Texas Test-Prep Tomato Basil Soup
A velvety, comforting soup made with garden-fresh tomatoes and a hint of basil, perfect for chilly days. This italian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs fresh tomatoes, yellow onion, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes
- 1/2 cup yellow onion
- 1/2 cup carrots
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice tomatoes, onion, and carrots into 1/2-inch pieces. Mince garlic. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add onion and carrots to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and onion is translucent, stirring frequently.
- Step 3: Add tomatoes, garlic, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and release juices.
- Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 5: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches).
- Step 6: Return soup to the pot and stir in heavy cream. Heat gently for 3-4 minutes until warmed through — do not boil.
- Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Texas Test-Prep Tomato Basil Soup take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 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 Texas Test-Prep 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 fresh tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Texas Test-Prep 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 Texas Test-Prep 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.
Is Texas Test-Prep Tomato Basil Soup 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
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
