Description
This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is a comforting, restaurant-quality recipe made with tomatoes, basil, Parmesan cheese, and cream. It’s smooth, rich, and packed with flavor — perfect for cozy dinners or quick lunches. Easy to make on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot, this soup is a delicious classic made from scratch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter – adds richness and depth
- 1 medium onion, chopped – provides a sweet, savory base
- 2 carrots, chopped – adds natural sweetness
- 2 celery stalks, chopped – enhances aroma and texture
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – infuses warmth and flavor
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes – the main tomato base
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste – intensifies tomato flavor
- 3 cups chicken broth – creates a savory backbone
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – adds herby depth
- 1 cup heavy cream – for creamy, velvety texture
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – enhances umami
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped – signature herbal flavor
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a standard blender and return to the pot.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes until fully combined and creamy.
- Add chopped fresh basil and stir gently. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Freeze before adding cream for best results; stir in cream after reheating.
- To reduce acidity, add a pinch of sugar or splash of cream.
- Serve with grilled cheese, garlic bread, or a green salad.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, tomato soup, basil soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, creamy soup, tomato basil parmesan soup