Cafe 19's Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

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

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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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.

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