Nothing says comfort like a warm, velvety bowl of Creamy Tomato Soup. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a cozy meal to uplift your mood, this soup delivers everything you want in one spoonful: tangy sweetness, savory depth, and smooth creaminess. Made from simple pantry staples and elevated with fresh herbs and a swirl of cream, it’s a timeless classic for good reason.

This version of creamy tomato soup is rich but not heavy, thanks to a perfect balance of roasted tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of basil. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a classic grilled cheese sandwich. If you’re after a go-to soup that tastes like it came from a gourmet bistro but takes under an hour to make, you’re in for a treat.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Soup

Simple ingredients, big flavor – You don’t need anything fancy to whip up this masterpiece.
Velvety texture – Thanks to the perfect blending and a touch of cream, each spoonful is silky-smooth.
Customizable – Add red pepper flakes for heat, or roasted red peppers for extra depth.
Meal prep friendly – Make a big batch and freeze it for cozy meals all week.
Family favorite – It pleases both picky eaters and sophisticated palates.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin, it’s worth gathering the right tools to ensure a smooth cooking process:

Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven: For sautéing the aromatics and simmering the soup.
Immersion Blender or Countertop Blender: To create that signature creamy consistency. An immersion blender keeps cleanup easy, while a countertop blender yields ultra-smooth results.
Fine Mesh Sieve (Optional): For an ultra-refined soup, strain after blending.
Ladle: Makes serving easier, especially with creamy soups.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Helps prevent scorching as the soup simmers.

Taking a few minutes to prep your space and tools ensures your creamy tomato soup turns out as deliciously flawless as intended.

Ingredients for the Creamy Tomato Soup

Olive oil – Adds richness and helps bring out the flavors of the aromatics.
Onion – Provides a savory foundation that deepens the soup’s flavor.
Garlic – A must-have for depth and aromatic warmth.
Crushed Tomatoes – The main star. Opt for high-quality canned or roast your own for an earthy sweetness.
Tomato Paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth – Helps thin out the soup while adding umami.
Heavy Cream – Delivers that creamy texture and mellow balance.
Sugar – Just a pinch to tame acidity.
Salt and Pepper – Essential seasoning to enhance every element.
Fresh Basil – Brings in bright, herbaceous notes.

How To Make the Creamy Tomato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan. Add chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Tomato Base

Add the tomato paste and stir to coat the onions. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Simmer to Blend Flavors

Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to deepen and the soup to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. Blend until silky smooth. (Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer an ultra-smooth texture.)

Step 5: Add Cream and Season

Return the blended soup to the pot (if using a blender). Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, sugar, and chopped basil. Heat gently and taste to adjust seasoning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the creamy soup into bowls, garnish with extra basil or a swirl of cream, and serve with your favorite crusty bread.

Serving and Storing This Soup

This soup is best served warm, garnished with a splash of cream or fresh basil ribbons. It pairs beautifully with a slice of toasted sourdough, grilled cheese, or even a buttery crouton topping.

To store: Let it cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It also freezes exceptionally well. Just skip the cream before freezing, then stir it in when reheating for best texture.

Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid boiling after adding cream to preserve the silky consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this soup dairy-free?

Simply replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. It still turns out luxuriously creamy.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! Roast about 2 pounds of halved Roma tomatoes until tender and slightly charred, then blend and proceed with the recipe.

What’s the best way to thicken tomato soup?

The simmering stage naturally thickens it. For a thicker version, reduce the broth slightly or add a spoonful of tomato paste.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure any bread or toppings you serve are also gluten-free.

Can I add protein to make it a meal?

Yes! Add cooked chicken, white beans, or even mini meatballs to turn this soup into a hearty entree.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Tomato Soup, check out these other cozy favorites:

Hearty Italian Sausage Soup with a spicy kick.
Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup for a bold fusion bowl.
Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque if you’re in the mood for a creamy seafood twist.
Authentic Tom Kha Gai Soup for a coconut-lime Thai experience.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add red pepper flakes? Toss in a grilled cheese dunker?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

More of my daily kitchen creations are over on Pinterest: Kitchen by Kate on Pinterest