Williams' Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
A velvety soup infused with fresh basil and a touch of cream, ideal for a quick weeknight meal. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 30 minutes pairs tablespoons butter, medium, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt 2 tablespoons butter and 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until butter is melted and foaming.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown and soft, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1 can crushed tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Return to low heat for 2 minutes until heated through but not boiling, then blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Williams' Creamy Tomato Basil Soup take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Williams' Creamy 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 tablespoons butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Williams' Creamy 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 Williams' Creamy 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.
What goes well with Williams' Creamy Tomato 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
