Nothing beats a comforting bowl when you’re craving warmth and flavor, and this Easy Tomato Soup Recipe is just that—simple, delicious, and absolutely satisfying. Made with pantry staples and bursting with the rich taste of fire-roasted tomatoes, this soup offers the perfect balance of creamy texture and tangy brightness. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned cook, this recipe is ideal for cozy lunches, weeknight dinners, or anytime you need a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing a unique note to this Easy Tomato Soup Recipe. From the savory sweetness of sautéed onions to the smoky depth of fire-roasted tomatoes, they all contribute to a harmonious and delightful soup.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity richness that helps sauté the aromatics to perfection.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Enhances flavor and lends a silky mouthfeel to the base.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped: Provides a subtle sweetness and savory foundation.
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic punch without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Thickens the soup lightly for a luscious texture.
- 2 cups chicken broth (or veggie broth): The flavorful liquid that ties everything together; opt for veggie broth for a vegetarian version.
- 1 (28 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds smoky depth and chunky texture.
- 1 (28 ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes: Provides a velvety, rich tomato base.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or to taste): Infuses the soup with classic herbaceous notes.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances acidity and intensifies tomato sweetness.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates the creamy, indulgent finish every good tomato soup needs.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that elevate all the other flavors.
- For serving: fresh basil, freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional): Adds freshness and a savory, cheesy finish.
How to Make Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Once the butter melts, toss in the chopped onion and cook it gently for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s soft, translucent, and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base that sets the tone for the entire soup.
Step 2: Incorporate Garlic and Flour
Next, stir in the minced garlic and flour. Cook them together for about a minute, allowing the raw flour taste to cook off and the garlic aroma to bloom. This creates a roux that will help thicken your soup to just the right consistency.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Combine
Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring the flour dissolves without lumps. This step is crucial to achieve a smooth texture and bring the flavors together as your base gets saucier.
Step 4: Introduce Tomatoes and Seasoning
Pour in the fire-roasted diced and crushed tomatoes, along with Italian seasoning, sugar, and the cream. Crank up the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. These ingredients bring the vibrant tomato flavor, a hint of smokiness, and a creamy richness that’s irresistible.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes. This step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and your soup to thicken just a bit more for a luscious sip every time.
Step 6: Blend for Smoothness (Optional)
If you prefer a velvety texture, blend the soup using an immersion blender directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer it to a traditional blender—just be sure to let it cool slightly first to avoid splatters. This blending step is what turns a lovely tomato soup into a luxuriously smooth classic.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Finally, taste your soup and generously season with salt and pepper. For an extra pop of freshness, tear some basil leaves and stir them in right before serving. Don’t forget the freshly grated parmesan cheese on top—it adds that perfect savory touch that makes this Easy Tomato Soup Recipe unforgettable.
How to Serve Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh basil leaves adds a herby brightness, while a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan offers a salty, nutty complement. For a little extra flair, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a swirl of cream on top can make each bowl look and taste gourmet in no time.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread—perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. Grilled cheese sandwiches, garlic toast, or even a simple green salad make excellent companions, transforming your meal into a satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the soup in individual ramekins or mini bread bowls for a charming touch. Garnish with microgreens or a pinch of smoked paprika to add color and a subtle smoky note that elevates the humble tomato soup into a memorable dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or cozy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Easy Tomato Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months—great to have on hand whenever you need a comforting meal in a pinch.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to keep the texture smooth. If the soup thickened too much during storage, add a splash of broth or cream to restore its silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this tomato soup recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the butter with extra olive oil, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and use a plant-based cream or coconut milk instead of heavy cream. You’ll still get that rich, creamy texture and vibrant flavor without any animal products.
What if I don’t have fire-roasted tomatoes?
No worries—regular canned tomatoes work too. Just note that the soup will be less smoky and slightly sweeter. You can boost the flavor by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to mimic that fire-roasted depth.
Can I make this soup ahead for a large group?
Yes! This recipe scales up beautifully. Keep the simmering times approximately the same and blend in batches if needed. Make it a day ahead—tomato soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream adds richness and smoothness, but if you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even milk. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor will be a bit lighter, though still delicious.
How do I store leftover soup best to maintain flavor?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge promptly after cooling. Avoid reheating multiple times; reheat only the portion you plan to eat to maintain the freshest flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Tomato Soup Recipe has become a go-to comfort in my kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to try it yourself. It’s a deliciously simple way to enjoy cozy, homemade goodness with minimal fuss. Whether it’s for a chilly evening or a quick lunch, this tomato soup hits all the right notes every time.
Print
Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Easy Tomato Soup recipe is a comforting, creamy classic made with fire-roasted tomatoes, aromatic onions, garlic, and a touch of cream. Perfect for a cozy meal, it comes together quickly on the stovetop and can be blended for a smooth, velvety texture. Garnish with fresh basil and parmesan cheese for an extra flavorful touch.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 (28 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 (28 ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving (Optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil and butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in minced garlic and flour, cooking for about 1 minute to form a roux and develop flavor.
- Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the flour fully dissolves, preventing lumps.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the fire-roasted diced and crushed tomatoes along with their juices, Italian seasoning, sugar, and heavy cream to the pot. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes to blend flavors and slightly thicken.
- Blend for Smoothness (Optional): Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup to your desired smoothness. Alternatively, transfer to a blender in batches (allow to cool slightly) and blend until smooth.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper generously as needed. Stir in torn fresh basil if using. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Using fire-roasted tomatoes adds a smoky depth to the soup, but you can use regular canned tomatoes if unavailable.
- The cream can be substituted with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option, respectively.
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- This soup thickens as it cools; add a splash of broth or water when reheating if needed.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze nicely for up to 3 months.
