Farnsworth Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herbs

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

A classic tomato soup enriched with fresh basil and garlic, simmered to perfection for a cozy meal. This american-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs olive oil, onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 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.

★ 4.6 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Add diced tomatoes with juice and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Step 4: Stir in chopped fresh basil and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother texture, blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Return to low heat, stir in heavy cream, and heat gently for 2 minutes. Do not boil. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Farnsworth Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herbs 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 Farnsworth Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herbs?

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 Farnsworth Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herbs?

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 Farnsworth Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herbs 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.

Is Farnsworth Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herbs vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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