There’s just something about a chilly evening that calls for a steaming bowl of comfort, don’t you think? For me, that’s *always* a big pot of my homemade Creamy Tomato Soup. It’s the ultimate hug in a bowl, so simple but utterly satisfying, especially after a long day. I remember my mom making this for us when we were kids, and the aroma alone could make everything feel better. It’s become my go-to recipe whenever I need a little extra warmth and a taste of home.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe
This soup is a winner for so many reasons! It’s:
- Seriously Easy: You can whip up a pot of this creamy goodness in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Pure Comfort: It’s the ultimate hug in a bowl – rich, velvety smooth, and just what you need to feel cozy.
- Super Versatile: Enjoy it just as it is, or pair it with a crispy grilled cheese or a fresh salad for a fuller meal.
- Made with Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need right in your pantry. No fuss, just deliciousness!
Gather Your Creamy Tomato Soup Ingredients
Alright, let’s get our little flavor-makers ready! For this amazing Creamy Tomato Soup, you’ll want to gather:
- 2 tablespoons of good olive oil – I like to use extra virgin if I have it!
- 1 large onion, just chopped up small. We need that base flavor!
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced nice and fine. Don’t skip this, it’s magic!
- 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes. This is our star!
- 4 cups of vegetable broth. You can use chicken broth too if that’s what you have!
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream. This is what makes it *creamy*, of course!
- 1 teaspoon of sugar. Just a little to balance out that tomato tang.
- Salt and black pepper, because what’s soup without them? To taste, of course!
See? Nothing too fancy, but boy, does it all come together beautifully.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Tomato Soup
Alright, let’s get this simple, delicious soup on the go! It really is as easy as 1-2-3. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can make something so comforting.
Sautéing Aromatics for Flavor
First things first, grab a nice big pot – one that can hold all that yummy soup! Pop it on the stove over medium heat and add your olive oil. Once it’s shimmering just a bit, toss in your chopped onion. Let it cook down until it’s nice and soft, usually about five minutes. Then, stir in your minced garlic. Be careful not to burn it – just a quick minute until you can smell that amazing garlic scent.
Simmering the Creamy Tomato Soup Base
Now, pour in that can of crushed tomatoes, your vegetable broth, and that little bit of sugar. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. Bring it up to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down low. Let it bubble away for about 15 minutes, just doing its thing. Stirring it now and then keeps everything from sticking to the bottom, which is always a good idea.
Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture
This is where the magic really happens! Take the pot off the heat for a second. Slowly stir in that lovely heavy cream until it’s all blended in beautifully. If you’re looking for a super smooth soup, now’s the time to blend! You can use an immersion blender right in the pot (careful, it can splatter!) until it’s silky, or carefully ladle the soup into a regular blender in batches. Just remember to vent the lid a bit so the steam can escape, or you might have a soup explosion on your hands!
Seasoning Your Creamy Tomato Soup
Almost there! Taste your soup. Does it need a little more salt? A pinch more pepper? This is your moment to customize it just right. Add a little at a time until it tastes absolutely perfect to you.
And that’s it! A bowl of pure, liquid comfort. So simple, isn’t it? If you’re looking for other quick and cozy meals, check out this creamy tomato basil soup or this super-fast creamy tomato gnocchi.
Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Soup
Okay, so this creamy tomato soup is already pretty awesome, right? But if you want to take it from ‘really good’ to ‘oh-my-goodness-I-need-another-bowl’ territory, here are a few little things I always do.
Ingredient Quality Matters for Creamy Tomato Soup
Trust me on this one: using good quality canned tomatoes and a decent vegetable broth makes a HUGE difference. It’s the backbone of the soup! If you start with flavorful tomatoes and broth, your soup will taste that much richer and more delicious. It’s worth grabbing the good stuff!
Creamy Tomato Soup Variations
Want to switch it up? You totally can! A little swirl of pesto right before serving is divine. Or maybe some fresh basil torn in? Even a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice warmth. Don’t be afraid to play around and make it your own!
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore other tomato delights, you might love this gazpacho-style tomato juice or even a hearty Spanish gazpacho!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Tomato Soup
This creamy tomato soup is practically begging for a best friend! Honestly, it’s perfect on its own, but why stop there? My favorite classic pairing is a super cheesy garlic bread – perfect for dunking, obvi. A crisp Caesar salad also cuts through the richness beautifully. Or, for something totally unexpected but surprisingly delicious, try it with some savory cheeseburger pretzel bombs!
Storage and Reheating Your Creamy Tomato Soup
Leftover creamy tomato soup is a treasure! For the best flavor and texture, let your soup cool down completely before storing. Pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you won’t get to it by then, freezing is a great option! Just make sure you use a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, or pop it in the microwave. Sometimes cream can separate a bit when reheated, so just give it a good whisk!
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Tomato Soup
Got questions about this cozy bowl of goodness? I’ve got answers!
Can I make this Creamy Tomato Soup vegan?
You absolutely can! Just swap out the heavy cream for a good quality full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. And make sure your vegetable broth is also vegan.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this soup?
I really love using canned crushed tomatoes for this recipe. They’re already broken down, which makes for a smoother soup base. Good quality crushed San Marzano tomatoes are fantastic if you can find them!
How long does it take to make Creamy Tomato Soup?
This recipe is super speedy! You’re looking at about 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking, so it’s ready in a total of around 30 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you need something delicious *now*!
If you’re into quick comfort foods, you might also like my crock pot potato soup or a classic chicken noodle soup.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info below is an estimate, ’cause we all use slightly different ingredients, right? This is based on a serving size of about 1.5 cups. You’re looking at roughly 250 calories, great for a comforting meal without being too heavy!
Print
Creamy Tomato Soup
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and comforting creamy tomato soup recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and sugar. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches.
- Garnish with fresh basil or croutons if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: creamy tomato soup, tomato soup, easy tomato soup, homemade tomato soup, comfort food