Creamy Tomato Soup is a comforting, velvety dish that’s warm and inviting, perfect for those chilly days when you crave a flavor-packed bowl of goodness. This soup is rich and creamy, boasting the lusciousness of fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and just the right mix of savory ingredients. It’s designed to be both simple and satisfying, turning everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Tomato Soup | Easy Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Tomato Soup | Easy Creamy Tomato Soup

When I first made this recipe, it became an instant favorite—my family couldn’t get enough! Using just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s the ideal solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. Trust me; this Tomato Soup | Easy Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe is bound to become your new go-to dish. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and truly a crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, you’ll have a bowl of comforting soup in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sautéed onions, leeks, and creamy tomatoes creates a rich, hearty flavor that warms the soul.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This soup is beautifully vibrant, making it as enjoyable to look at as it is to eat.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a starter for a dinner party, it fits any occasion!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for dietary preferences—make it vegan by substituting the half and half with coconut milk.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to the soup. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use olive oil instead.
1 onion (about 1 cup, minced): Provides a sweet base flavor. Yellow or white onions work best.
1 cup leek, chopped: Adds a subtle, sweet onion flavor without being overpowering. You can substitute with more onion if leeks aren’t available.
1 can peeled plum tomatoes (14-ounce/400 milliliters): The star of the show! Look for whole peeled tomatoes for the best taste.
2 cups vegetable stock: Enhances the soup’s flavor complexity. You can also use homemade stock for an even richer taste.
2 tablespoons double-concentrated tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor. Regular tomato paste is a fine alternative, but you may need to adjust the quantity slightly.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth. Feel free to adjust to your liking for more kick!
½ teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste. Kosher salt is preferred for its texture.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Cuts through the acidity of tomatoes and adds depth.
2 teaspoons dried basil: Gives the soup a nice herbal note. Fresh basil can be used instead—adjust the quantity as needed.
½ cup half and half: Creates a creamy texture that’s delightful. For a lighter version, consider using almond milk or another non-dairy milk.
Fresh basil for garnish (optional): A finishing touch that adds a burst of freshness.
Croutons for garnish (optional): Adds a fun crunch and extra texture to the soup.

How to Make Tomato Soup | Easy Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe

Melt the Butter: In a medium pot (2 quart/2 liter), melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat until it’s bubbling and fragrant.

Sauté the Aromatics: Add 1 cup of minced onion and 1 cup of chopped leek to the pot. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent—but not browned.

Combine the Tomatoes: Add 1 can of peeled plum tomatoes, 2 cups of vegetable stock, 2 tablespoons of double-concentrated tomato paste, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the pot. Stir well to combine, crushing the tomatoes with a spatula as you go for a more rustic texture.

Simmer to Meld Flavors: Cover the pot and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. You’ll notice the soup thickening and the flavors blending beautifully.

Stir in Creaminess: After 20 minutes, gently pour in ½ cup of half and half. Stir it in and bring the soup back to a gentle boil before turning off the heat. This adds that creamy richness we all love!

Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a countertop blender. Just be cautious with the hot liquid!

Season to Taste: Taste your creamy tomato soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt or pepper depending on your preference.

Serve & Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and croutons if you’d like. It’s all about that extra touch!

Storing & Reheating

To store your creamy tomato soup, let it cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can sit at room temperature for about 2 hours, but after that, it should go into the refrigerator where it will last for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Keep in mind that the texture may slightly change after freezing, so you might want to stir in a bit of extra half and half or vegetable stock to refresh its creaminess.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Burning the Onion: Stir often while the onions and leeks are sautéing to prevent any burning; this helps maintain their sweet flavor.
Use Good Quality Tomatoes: Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for the best results—San Marzano tomatoes are a fantastic choice.
Adjust Thickness: If your soup is thicker than you prefer, feel free to add a splash more vegetable stock or half and half until it reaches your desired consistency.
Herb Freshness: For an extra punch, try adding a handful of freshly chopped basil just before serving for an unbeatable fragrance!
Croutons Tip: For homemade croutons, cube some stale bread, toss it in olive oil, add seasoning, and bake until golden and crispy.

Tomato soup is a classic that combines warmth with a delightful depth of flavor. This Easy Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity and taste that will leave your taste buds dancing. I encourage you to customize it with your favorite herbs or toppings and make it your own. Whether you’re enjoying it with a gooey grilled cheese or alone, every spoonful is a delight. Give it a go and relish in the deliciousness!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you want to use fresh tomatoes, I recommend about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Simply core and chop them before adding them to the pot. You might want to simmer for a bit longer to ensure they break down properly and meld with the other flavors.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Definitely! You can replace the half and half with a full-fat coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk. Just keep an eye on the flavor balance, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version.

How can I enhance the flavor of my tomato soup?

To elevate the flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also bring a lovely depth. Experiment and find your perfect balance!

What should I serve with this creamy tomato soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with a classic grilled cheese sandwich, a fresh salad, or even a hearty side of garlic bread. The combination makes for a perfectly comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy!