Clinical Nurse Specialist's Tomato Basil Soup
A rich, velvety tomato soup made with fresh herbs and a hint of cream, perfect for a cozy evening after a long shift. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs extra-virgin olive oil, medium red onion, medium carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, 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 extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium red onion
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 stalks celery
- 3 cloves garlic
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Dice 1 medium red onion, 2 medium carrots, and 2 stalks celery into 1/4-inch pieces; cook for 8 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Remove pot from heat and let cool slightly. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until completely smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches).
- Step 5: Return soup to low heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until heated through and flavors meld, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Clinical Nurse Specialist's Tomato Basil Soup take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Clinical Nurse Specialist's 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 extra-virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Clinical Nurse Specialist's 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 Clinical Nurse Specialist's Tomato Basil Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Clinical Nurse Specialist's 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
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to soups dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
