Craving a bowl of pure comfort? This Easy Tomato Soup Recipe blends sweet canned tomatoes and rich cream into a velvety smooth texture after a quick simmer and blend. It’s the kind of effortless, cozy meal that turns a simple weeknight dinner into something quietly special.
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Ingredients for Tomato Soup
For the soup
- Unsalted butter – A must for that rich, velvety base.
- Yellow onion – Finely chopped and cooked until soft for a sweet, mellow flavor.
- Garlic – Minced fresh, because we’re not compromising on aroma here.
- Whole peeled tomatoes – Canned with their juices, as they’re perfect for a smooth, rich soup.
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth – Low-sodium, so you can control the salt level to your taste.
- Heavy cream – Adds a luxurious creaminess that’s absolutely worth it.
- Granulated sugar – Just a touch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Kosher salt – Start with a little and adjust to your liking.
- Freshly ground black pepper – For that subtle warmth and depth.
Cook Time for Tomato Soup Recipe
I love how this classic tomato soup comes together so quickly, making it a true weeknight savior. In the time it takes to find a movie to watch, you can have a pot of this comforting soup ready to serve.
From my sunny Provence kitchen to yours, here’s the timing you can expect for this rich tomato garlic infusion.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
While your pot is simmering, why not check out some of my other favorite healthy soup recipes for more inspiration?
How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook, stirring constantly with the wooden spoon, for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 3: Simmer the Tomatoes
Pour the can of whole peeled tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth into the pot. Use the wooden spoon to gently break the tomatoes into smaller pieces. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Step 4: Let the Magic Happen
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and deepen.
Step 5: Blend to Perfection
Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until completely smooth. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to achieve a creamy consistency.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Seasoning
Return the blended soup to the pot over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, sugar, salt, and pepper. Warm the soup for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through but not boiling. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve learned a few secrets that turn a good pot of tomato soup into something truly memorable. Here are my favorite ways to make this classic your own.
- Flavor Swap: For a deeper, smokier flavor, swap half the tomatoes with fire-roasted canned tomatoes. It adds a wonderful complexity to your stovetop tomato onion medley.
- Diet Tweak: To make this soup dairy-free, simply replace the butter with olive oil and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. It creates a beautifully creamy roasted tomato bisque that’s just as comforting.
- Texture Fix: If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only half the mixture and leave the rest with more texture. I often do this when serving it alongside a hearty pesto meatball soup for a multi-course meal.
- Storage Tip: This soup stores beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. For more make-ahead ideas, explore my collection of fall soup recipes.
Tomato Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can whole peeled tomatoes 28-ounce can, with their juices
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Method
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to break the tomatoes up slightly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until completely smooth, or use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
- Return the blended soup to the pot over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream, sugar, salt, and pepper. Warm through for 2 to 3 minutes, but do not boil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
Beyond its incredible flavor, this creamy tomato soup packs a nourishing punch that makes it feel as good as it tastes. I love knowing that I’m serving my family a meal that’s both comforting and wholesome.
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives them their vibrant red color. According to research on the health benefits of tomatoes, this antioxidant may help protect cells from damage when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per serving of this classic tomato soup:
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Vitamin C | 25% Daily Value |
| Vitamin A | 20% Daily Value |
This simmered savory tomato broth also provides potassium and fiber, making it a satisfying choice that keeps you full longer. For those watching their sodium intake, using low-sodium broth lets you control the salt perfectly.
If you’re looking for more nutrient-packed options, try my collection of healthy soups or this vibrant butternut squash soup that’s equally nourishing.
A Lighter Version of Classic Tomato Soup
Sometimes I crave that rich tomato garlic infusion but want something a bit lighter for everyday meals. Over the years, I’ve perfected some simple swaps that maintain all the comfort with less guilt.
For a lower-fat version, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. The soup will still have that creamy texture but with fewer calories. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing the aromatics – it adds a lovely Mediterranean touch that reminds me of my Provençal neighbors.
If you’re watching sugar intake, simply omit the granulated sugar altogether. High-quality canned tomatoes often have enough natural sweetness to balance the acidity without added sugar. Taste your tomatoes first – you might be surprised how sweet they are on their own!
For more lightened-up comfort foods, try my cream of broccoli soup or this hearty minestrone soup that’s packed with vegetables and flavor.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
When my cousin was diagnosed as pre-diabetic several years ago, I started paying closer attention to how I could make our family recipes more inclusive. I discovered that with a few thoughtful tweaks, this tomato soup recipe can easily become diabetic-friendly and still taste absolutely wonderful.
For sugar-conscious adaptations, consider using a natural sweetener like stevia instead of granulated sugar. Start with just a tiny pinch since stevia is much sweeter than sugar – you can always add more if needed. Another option is to use ripe, sweet tomatoes that naturally balance the acidity without needing additional sweeteners.
If you’re aiming for low glycemic index meals, serve your soup with a side of protein like grilled chicken or a handful of nuts to help maintain steady blood sugar levels. You might also enjoy pairing it with my hearty chicken soup for a more substantial meal that’s still comfort-focused.
