4-Ingredient Tomato Basil Soup 🍅🌿 – Fresh & Simple Comfort in 15 Minutes
Blended canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, fresh basil, and a splash of cream create this velvety soup ready in 15 minutes. Served with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
This 4-ingredient tomato basil soup is proof that simplicity can yield extraordinary results. With just 15 minutes of hands-on time, you'll create a silky, fragrant soup that captures the essence of summer. The canned tomatoes provide a robust base, while the vegetable broth adds depth. Fresh basil blooms with herbaceous brightness, and a dollop of cream adds a luxurious finish. This soup is perfect for busy weeknights, summer lunches, or as a first course for dinner parties. Its rustic charm pairs beautifully with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
The beauty of this soup lies in its balance. The canned tomatoes offer a concentrated tomato flavor without the work of roasting or peeling. The vegetable broth acts as both liquid and seasoning, while the fresh basil adds a burst of green freshness. The cream doesn't mask the tomato flavor - it simply adds body and smoothness for a restaurant-quality texture. This soup requires no simmering or straining, making it one of the quickest and easiest pureed soups you'll ever make.
This easy soup can be made with pantry staples - canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, and a jar of basil from the store. For extra convenience, use basil pesto if fresh basil isn't available. The minimal ingredient list means there's less to shop for and less work in the kitchen. And at just four ingredients, it's a perfect make-ahead meal that reheats beautifully.
Whether you're craving a light lunch, a cozy dinner, or an appetizer for a larger menu, this soup delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. The velvety texture coats the palate, while the aromatic basil and tangy tomatoes create a symphony of taste. It's a recipe that will become a staple in your rotation, whether in the height of summer or a quick comfort food fix any time of year.
From soup-to-table cooking, this recipe embodies the joy of food made with care. Let's dive into why this 4-ingredient tomato basil soup is a must-make.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick & Effort-Free
This recipe requires just 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of blending - no simmering, no straining. Everything goes directly in the blender!
💰 Budget-Friendly
Canned tomatoes are often on sale, and vegetable broth makes this soup ultra affordable while still tasting completely indulgent.
👥 Customizable for Any Occasion
Scale up for dinner parties or down for a solo lunch. Add grilled cheese, tomato bruschetta, or simply serve with crusty bread.
🌟 Depth in Every Sip
The combination of tomatoes, herbaceous basil, and creamy finish delivers a complexity that would seem to require complex techniques.
4-Ingredient Tomato Basil SoupRecipe
Quick, fresh, and perfect with crusty bread
🛒 Ingredients
- - 2 (28 oz) cans tomato puree, undrained
- - 4 cups vegetable broth
- - 1 cup fresh basil, packed
- - 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for lighter texture)
- - Salt and pepper to taste
👨🍳 Instructions
Blend Ingredients: In a high-speed blender, combine tomatoes, vegetable broth, basil, and heavy cream. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy (about 30 seconds).
💡 For extra depth, sauté garlic first or use roasted garlic.
Season: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
💡 Use a spoon to test seasoning - the saltiness will intensify when hot.
Chill & Serve: For a chilled soup, refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve cold with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches.
💡 Add a drizzle of olive oil and basil leaves as garnish before serving warm.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Canned Tomato Puree
Tomato puree provides the soup's vibrant red color and concentrated flavor. It's more intensely flavored than whole tomatoes and creates a smooth base.
Substitutions: You can use whole peeled tomatoes with juice, though the texture may be slightly less velvety. Use tomato sauce if puree isn't available.
Vegetable Broth
The broth contributes both liquid and flavor. Choose a low-sodium variety for better control over seasoning.
Substitutions: Water plus 1 tsp dried oregano and 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes can mimic the vegetable flavor. Chicken broth works if you're not strict about it being vegetarian.
Fresh Basil
Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic quality that canned basil can't match. The leaves break down slightly during blending but maintain some visual interest.
Substitutions: Basil pesto (1/4 cup) provides the same flavor. Fresh oregano can be used in a pinch (1 tbsp), though it will shift the flavor profile slightly towards Mediterranean dishes.
Heavy Cream
The cream adds richness without overwhelming the soup's primary flavors. The fat also carries the basil's aromatics better than non-dairy alternatives would.
Substitutions: Full-fat coconut milk makes a dairy-free option with a hint of coconut flavor. Milk or half-and-half creates a lighter texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tomato Basil Soup
🌶️ Flavor Boosters
Add 1-2 roasted garlic cloves before blending for an intense depth of flavor. Or swirl in 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar before serving for a tangy twist.
🫖 Bread Pairing
Choose crusty artisan bread or baguots with a chewy center. The contrast between the silky soup and crunchy crust is irresistible.
🥄 Consistency Control
For a chunkier texture, reserve 1/4 cup tomatoes and stir in at the end. For ultra-smooth, blend again with some of the soup's own liquid.
🧊 Make-Ahead Tip
This soup improves slightly with refrigeration overnight as the flavors meld. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Variations & Customizations
Roasted Tomato Base
For extra depth, roast tomatoes with olive oil and garlic before blending. This adds a caramelized flavor that complements the fresh basil.
Vegetable Medley
Add steamed carrots, roasted zucchini, or sweet potatoes to the blender. This makes a thicker, heartier version that feels more like a main course.
Spicy Kick
Add 1-2 tsp of red pepper flakes or a small jalapeño for a spicy twist. This works especially well in hot summer versions where the heat is welcome.
Crustacean Upgrade
Infuse broth with shells from shrimp or lobster to create a seafood version. Add some fresh dill instead of basil for an Italian seafood twist.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Crusty sourdough: The chewy texture pairs perfectly with the smooth soup
- Tomato bruschetta: Builds on the soup's flavors with a textural contrast
- Grilled cheese sandwich: A classic duo where the cheese complements the tomato
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Chilled Pinot Grigio or Rosé to match the soup's lightness, or a glass of milk if serving to children
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Blend all ingredients and store in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to develop fully before serving warm.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The soup thickens slightly in the fridge - thin it out with a splash of broth before serving.
Freezer Storage
For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat gently in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a little more broth if the soup has thickened too much.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My soup tastes too bland
A: Add more salt sparingly. Also try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a few dashes of Tabasco for depth.
Q: Can I make it without a blender?
A: Yes! Sauté garlic first. Transfer to pot, add ingredients, and puree using an immersion blender until smooth.
Q: Ingredients separated after storing
A: This is normal. Simply stir well before reheating to recombine all elements. Add a splash of broth if it's too thick.
Q: How to make it vegan?
A: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of the heavy cream. Substitute vegetable broth with homemade stock for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
This 4-ingredient tomato basil soup is our favorite go-to recipe for those days when you want something comforting yet light. The process couldn't be easier - just a few minutes of blending and you have a restaurant-quality soup that tastes like it took hours to make. Whether you're feeding your family, bringing to a potluck, or simply treating yourself, this soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
From soup-to-table cooking, this recipe embodies the joy of food made with simple, high-quality ingredients. It's perfect on its own with a grilled cheese sandwich or as part of a complete meal with a green salad, crusty bread, and a main course of your choice. Don't be surprised if this becomes your new favorite soup - it's as satisfying as it is easy to make!
