Budget Meal Plan Tomato Basil Soup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, budget-friendly tomato soup made with pantry staples that costs under $2 per serving. This Italian-inspired soup recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs canned diced tomatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 diced medium onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree soup until completely smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches).
  6. Step 6: Return soup to low heat and stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream. Heat gently for 2 minutes until warmed through (do not boil), then adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Budget Meal Plan Tomato Basil Soup take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Budget Meal Plan Tomato Basil Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep canned diced tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Budget Meal Plan Tomato Basil Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Budget Meal Plan Tomato Basil Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Budget Meal Plan Tomato Basil Soup?

Italian soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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