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Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe Easy Homemade Cozy Comfort in 30 Minutes

creamy tomato soup recipe - featured image

A quick and easy creamy tomato soup made with pantry staples, featuring a velvety texture from cream cheese and a perfect balance of warm, rich flavors. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 28 ounces (800 grams) canned crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 2 cups (475 ml) vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 ounces (60 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Optional garnishes: fresh basil leaves, croutons, shredded sharp cheddar or Parmesan cheese, drizzle of olive oil or cream

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium to large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Pour in the 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of broth. Stir well, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes to let flavors meld and soup thicken.
  6. Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Remove the pot from heat and blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender. If using a regular blender, cool slightly and blend in batches, then return to pot. For extra smoothness, strain through a fine mesh sieve.
  8. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 2 ounces softened cream cheese. Return pot to very low heat and stir until cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
  9. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. If soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen.
  10. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil, croutons, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil or cream.

Notes

Do not rush the simmering step to avoid bitter burnt taste. Stir often to prevent sticking. Use an immersion blender for easier cleanup and better control over texture. Cream cheese adds velvety texture and slight tang; can be substituted with Greek yogurt or plant-based cream cheese for dairy-free versions. Adjust sugar and salt to balance acidity. Soup tastes better the next day. Freeze without cream and cream cheese, add fresh when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato soup, easy tomato soup, homemade tomato soup, comfort food, quick soup recipe, creamy soup, tomato soup with cream cheese