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Creamy Garden Tomato Basil Soup (Easy 30-Min Recipe)

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This creamy garden tomato basil soup is a quick and easy 30-minute recipe that delivers velvety smooth texture and perfectly balanced flavors of sweet tomatoes, savory garlic, and fresh basil. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or pairing with a crispy grilled cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sugar to the pot. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat. Let it cool for just a minute or two. If using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until completely smooth. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches (don’t fill the blender more than halfway) and blend until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil. Add the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning. Heat the soup over low heat for another 2-3 minutes, but don’t let it boil after adding the cream.
  6. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and a swirl of cream if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.

Notes

Don’t skip the sugar—it balances tomato acidity. Toast garlic carefully to avoid bitterness. Blend until completely smooth for a luxurious texture. Use room-temperature cream to prevent curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato basil soup, creamy tomato soup, easy soup recipe, 30-minute soup, comfort food, garden tomato soup