A cold weather classic in 30 minutes
Tomato soup is indisputably one of the best cold-weather comfort food dishes. Though there are many delicious adaptations, I'm rather partial to this Chunky Tomato Basil Soup. It combines pantry staple roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hearty splash of cream to create a simple and delicious classic that comes together in 30 minutes or less.
What kind of tomatoes are best to use?
Though freshly roasted tomatoes are delicious in the peak of tomato season, cold months are not the ideal time to take advantage of them. Though I'm happy to cook with tomatoes year-round on a smaller scale, a dish like this Chunky Tomato Basil Soup, where tomatoes are the star, is best made with tomatoes at the highest peak of flavor.
The good news? Canned tomatoes are generally preserved at the peak of the season, ensuring that you get the most flavor in each can as possible. I prefer to use a combination of diced and crushed fire-roasted canned tomatoes for this recipe, though fire-roasted whole tomatoes make for an easy swap if you have an immersion blender to help break up the tomatoes.
What tools do you need to make this recipe?
- a cutting board
- a chefs knife
- a large soup pot or dutch oven
- a wooden spoon for stirring
- a soup ladle for serving
Are you looking for an upgrade to your kitchen tools or looking to replenish your pantry? Check out my kitchen tools shop page and my pantry staples shop page to find my must-have kitchen tools, pantry items, and other Whip & Wander favorites.
What to serve with this Chunky Tomato Basil Soup
If you're craving a little something extra to dip into this lovely soup, a classic grilled cheese sandwich or crunchy baguette are both obvious choices and can be made gluten-free, if needed. If you're feeling extra indulgent, these savory gluten-free Pumpkin Pasties (filled with pumpkin, sausage, herbs, gruyere, and cheddar) are especially delicious served with this soup.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, absolutely! This soup is fantastic made in advance and reheated for several days. When stored properly in airtight containers in the refrigerator, this soup should keep for up to 4 days.
Reheating can be done in a soup pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For smaller portions, reheat in a microwave-safe dish for 2 minutes, stir, and heat at additional 30-second intervals as needed.
A note for special diets
This Chunky Tomato Basil Soup is grain-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free and can easily be made friendly for Low-FODMAP, Paleo, Whole30, Vegetarian, and Vegan diets with a few easy swaps.
For Low-FODMAP diets, garlic-infused olive oil makes an easy swap for high-FODMAP garlic cloves. Green onions (top parts only) make a great swap for high-FODMAP sweet onions. Lactose-free swaps for the heavy cream are outlined in the section below.
For Paleo and Whole30 diets, you'll want to make sure you utilize a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream (options below).
For Vegetarian diets, you'll want to use vegetable broth rather than chicken broth. For Vegan diets, you'll want to swap for vegetable broth and utilize a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream (options below).
Lactose-free swaps:
I have yet to find a lactose-free heavy cream, but have had great success swapping the heavy cream in this recipe out for lactose-free half & half. You can also use lactose-free milk in a pinch but it won't be nearly as creamy. Butter is generally already very low-lactose, but if you are very sensitive ghee can be used instead.
Dairy-free swaps:
You can swap the heavy cream for unsweetened coconut milk and the butter for additional olive oil.
Chunky Tomato Basil Soup
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups & Stews, Mains
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chunky Tomato Basil Soup is a delicious classic that comes together in 30 minutes or less and easily adaptable for Paleo, Low-FODMAP, and Whole30 diets.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or ghee
- 2 tbsp garlic oil -OR- 2 tablespoon olive oil + 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup green onion tops, chopped -OR- 1 cup sweet onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth (may sub vegetable broth)
- 1 (28 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (28 oz) can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (may sub 1 cup lactose-free half & half or 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup basil, chopped
- optional: parmesan and additional basil to top
Instructions
- Heat butter and garlic oil (or olive oil + minced garlic) in a large soup pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once butter is melted, add onions. If using green onions, allow them to cook for 1-2 minutes before proceeding to the next step. If using sweet onions, allow to cook for around 5 minutes until fragrant and beginning to caramelize.
- Add broth, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, sea salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and stir to combine. Allow to come to a low boil, then reduce heat to medium and allow to simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste for salt and adjust if needed. Stir basil in just before serving. Top with parmesan and additional basil if desired.
Notes
Nutritional information on Whip & Wander is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 309
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 697
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 67
Keywords: tomato, soup, parmesan, basil
I followed the recipe instructions but I wasn’t not happy with the Thickness so I added a can of tomato paste and it came out perfect! I also added extra garlic. Paired the soup with a grill cheese sandwich and Cesar salad. This recipe is my favorite and I’ve tried many tomato soup recipes. Everyone loved it! My search for the perfect tomato soup recipe is over.
★★★★★
Marissa, I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe! Tomato soup was made for grilled cheese sandwiches, in my opinion -- and the Caesar salad sounds like a delicious addition on the side! I also have a delicious Caesar salad recipe on this blog if you're up for trying it sometime. Thanks so much for sharing your review!
Very hearty soup on this rainy day. My husband had a second bowl. My only disappointment is that i forgot parmesan and French bread to go with it.
★★★★★
Angelina, I'm so glad that you and your husband enjoyed this recipe! Thanks for sharing this!
Love hearty soups like this and those garnishes look delish!
Gorgeous soup! I Such a filling and nutritious soup. Love all the herbs and texture.
★★★★★
Such a nice thick hearty, healthy soup with robust flavours and the way you topped each bowl is extremely attractive.
Be right back, making this soup asap!! Holy cannoli, if this isn't the most comforting soup, I don't know what is!
★★★★★
This is a very original recipe and to me it is what comfort delicious food it's all about - I could have this all year round without a second thought. Beautiful and delicious recipe - I cannot wait to make it again. Yumm!
★★★★★
This soup is so gorgeous. And I have all of the ingredients!! Bookmarked to make next week 🙂
★★★★★
This is the perfect soup for winter! Love the combo of tomato and basil and is perfect for dipping a grilled cheese sandwich!
★★★★★
Tomato soup of any kind is my all-time favourite! I love this recipe because it uses all the ingredients I always have to hand. Thank you for sharing!
★★★★★
Tomato Basil is a classic favorite, and I love the chunky twist that you did. It looks delicious, and the grill cheese looks pretty great, too!
★★★★★
I must admit, I love ketchup, but have never been a fan of tomato soup --- until now upon seeing your pictures, knowing I can make it "chunky" and vegan. I so appreciate the fact you take the time to list how to support people's diet choices. Thanks for sharing.
★★★★★
Chunky tomato soup (or any soup) really is my favorite! I love the added texture. And so much herbs, I loove it!
★★★★★
Oh man. There's nothing my toddler loves more than a good ole grilled cheese sammie for dinner. I've never tried using canned tomatoes for tomato soup, but now I'm wondering why not! Love that you can make this in 30 minutes just from a few simple ingredients. GENIUS! I'm bookmarking it to save as a go-to!
★★★★★
I don't think I'll ever make cream of tomato again -- this chunky version looks so much better! Your shaved cheese garnish and fresh herbs must take this up several notches too -- but you really got me with that side of crusty grilled bread. (or is it grilled cheese -- EVEN BETTER!) I haven't taken anything out for dinner (yet), but now I think I know what I'm having and I can't wait to chow! Thanks for sharing your inspired recipe!
★★★★★
Oh I love tomato soup!! If I don’t eat it all in 4 days, can I freeze it? Or can I do a big batch and freeze?
★★★★★
You can freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight. I think this reheats best on the stove so that the soup gets a good stir in to make sure that the cream re-emulsifies well.
I just made a batch of tomato soup and am SO happy I did. That chunky basil really makes it for me - but I do love me some basil. And I totally crush on that I can easily make this whole30 when I am doing that again. Cuz soups are always my jam.
★★★★★
This looks so good. Thanks for the recipe. Always a big fan of this soup - chunky or smooth.
★★★★★