Whisked Creamy Tomato Basil

Featured in: One-Pot Comfort Bowls

This velvety tomato and basil soup features sautéed onions, carrots, and garlic simmered with diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and fragrant herbs. Pureed until smooth and enriched with heavy cream, it offers a comforting texture and fresh herbal notes. Ready in just over half an hour, it’s perfect for quick, flavorful weeknight meals. Optional touches like crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika add warmth, while fresh basil garnishes brighten each serving.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:07:00 GMT
A creamy, vibrant bowl of tomato and basil soup, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Pin it
A creamy, vibrant bowl of tomato and basil soup, garnished with fresh basil leaves. | plumcrescent.com

A velvety, comforting tomato soup with fresh basil and a swirl of cream—perfect for busy weeknights yet full of flavor.

This soup has become a favorite in our home for its creamy texture and fresh basil aroma.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
  • Garlic cloves: 2, minced
  • Carrot: 1 large, peeled and diced
  • Diced tomatoes: 2 cans (14.5 oz/410 g each), with juice
  • Tomato paste: 1 tbsp
  • Vegetable broth: 2 cups (480 ml)
  • Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120 ml), plus extra for serving
  • Sugar: 1 tsp
  • Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves: 1 cup (25 g), chopped, plus extra for garnish

Instructions

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Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Step 2:
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Add diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, vegetable broth, sugar, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4:
Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very soft.
Step 5:
Remove from heat. Stir in fresh basil.
Step 6:
Use an immersion blender (or transfer in batches to a blender) to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
Step 7:
Return soup to low heat, stir in heavy cream, and warm through without boiling.
Step 8:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 9:
Ladle into bowls, swirl with extra cream, and garnish with basil.
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Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
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Collect vegetable peels, food scraps, and trimmings while cooking to keep your kitchen clean and organized.
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This homemade whisked, weeknight creamy tomato and basil soup is served hot, ready to enjoy. Pin it
This homemade whisked, weeknight creamy tomato and basil soup is served hot, ready to enjoy. | plumcrescent.com

My family loves gathering around this soup on chilly evenings, sharing stories and enjoying its warmth.

Notes

For added depth, sauté a pinch of smoked paprika with the onions.

Required Tools

Large saucepan, immersion blender or countertop blender, ladle, chef's knife and cutting board.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (heavy cream). Free from nuts, eggs, and gluten (if using gluten-free broth). Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Close-up of the smooth, rich texture: Whisked weeknight creamy tomato and basil soup in a bowl. Pin it
Close-up of the smooth, rich texture: Whisked weeknight creamy tomato and basil soup in a bowl. | plumcrescent.com
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This creamy tomato basil soup is sure to become a weeknight favorite with its simple prep and rich flavor.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How can I make the soup vegan?

Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant-based alternative to maintain the creamy texture without dairy.

What tools are needed to prepare this dish?

A large saucepan and an immersion blender or countertop blender are essential to cook and puree the soup smoothly.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, add crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or omit them for a milder flavor profile.

What are good accompaniments for this soup?

Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches to complement the creamy texture and enhance the meal.

How long does it take to prepare?

The total time is about 35 minutes, including 10 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for cooking and simmering.

Whisked Creamy Tomato Basil

Smooth tomato and basil blend with creaminess, ready in under 40 minutes, ideal for easy dinners.

Prep time
10 minutes
Time to cook
25 minutes
Overall time
35 minutes
Created by Avery Hayes

Recipe type One-Pot Comfort Bowls

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Total made 4 Portions

Dietary details Vegetarian-friendly, No gluten

Ingredient list

Vegetables

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 2 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
05 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with juice
06 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Liquids & Dairy

01 2 cups vegetable broth
02 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus additional for serving

Herbs & Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon sugar
02 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
03 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
04 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
05 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish

How-to

Step 01

Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion, diced carrot, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Cook Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Combine Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, vegetable broth, sugar, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 04

Simmer Soup: Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are very soft.

Step 05

Incorporate Basil: Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil leaves.

Step 06

Puree Soup: Blend soup using an immersion blender or transfer in batches to a countertop blender until smooth and creamy.

Step 07

Add Cream and Warm: Return soup to low heat. Stir in heavy cream and gently warm through without boiling.

Step 08

Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 09

Serve: Ladle into bowls. Swirl with extra cream and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Tools Needed

  • Large saucepan
  • Immersion blender or countertop blender
  • Ladle
  • Chef's knife and cutting board

Allergy warnings

Review all ingredients for allergy risks and speak with your healthcare provider if you're concerned.
  • Contains dairy from heavy cream.
  • Gluten-free if using gluten-free vegetable broth.

Nutrition details (per portion)

These details are for reference and shouldn't replace healthcare advice.
  • Calorie count: 210
  • Fat content: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 23 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams