Fast-Track Tomato Basil Soup
A velvety, aromatic tomato soup made from scratch in under 20 minutes—ideal for a comforting, flavorful bowl that’s ready before your browser loads. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, finely diced yellow onion, finely diced 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, finely diced yellow onion
- 1/2 cup, finely diced carrot
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 (28 oz) can canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced yellow onion and 1/2 cup diced carrot, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 2 cups broth, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and vegetables are tender.
- Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches). Return to low heat and stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream until warmed through.
- Step 5: Simmer for 2 more minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Fast-Track Tomato Basil Soup take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Fast-Track 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 Fast-Track 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 Fast-Track 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 Fast-Track 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.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
