Real Classic Tomato Basil Soup
A comforting, vibrant soup made with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil—true to its Italian-American roots, with no artificial flavors or additives. This italian-american-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, finely chopped onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz (800g) canned whole tomatoes
- 2 cups (473ml) vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 150g chopped onion and cook for 8 minutes until translucent and softened, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 10g minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Step 3: Stir in 800g canned whole tomatoes (with juice), 473ml vegetable broth, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to blend flavors.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then puree with an immersion blender until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
- Step 5: Return soup to low heat, stir in 10g chopped basil and 120ml heavy cream. Heat gently for 2-3 minutes until warmed through (do not boil).
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Real Classic Tomato Basil Soup take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Real Classic 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Real Classic 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 Real Classic Tomato Basil 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 Real Classic Tomato Basil Soup?
Italian-American 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
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
