The Best Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe for a Cozy Meal

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of creamy tomato soup, especially on a chilly day. Whether you’re serving it up as a cozy lunch, pairing it with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich, or enjoying it on its own for dinner, this creamy tomato soup recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. 

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with just a few pantry staples. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make a rich, creamy tomato soup that’s full of flavor and smooth in texture. Once you try it, you may never go back to canned soup again!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Soup

Here’s why this recipe is going to become your new go-to for tomato soup:

– Rich and Creamy Texture: The addition of heavy cream gives the soup that luxurious, velvety texture we all love.

– Full of Flavor: With a base of crushed tomatoes, onions, and garlic, this soup is packed with a deep, robust flavor.

– Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen! It’s a quick recipe to whip up without needing to make a special trip to the store.

– Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of this soup and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze it for later.

Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main dish, this creamy tomato soup is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Soup

To make this creamy tomato soup, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients. Let’s take a look at what goes into this recipe:

– 28 oz. crushed tomatoes – The base of the soup, providing that classic tomato flavor.

– 32 oz. chicken stock – Adds depth and richness to the soup. You can use vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.

– 1 cup onion (chopped) – Onions build the foundation of flavor with a subtle sweetness.

– 2 cloves garlic (minced) – Garlic adds a savory kick to the soup.

– 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic.

– ½ cup heavy cream – This is what makes the soup creamy and rich.

– 1 tbsp sugar – Balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a hint of sweetness.

– Salt & pepper to taste – Season the soup to your liking with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup

This creamy tomato soup recipe is simple and comes together in under 30 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can create with just a few basic ingredients. Let’s walk through the steps:

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

1. Heat the Oil:

   In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

2. Cook the Onions and Garlic:

   Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be fragrant but not browned.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Chicken Stock

1. Add the Crushed Tomatoes:

   Pour the 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes into the pot. Stir to combine the tomatoes with the onions and garlic.

2. Add the Chicken Stock:

   Next, pour in the 32 oz. of chicken stock (or vegetable stock, if you’re making it vegetarian). Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

1. Add Sugar, Salt, and Pepper:

   Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. You can always adjust the seasoning later.

2. Simmer the Soup:

   Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking.

Step 4: Blend the Soup

1. Blend Until Smooth:

   For a silky smooth texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup until it’s smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.

Step 5: Add the Cream

1. Stir in the Heavy Cream:

   Once the soup is blended to your desired consistency, stir in the ½ cup of heavy cream. This will make the soup rich, creamy, and perfectly smooth.

2. Simmer for a Few More Minutes:

   Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the cream to fully incorporate into the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve Hot:

   Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

2. Pair with Grilled Cheese:

   Serve this creamy tomato soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s a match made in heaven!

Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Soup

Making tomato soup is simple, but these tips will ensure it turns out perfect every time:

1. Use Quality Tomatoes:

   Since the tomatoes are the star of the dish, use high-quality crushed tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are often recommended for their sweetness and low acidity.

2. Adjust the Cream to Your Liking:

   If you prefer a lighter soup, you can reduce the amount of cream or substitute it with half-and-half. For an extra-rich soup, add a bit more cream!

3. Don’t Skip the Blending:

   Blending the soup is key to achieving that silky, creamy texture. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can blend just half of the soup and leave some of the tomatoes and onions intact.

4. Balance the Acidity:

   Tomatoes can be quite acidic, which is why adding sugar is important to balance the flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preference.

5. Season Generously:

   Taste the soup as you go and season it well with salt and pepper. The right amount of seasoning will bring out the flavors of the tomatoes and make the soup truly delicious.

Fun Variations on Tomato Soup

While this classic creamy tomato soup recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to switch it up and make it your own. Here are some fun ideas:

1. Add Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even a head of garlic can add extra depth of flavor to your soup. Simply roast the veggies, then blend them into the soup along with the tomatoes for a richer taste.

2. Make it Spicy

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. It adds a spicy kick that pairs nicely with the creamy base.

3. Basil Tomato Soup

For a fresh and herby twist, add a handful of fresh basil leaves to the soup right before blending. The basil will add a fragrant, slightly sweet note that complements the tomatoes perfectly.

4. Dairy-Free Tomato Soup

If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan version, simply omit the heavy cream and replace it with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. You can also use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

5. Tomato Bisque with Crab

For a fancier take, try making a tomato bisque by adding lump crab meat to the soup. Stir in the crab meat after blending the soup for a seafood twist that elevates this classic dish.

What to Serve with Creamy Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few of my favorite side dishes to serve alongside creamy tomato soup:

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This is a no-brainer. The combination of crispy, buttery bread and melted cheese with a creamy tomato soup is pure comfort food. Use cheddar, American, or even mozzarella for the perfect grilled cheese.

2. Crusty Bread

A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dunking into the soup. Whether you choose a baguette, sourdough, or a simple dinner roll, bread and tomato soup are a match made in heaven.

3. Salad

If you’re looking for a lighter side, serve the soup with a crisp green salad. A simple Caesar salad or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup.

4. Garlic Bread

For extra flavor, serve your tomato soup with garlic bread. The crunchy, garlicky bread pairs wonderfully with the smooth, creamy soup.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Tomato Soup

This creamy tomato soup is perfect for meal prep because it stores and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to store leftovers:

Storing:

– Fridge:

  Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

– Freezer:

  If you’d like to freeze the soup, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

– Stovetop:

  Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

– Microwave:

  You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a simple, comforting recipe for creamy tomato soup that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or pairing it with a grilled cheese for dinner, this soup is bound to be a hit. It’s a great recipe to have in your rotation, especially when you’re craving something warm and comforting. 

Enjoy your cozy bowl of creamy tomato soup, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!