True Flavor Tomato Basil Soup with Cream
A deeply satisfying soup that captures the pure essence of ripe tomatoes and basil, simmered to perfection without artificial enhancements. This mediterranean-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs canned crushed tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, finely diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup, finely diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, then stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream. Return to low heat for 2 minutes until warmed through, but do not boil.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does True Flavor Tomato Basil Soup with Cream take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 True Flavor Tomato Basil Soup with Cream?
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 canned crushed tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in True Flavor Tomato Basil Soup with Cream?
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 True Flavor Tomato Basil Soup with Cream for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 True Flavor Tomato Basil Soup with Cream?
Mediterranean 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
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
