the inside out. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a lazy weekend meal, this recipe is the kind of soul-satisfying bowl that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with cooking ingredients arranged neatly. At the center is an open can filled with rich red crushed tomatoes, with its lid slightly tilted. Around it, bowls contain chopped white onions, fresh green basil leaves, salt with a small wooden spoon, and cracked black pepper in small round dishes. On the left side, a wooden cutting board holds chopped orange carrots, a whole onion, and a kitchen knife with a white handle. Near the top, there is a small glass of white liquid, a bottle of oil, cloves of garlic, and fresh green thyme sprigs on a white plate. A tube of tomato paste lies open with a bit squeezed out, and a small white cup holds thick red tomato paste. At the top right, a white bowl contains a clear brown broth, while a small glass container with a spout sits at the bottom right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this soup lies in how uncomplicated the ingredient list is. Each item is carefully chosen not just for flavor, but for how it builds layers of texture and color, making every bite luscious and vibrant. From sweet carrots that mellow out acidity to fragrant fresh basil that lifts the whole dish, you’ll see how essential each one is.

Olive oil: The golden base that beautifully sautés the veggies and adds richness.
Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and a fragrant depth once softened.
Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a lovely texture contrast when diced.
Garlic: Infuses bold aroma and savory warmth to the soup.
Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and adds a touch of umami.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat that wakes up the palate.
Fresh basil leaves and tender stems: Bright, herbaceous notes that make the soup sing.
Fresh thyme leaves: Earthy and subtle, adding complexity.
Crushed tomatoes (28-ounce can): The star of the show, providing rich tomato goodness all year round.
Vegetable stock or broth: Brings depth and body to the soup base.
Dry, unoaked white wine (optional): Adds brightness and a hint of acidity.
Heavy cream, milk, or unsweetened plant milk: Creates that irresistibly creamy texture that soothes and satisfies.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony.

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 heating up olive oil in a sturdy pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and carrots to build your flavor base—season them with salt and black pepper to coax out their natural sweetness. Gently cook them for around 5 to 6 minutes until they soften and start to release their aromas. Then, stir in garlic, tomato paste, and if you like a bit of warmth, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. Keeping the heat moderate lets the tomato paste brown just enough to deepen the flavor without burning, while the garlic melds perfectly into the mix.

Step 2: Build and Simmer the Soup

Next, add your fresh basil leaves, thyme, canned crushed tomatoes, and the vegetable stock (and the optional white wine, if you’re using it). This is where all those gorgeous flavors really start to come together. Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to maintain a soft simmer. Let it cook with the lid partly on for about 15 minutes so the veggies become tender and the herbs infuse the broth with their magic.

Step 3: Blend to Creamy Perfection

The key to luxuriously smooth soup is blending. Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender, no more than two-thirds full. Keep the blender’s center cap off but cover the hole with a thick kitchen towel to avoid splatters. Puree the soup until it’s silky smooth, then return it to the pot. If you prefer less fuss, an immersion blender works like a charm right in the pot, giving you that same creamy finish without the extra step.

Step 4: Finish the Creamy Tomato Soup

Now comes the magic touch—stir in the heavy cream or your chosen milk alternative. Warm the soup gently on medium-low heat while stirring so that it becomes decadently creamy without curdling. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper until it hits just the right note for your taste buds.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle this soul-warming Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe into bowls and add a finishing flourish of cracked pepper, fresh basil leaves, or extra crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat. Pair it with crusty bread or a gooey mozzarella grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal. Every spoonful is a celebration of cozy winter vibes!

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

A large white pot filled with smooth, bright orange soup. The soup has swirls of a lighter orange cream mixed gently on top, creating soft patterns. A wooden spoon is inside the pot with its round end slightly lifted from the soup, showing the thick texture. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is holding the spoon handle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil add that bright, fresh pop that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes provides a lovely hint of heat for those who like their soup with a little kick. Don’t underestimate a drizzle of good olive oil or a little cracked black pepper to elevate presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

The best companions for this soup are simple yet indulgent. Think crusty artisan bread perfect for dipping or a gooey mozzarella grilled cheese sandwich that melts right alongside your spoonfuls. A light green salad is a refreshing balance if you want to keep things lighter. These sides turn your humble bowl of soup into a satisfying meal that’s honestly fit for any winter day.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the soup in rustic mugs with a small side of herb-infused crackers or parmesan crisps on the rim. You can also swirl a bit of pesto or roasted red pepper sauce on the surface for a pop of color and contrasting flavor. Hosting? Serve the soup shooter-style in small glasses as an elegant appetizer that warms your guests up immediately.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for make-ahead lunches or quick dinners. Just give it a good stir before reheating to reincorporate any cream that might settle.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe freezes well. Avoid adding the cream before freezing—instead, freeze the soup base and add cream after thawing and reheating to keep the texture silky and smooth. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags for easy thaw-and-heat meals.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. To avoid scorching, don’t rush the reheating process. A splash of extra cream, milk, or broth can help revive the soup’s luscious creaminess if it feels too thick.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the heavy cream for your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk like almond, oat, or cashew milk, and ensure your broth is vegetable-based. The rich flavors still shine without dairy.

Why use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Canned crushed tomatoes provide consistent flavor and perfect ripeness year-round, especially in the middle of winter when fresh tomatoes can be lackluster. They also lend a wonderfully smooth texture that complements this creamy soup perfectly.

Can I skip the wine?

Yes, the wine is optional. It adds brightness and subtle complexity, but you can leave it out and just use vegetable broth. The soup will still taste incredible and cozy.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne powder to the aromatics. You can always serve chili oil on the side for guests to customize their heat level.

Is it necessary to blend the soup?

Blending creates that signature creamy texture that defines this recipe. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can partially blend or mash some of the vegetables, but the smooth, velvety finish is definitely worth the extra step.

Final Thoughts

This Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe is truly a game-changer for cold days when you want something comforting but still vibrant and flavorful. With accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep tucked away for whenever your soul needs a warm, creamy hug. Go ahead, give it a try and watch this simple soup become your new winter favorite.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need