Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herb Croutons

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

A velvety tomato soup made with precisely half a cup of tomato paste for deep flavor, paired with herb-crusted croutons that use only half the usual bread quantity. This italian-inspired soups (vegan) ready in about 35 minutes pairs (1 can) diced tomatoes, tomato paste, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 195 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 195 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat, add 1/2 cup diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent, then stir in 1 clove minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, then pour in 1 cup vegetable broth and 28 oz diced tomatoes, bringing to a gentle simmer.
  3. Step 3: Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, then stir in 1/4 cup packed fresh basil and cook for 2 more minutes.
  4. Step 4: Puree soup with an immersion blender until smooth, then stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and simmer for 3 minutes until heated through.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, cut 1 slice bread into 1/2-inch cubes, toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, and toast in a skillet over medium heat for 4 minutes until golden and crisp, stirring occasionally.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herb Croutons take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Soup with Fresh Herb Croutons?

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 (1 can) diced tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herb Croutons?

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 Soup with Fresh Herb Croutons 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 Tomato Basil Soup with Fresh Herb Croutons vegan?

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

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