Half-Serving Tomato Basil Soup
A comforting, homemade tomato soup with fresh basil and a touch of cream, simmered to perfection for a cozy meal. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 35 minutes pairs (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes, finely chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 2, 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 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped onion
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup finely chopped onion and 1 clove minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 can diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 cup vegetable broth, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil, then simmer for 5 more minutes until heated through and the flavors are balanced.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Serving Tomato Basil Soup take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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-Serving 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 finely chopped onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Serving 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 Half-Serving Tomato Basil Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Serving 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
- ★★★★★
Love how the Italian come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
