Tomato & Basil Basil Soup

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

A bright, herbaceous tomato soup with a creamy finish and fresh basil accents. This Italian-inspired soup recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs tomatoes, onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 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: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, sauté 1 finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 cup chopped celery over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 grated carrot and 4 diced plum tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the tomatoes break down.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 can crushed tomatoes and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Return to heat, add 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until the soup thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil and serve immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato & Basil Basil Soup take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 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 Tomato & Basil 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 tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato & Basil 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 Tomato & Basil 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 Tomato & Basil 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.

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