Most Delicious Tomato Basil Soup
A velvety tomato soup that’s most delicious when simmered slowly with fresh basil and a hint of garlic, perfect for chilly days with crusty bread. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs extra-virgin olive oil, medium, finely diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, 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 extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium, finely diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup, packed fresh basil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld. Add 1/2 cup packed fresh basil and 1 tsp salt; reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Step 3: Remove pot from heat and blend with an immersion blender until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches). Return to low heat, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Most Delicious Tomato Basil Soup take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Most Delicious 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 extra-virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Most Delicious 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 Most Delicious Tomato Basil Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Most Delicious 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
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 30-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 30-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
