Punch's Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil

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

A comforting, silky tomato soup inspired by Punch's journey, infused with fresh basil and a touch of cream. This italian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes brings together medium, diced tomatoes, small, diced onion, minced garlic for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 180 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add tomatoes and tomato paste; cook for 10 minutes until tomatoes break down.
  3. Step 3: Stir in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Return to the pot and stir in heavy cream.
  5. Step 5: Cook for 5 minutes until warmed through. Stir in fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with additional basil leaves.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Small appliances → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Punch's Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Punch's Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil?

Refrigerate any leftover punch's creamy tomato soup with basil in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Punch's Creamy Tomato Soup with 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 Punch's Creamy Tomato Soup with 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.

Is Punch's Creamy Tomato Soup with Basil vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying