Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil

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

A deeply flavored tomato soup simmered with herbs and vegetables, finished with a burst of fresh basil for brightness. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs olive oil, finely chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 120 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 finely chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until translucent, then stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cans crushed tomatoes and 4 cups vegetable broth, stirring in 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until flavors meld.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and season with salt to taste. Simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes until soup is thickened and aromatic.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Basil?

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 Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh 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 Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh 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 Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh 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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