5 -Ingredient Tomato Basil Soup

Veggie • 20 Min • Healthy

A silky, comforting Tomato Basil Soup made from just five simple ingredients—yet full of rich, homemade flavor. This recipe comes together in minutes and tastes like a slow-simmered classic. Perfect for quick lunches, cozy evenings, and effortless entertaining.

Ingredients

Soup Base

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Finish

• ½ cup fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

To Serve (Optional but recommended)

• A swirl of cream or coconut milk
• Croutons
• Grilled cheese sandwich
• Extra basil leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Add tomatoes and broth

Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.

3. Simmer

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to deepen the flavor.

4. Blend the soup

Add fresh basil. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth or transfer carefully to a blender in batches.

5. Taste & adjust

Season with salt and pepper. Add a splash of cream for extra richness if desired.

6. Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with croutons, a swirl of cream, grated parmesan cheese or additional basil.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes

Equipment List

  • Medium pot
  • Immersion blender or regular blender
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Ladle

Notes & Substitutions

  • Creamier version: add ¼–½ cup cream or coconut milk.
  • Extra basil depth: add basil stems while simmering and remove before blending.
  • Tomato variation: use fire-roasted tomatoes for smokiness.
  • Protein boost: add white beans before blending for a thicker, higher-protein soup.
  • Spice it up: add red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: 4 days in airtight container.
  • Freezer: Up to 3 months (freeze before adding cream).
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stove; add extra broth if it thickens.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

  • Only 5 simple pantry ingredients
  • Creamy texture without heavy cream
  • Naturally vegan (unless cream is added)
  • Perfect for meal prep
  • Restaurant-quality flavor with almost no effort

You may also enjoy our Simple Mediterranean Chickpea Bowl, try the 9-Ingredient Chicken Bowl, or go for a Beginner’s Chili Bowl.