Herb-Infused Tomato Soup with Blended Basil

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

A smooth tomato soup where fresh herbs are fully blended for a subtle, aromatic flavor without visible specks. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes blends olive oil, medium, diced onion, minced garlic into a quick blender drink — a fast breakfast, a pre-workout pour, or an afternoon energy boost, with nothing to wash up but the pitcher. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it works as a grab-and-go breakfast, a post-gym refuel, or a snack that holds you to the next meal. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender and onion is translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 cups vegetable broth and 2 cups crushed tomatoes, then bring to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender, or transfer to a blender in batches.
  5. Step 5: Return the soup to the pot. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and heat gently for 5 minutes over low heat (do not boil) until the soup is hot but not bubbling.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Tomato Soup with Blended Basil take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Almost all of that is prep — once everything is in the blender it is under a minute to smooth. Portion the fruit into freezer bags ahead so mornings are just dump-and-blend.

How do I store leftover Herb-Infused Tomato Soup with Blended Basil?

Smoothies are best within a few minutes of blending, but they keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours — fill it to the top so there is no air gap and shake before drinking, since separation is normal. For longer storage, freeze in an ice-cube tray and re-blend with a splash of liquid. Never reheat.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Tomato Soup with Blended Basil?

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 Herb-Infused Tomato Soup with Blended Basil 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 Herb-Infused Tomato Soup with Blended Basil?

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.

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