Cafe 19's Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
A velvety, herb-infused tomato soup made with fresh basil and a touch of cream, ideal for chilly days or as a starter. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs Olive oil, Yellow onion, Carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Yellow onion
- 1/4 cup Carrot
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 1 (14 oz) can Canned diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil
- 1/4 cup Heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced yellow onion and 1/4 cup diced carrot, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, then add 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes with their juices and 2 cups chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Return to low heat, then stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until heated through but not boiling.
- Step 4: The soup should have a smooth, creamy texture with visible tomato flecks and a vibrant red color. It should taste rich and slightly sweet from the tomatoes, with a fresh herbal note from the basil.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cafe 19's Creamy Tomato Basil Soup take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Cafe 19's Creamy 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cafe 19's Creamy 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 Cafe 19's Creamy 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 Cafe 19's Creamy 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
