If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, it’s Creamy Tomato Soup. This classic comfort food is the epitome of cozy—silky, savory, and just a little tangy, with a richness that never feels heavy. It’s that nostalgic favorite, now elevated with a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that create layers of flavor you’ll crave again and again. Whether you want a quick lunch, a starter for your next dinner party, or just something to take the chill off a rainy afternoon, this Creamy Tomato Soup delivers every time with its velvety texture and deep tomato flavor.

Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Delicious Creamy Tomato Soup starts with essential pantry staples and a few fresh touches. Each ingredient adds a special character—some build depth, some add brightness, and others lend the signature creaminess that makes this soup unforgettable.

Canned San Marzano Tomatoes: These tomatoes are prized for their sweetness and low acidity, giving your soup a bold, smooth tomato flavor.
Yellow Onion: When gently sautéed, onion creates a sweet and nuanced foundation for the soup.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic deepens the savory aroma and taste—use more for extra punch!
Olive Oil: A few tablespoons let you sauté aromatics and add a touch of richness right from the start.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Broth brings everything together and enhances the soup’s savory goodness.
Heavy Cream: This is the secret to that dreamy, silky finish everyone falls in love with.
Sugar: Just a pinch balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a surprisingly rounded taste.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season generously to make the other flavors sing.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Basil’s fragrant, peppery bite adds brightness and herbal notes—save some for a beautiful garnish!
Optional: Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little gentle heat, a pinch of these goes a long way.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. The kitchen will smell incredible, and you’re building a sweet, flavorful base for the soup. Add the minced garlic and stir for just 1 minute, so it’s fragrant but not burned.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Next, pour in the canned San Marzano tomatoes (juice and all), breaking them up with a spoon. Sprinkle in the sugar to balance the acidity, then pour in the broth. Add a few large basil leaves and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes. This is where everything melds together and deepens in flavor.

Step 3: Blend Until Silky

Remove the soup from the heat, fish out any stems from the basil, and carefully blend the soup until completely smooth. You can use an immersion blender right in the pot, or transfer to a blender in batches. Take your time—this step is key for a luscious, creamy texture.

Step 4: Add Cream and Finish

Return the blended soup to the pot if needed, and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes to bring everything together. Give it a taste—add more salt, pepper, or a little extra basil if you like. If you prefer your Creamy Tomato Soup a bit spicier, this is the moment to add a small pinch of red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle hot Creamy Tomato Soup into your favorite bowls. Swirl in a little extra cream, scatter a few basil leaves on top, and serve immediately for ultimate comfort. This is the kind of soup that makes even a simple meal feel a little special.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Soup

Garnishes

Bring your bowl of Creamy Tomato Soup to life with a finishing touch—a swirl of cream, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a handful of freshly chopped basil. For a bit of crunch, try homemade croutons or a sprinkle of toasted pepitas. These garnishes add interest, color, and a lift in both flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

There’s nothing more classic than pairing Creamy Tomato Soup with a perfectly crisp grilled cheese sandwich. But don’t stop there—serve it alongside garlic toasts, a fresh green salad, or even buttery crackers for dipping. This versatile soup also complements roasted veggies if you’re after something heartier.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, pour soup into small cups or shot glasses as elegant appetizers. Try serving the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic twist. For a whimsical lunch, use your favorite shaped croutons or add a parmesan crisp for a gourmet crunch. Take advantage of Creamy Tomato Soup’s bold color and smooth texture for beautiful, Instagram-worthy plating!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Tomato Soup keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days—just what you need for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

The beauty of this soup is that it freezes beautifully! Pour completely cooled Creamy Tomato Soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space at the top. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Whether it’s from the fridge or freshly thawed, reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, simply add a splash of broth or cream to get it back to its velvety state. Avoid boiling to keep the texture perfectly creamy.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Tomato Soup vegan?

Absolutely! Swap out the heavy cream for a rich coconut milk or oat cream, and use vegetable broth to keep everything plant-based while still deliciously creamy.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can! Roast about 2 1/2 pounds of ripe fresh tomatoes in the oven until soft and caramelized, then proceed with the recipe. This gives your Creamy Tomato Soup a bright, summery flavor.

Is it necessary to blend the soup?

Blending is what gives Creamy Tomato Soup its signature velvety texture. If you don’t have a blender, you can use a potato masher, but the result will be a bit chunkier. Either way, you can control how smooth you want your soup—totally up to you!

How can I add more flavor?

Bump up the depth by tossing in a bay leaf while simmering, use fire-roasted tomatoes, or add a pinch of smoked paprika. Don’t forget that finishing with high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs boosts overall flavor too.

Can I double this recipe?

Of course! This recipe doubles (or even triples) easily. Just make sure your pot is big enough, and freeze any extra portions for later. Having a stash of homemade Creamy Tomato Soup is never a bad thing!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll treat yourself to a big bowl of this Creamy Tomato Soup soon—it’s one of those recipes that brings simple joy to your table every single time. Dive in, experiment with your favorite toppings or sides, and let each spoonful remind you just how delicious homemade comfort food can be.

Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe