Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe (Easy Homemade Comfort Food)
There's nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade Creamy Tomato Soup paired with a buttery grilled cheese sandwich. This easy recipe combines roasted tomatoes, garlic, onions, basil, and cream for a rich, velvety soup that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or cozy winter days.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy texture
Better than canned tomato soup
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Ready in under an hour
Perfect with grilled cheese
Great for meal prep and freezing
Ingredients
Soup
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 (28-ounce) cans whole San Marzano tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish
Optional Toppings
Grated Parmesan
Fresh basil
Croutons
Heavy cream drizzle
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes
Shredded mozzarella
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
Add:
Tomato paste, Italian seasoning, Oregano, Basil, and Paprika.
Cook for 2 minutes to caramelize the tomato paste.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Pour in the canned tomatoes along with their juices.
Use a wooden spoon to gently break apart the tomatoes.
Add the broth and sugar.
Bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until completely smooth.
If using a countertop blender, blend carefully in batches.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Reduce heat to low.
Stir in:
Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Simmer another 5 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
What to Serve with Tomato Soup
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Garlic bread
Crusty sourdough
Caesar salad
Crackers
Homemade croutons
Ham and cheese sandwiches
Grilled chicken panini
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze without the cream for the best texture.
Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight and stir in the cream while reheating.
Tips for the Best Tomato Soup
San Marzano tomatoes provide the richest flavor.
Blend thoroughly for a silky-smooth texture.
Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes taste too acidic.
Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded.
Fresh basil added just before serving brightens the flavor.
Variations
Roasted Tomato Soup
Roast fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onions at 425°F for 35 minutes before blending.
Tomato Basil Soup
Double the fresh basil and finish with burrata or mozzarella.
Spicy Tomato Soup
Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or chipotle peppers in adobo.
Creamy Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup
Roast a whole head of garlic and blend it into the soup for extra richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes. Use about 3 pounds of ripe Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes. Roasting them first gives the soup even more flavor.
Why is my tomato soup too acidic?
Stir in a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of heavy cream to balance the acidity.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the butter with olive oil, omit the Parmesan, and use full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream instead of heavy cream.
What is the best bread for grilled cheese?
Sourdough, Texas toast, brioche, or thick-cut white bread all make excellent grilled cheese sandwiches to pair with tomato soup.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (Approximate)
Calories: 245
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 720mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 10g
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredients used.