Half-Empty Creamy Tomato Soup
A velvety tomato soup made with a half-portion of fresh tomatoes and a hint of cream for luxurious texture. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic 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
- 1.5 lbs (chopped) fresh tomatoes
- 1 medium (diced) onion
- 2 cloves (minced) garlic
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, add 1 medium diced onion, and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn.
- Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs chopped fresh tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches.
- Step 5: Return to the pot, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, and heat gently for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and the soup coats the back of a spoon without boiling.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Empty Creamy Tomato Soup take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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-Empty 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 fresh tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Empty 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-Empty 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-Empty Creamy Tomato 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
- ★★★★★
Love how the Italian come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
