When life gets busy, nothing beats an easy weeknight meal that's both comforting and delicious. This Homemade Tomato Basil Soup recipe is the perfect solution. Simple ingredients, quick to make, and full of rich and fresh flavors. Pair it with a classic grilled cheese or a crusty garlic bread and you have a cozy dinner the whole family will love.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
When the weeks get busy and we are tip toeing into fall, I find myself craving something simple, wholesome and comforting. Homemade Tomato Basil Soup is one of my go-to weeknight meals. It is warm , cozy and full of flavor and made with just a few pantry staples. Pair it with the most delicious toasted garlic parmesan sour dough bread or a classic grilled cheese and you will have dinner on the table in under one hour.
This recipe is smooth, creamy and loaded with fresh basil for a vibrant flavor that tastes like it comes straight from the garden.
Ingredient Notes
3 Tablespoon Butter
1 Yellow Onion, Diced
6 Garlic, Chopped
2 (28 ounce) Canned Whole Tomatoes
2 Cups Chicken Broth
6 Basil Leaves
1 Cup Half and Half
½ Cup Parmesan Cheese, Shredded
Salt & Pepper
Step by Step Instructions
Saute
In a large pot, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and chopped garlic and cook until soft and translucent.
Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour the canned tomatoes with their juice and add the chicken broth; stir until combined. Add in the salt and pepper and the basil leaves and allow the soup to simmer for 10 minutes.
Blend until smooth
Add in the half and half and parmesan cheese right before blending. Using an immersion blender or a traditional blender, puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
Simmer and Serve
Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-10 minutes before serving! Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped basil, parmesan cheese and serve with crusty garlic bread or grilled cheese.
Tips for the Best Tomato Basil Soup
- Use High Quality Canned Tomatoes- I love San Marzano tomatoes because they are naturally sweet and less acidic then other tomatoes.
- Fresh basil is key- do not used dried basil, it will change the flavor of this delicious soup.
- Make it dairy free- skip the half and half or replace it with a dairy free milk. Coconut milk is a great alternative.
- Batch cook and freeze- this is the perfect recipe to make in large batches and freeze or share with friends and family.
FAQS
Yes! Tomato basil soup tastes even better the next day! Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days!
Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
I love a toasty garlic bread or a classic grilled cheese pairs perfectly. You can also serve it with a side salad for an easy and healthy weeknight dinner.
More Easy Recipes You Will Love
Thank you for visiting Joy + Oliver. If you tried this recipe, please leave a 5 Star Review in the recipe card and save all your favorite recipes to Pinterest!
Please visit us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more of our favorite recipes that you will love!
Best Homemade Tomato Basil Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter Cubed
- 1 Yellow Onion Diced
- 6 Garlic Cloves Finely Chopped
- 2 28 Ounce Canned Whole San Marzano Tomatoes
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth
- 8 Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1 Cup Half and Half Or dairy alternative
- ½ Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot on medium heat, add the butter and allow it to melt. Add the diced onions and the chopped garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes (with the juice), the chicken broth, salt and pepper and fresh basil leaves. Stir until the tomatoes start to simmer.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the half and half and the parmensan cheese to the simmering soup and stir until combined.
- Using an immersion blender or a traditional blender, remove the pot from the heat and puree the soup until smooth and creamy. (if you are using a traditional blender, you will need to blend in batches).
- Continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes.
- Ladle the Tomato Basil Soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh basil and shredded parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty garlic bread or a classic grilled cheese.
Nutrition
Leave a Reply