Half-and-Half Creamy Tomato Soup
A velvety soup where equal parts heavy cream and milk create a luxurious texture without overpowering the tomato flavor. This american-inspired soups ready in about 35 minutes pairs onion, carrot, celery stalk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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
- 1/2 onion
- 1/2 carrot
- 1/2 celery stalk
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 1/2 onion, 1/2 carrot, and 1/2 celery stalk into 1/4-inch pieces.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced vegetables and sauté for 5 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 1 cup chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Remove pot from heat. Let soup cool slightly, then blend with an immersion blender until completely smooth (or transfer to a regular blender in batches).
- Step 5: Return soup to low heat. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup whole milk, then add 1/4 tsp dried thyme and 1/4 tsp salt. Warm gently for 3 minutes without boiling.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-and-Half Creamy Tomato Soup take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Half-and-Half Creamy Tomato 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 onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-and-Half Creamy Tomato 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 Half-and-Half Creamy Tomato 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 Half-and-Half Creamy Tomato Soup?
American 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
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
