Zookeeper's Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

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

Velvety tomato soup with a whisper of basil, perfect for cool Omaha afternoons, featuring garden-fresh tomatoes and a hint of cream. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 45 minutes pairs (about 8 medium) diced tomatoes, large, finely chopped onion, medium, grated carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and grated carrot, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and dried oregano, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant—do not brown. Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes, breaking them down with a spoon.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 cups chicken stock, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 15 minutes to meld flavors. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chopped basil, then simmer for 5 minutes on low heat—do not boil. Season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
  5. Step 5: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra basil leaves. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zookeeper's Creamy Tomato Basil Soup take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 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 Zookeeper's 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 large, finely chopped onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zookeeper's 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 Zookeeper's 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 Zookeeper's 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.

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