Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe | Rich, Cozy & Comforting

There’s something special about a bowl of creamy tomato soup on a chilly evening. The smell of simmering tomatoes fills the kitchen, the warmth seeps through your hands as you cradle the bowl, and every spoonful feels like a hug you didn’t know you needed. Let’s make that feeling happen in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Soup

This creamy tomato soup is silky, cozy, and satisfying. It uses pantry staples like canned San Marzano tomatoes, onion, and broth, so you can make it anytime without a grocery run. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, yet special enough for company. Plus, it freezes beautifully, and you can easily make it vegetarian with vegetable broth.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

The Tomato Base

San Marzano tomatoes are the heart of this recipe. They’re naturally sweet, low in acidity, and deliver a rich, balanced flavor. Using canned tomatoes also means you can enjoy the best tomato taste even when fresh ones aren’t in season.

Aromatics and Flavor Boosters

Diced onion, minced garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes create the foundation of flavor. The tomato paste deepens the color and adds that slow-cooked taste, even when you only have an hour.

The Creamy Finish

Heavy cream brings everything together, softening the acidity and adding that signature velvety texture. If you prefer, swap in coconut milk for a dairy-free version or half-and-half for a lighter finish.

Broth and Seasoning

Chicken broth keeps the soup light and savory, but vegetable broth works perfectly too. A pinch of sugar balances the acidity, while salt draws out the full tomato flavor. Fresh basil adds a gentle herbal note to finish things off beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Soup Step by Step

Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for one minute until fragrant.

Build the Tomato Base

Next, add the tomato paste. Stir constantly for 2 minutes until it darkens in color and smells rich. Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juices and gently crush them with a spoon.

Simmer to Develop Flavor

Add the salt, sugar, and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 30 minutes. The slow bubbling helps the flavors deepen and blend into a perfect balance.

Blend for a Silky Texture

When the soup has finished simmering, remove it from heat. Use an immersion blender to purée it right in the pot, or carefully transfer batches to a countertop blender. Blend until completely smooth.

Add the Creamy Touch

Return the soup to low heat and stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or sugar if needed. Your creamy tomato soup should now be silky, rich, and ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Ladle the soup into warm bowls and top with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a swirl of cream. It pairs perfectly with a golden grilled cheese sandwich, a slice of crusty sourdough, or a crisp green salad for a full meal.

For more cozy comfort, try my mushroom chicken soup for cozy nights or creamy parmesan Italian sausage ditalini soup.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

If you want a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To reduce spice, skip the red pepper flakes. For extra texture, stir in a handful of roasted cherry tomatoes before blending. You can also make it dairy-free with coconut milk or oat cream.

For a thicker soup, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes. If it turns out too thick, just add a splash of broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.

If you enjoy tomato-based dishes, you might love my creamy tomato ground beef orzo recipe too.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, do it gently over low heat, stirring often. Avoid boiling once the cream is added to keep the texture smooth.

You can also top reheated bowls with a little extra cream or a drizzle of olive oil to refresh the flavor.

Creamy Tomato Soup FAQs

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Conclusion

This creamy tomato soup brings warmth and comfort to any day. It’s quick, hearty, and endlessly adaptable perfect for those moments when you need something soothing yet simple. Whether you serve it with grilled cheese or sip it straight from a mug, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Find more cozy soup ideas and kitchen inspiration on Pinterest and Facebook.

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