How to Serve Tomato Soup
I’ll never forget the first time I served this tomato soup to my now-husband during our dating years. He showed up at my door soaked from an unexpected rainstorm, and I had just pulled a pot of this comforting soup off the stove. We sat at my tiny kitchen table, steam rising from our bowls, and talked for hours as the rain pattered against the windows. It became our tradition whenever life gets rainy – both literally and figuratively.
Of course, the classic pairing is a crispy grilled cheese sandwich – the ultimate grilled cheese tomato soup combination that never fails to comfort. I like using sourdough bread and sharp cheddar for that perfect crunch and gooey contrast to the smooth soup.
For a heartier meal, add a scoop of cooked rice or small pasta to your bowl before ladling in the soup. It transforms this blended velvety tomato cream into a complete dinner that satisfies even the biggest appetites at my table.
During colder months, I love serving this soup alongside my pesto meatball soup for a cozy soup duo that pleases everyone. For something with international flair, try it before my tom kha gai soup for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of tomato soup mishaps, especially when I was first learning to cook in my grandmother’s kitchen. I want to help you sidestep those same blunders so your tomato soup turns out perfectly every single time.
One common mistake is using bland tomatoes. Your soup will only be as good as your main ingredient. Always taste your canned tomatoes before using them; if they lack flavor, your creamy tomato soup will too. Opt for high-quality San Marzano or fire-roasted varieties for a deeper taste.
Another error is rushing the aromatics. That rich tomato garlic infusion needs time to develop. Sauté your onions and garlic until they’re fragrant and translucent, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. This foundational step builds the soul of your classic tomato soup.
Be careful not to over-blend while the soup is piping hot. I learned this the hard way when a lid once popped off my blender. Instead, let the simmered savory tomato broth cool for at least 10 minutes before blending in batches to avoid a messy, dangerous situation.
Finally, don’t forget to season in layers. Add a pinch of salt when sautéing vegetables, another after adding tomatoes, and a final adjustment at the end. This creates a perfectly balanced blended velvety tomato cream instead of a flat-tasting one. For more cooking wisdom, check out my tips for a perfect minestrone soup, where layering flavors is equally important.
According to the history of tomato soup, this dish has been comforting families for generations. With these simple tricks, you can continue that tradition with confidence, creating a pot of soup that feels like a warm hug.
How to Store Tomato Soup
My mother always made a double batch of her tomato soup recipe, saying a well-stocked freezer was better than money in the bank during busy weeks. I’ve continued her tradition, and having this comforting soup ready to heat up has saved many a hectic evening.
For refrigeration, let your tomato soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. I often portion it into single-serving jars for easy lunches.
Freezing is where this creamy tomato soup truly shines. Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space for expansion. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
When reheating, gently warm your soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems too thick after freezing, add a splash of broth or water to bring back that perfect consistency. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
For more make-ahead inspiration, try my hearty chicken soup or this flavorful Mexican sweet potato chicken soup, both of which freeze wonderfully for future cozy meals.
Try This Tomato Soup Yourself
The first time I served this tomato soup to my book club, the conversation stopped completely as everyone took their first spoonful. That silent moment of pure enjoyment told me everything I needed to know about the power of this creamy roasted tomato bisque.
I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Maybe you’ll start a new family tradition, or perhaps it will become your go-to comfort food after a long day. However you enjoy it, I hope this tomato soup recipe brings as much warmth to your table as it has to mine.
If you’re looking for more comforting options to round out your meal planning, you might enjoy my cream of broccoli soup, this vibrant butternut squash soup, or the crowd-pleasing crockpot cheeseburger soup. For seasonal inspiration, browse my collection of fall soup recipes that celebrate the best of autumn produce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three ingredients in tomato soup?
At its most basic, you can make tomato soup with just tomatoes, broth, and onions. However, my recipe builds on these fundamentals with garlic, cream, and herbs for a more complex flavor profile that turns simple ingredients into something special.
How to make the perfect tomato soup?
The secret to perfect tomato soup lies in building layers of flavor. Start by properly sautéing your aromatics, use high-quality tomatoes, and don’t rush the simmering process. Finally, blend until velvety smooth and balance the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
What can I put in tomato soup to make it taste better?
A splash of cream or a pat of butter at the end adds richness, while fresh basil or a Parmesan rind simmered with the soup adds depth. For a special touch, try a drizzle of basil pesto or a sprinkle of crispy croutons when serving. You might get inspiration from my pesto meatball soup for herbaceous ideas.
What are the ingredients in tomato soup?
My classic tomato soup includes canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, heavy cream, and basic seasonings. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility – you can adapt it to include your favorite herbs or make it dairy-free while still achieving that comforting flavor we all love.
Cozy Soup Recipes For Every Season
Nothing comforts quite like a warm bowl of soup. Here are some of my most-loved recipes that turn simple ingredients into memorable meals.
Sweet Potato Chicken Soup – A hearty, nourishing bowl with vibrant colors and warm spices.
Tom Kha Gai Soup – Thai-inspired coconut broth that’s both creamy and refreshingly tangy.
Chicken Taco Soup – All your favorite taco flavors in a comforting, spoonable form.
Autumn Harvest Soup – A celebration of fall produce with butternut squash and apples.
Healing Chicken Soup – The classic remedy that soothes both body and soul.
