There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, flavorful bowl of soup—it feels like a big hug for your soul. Whether you’re dealing with a chilly day, feeling under the weather, or simply craving comfort food, a classic Tomato Basil Soup is the perfect solution. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and the combination of rich, creamy tomato broth and fragrant basil will elevate your meal.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a recipe that yields a perfectly velvety and savory Tomato Basil Soup. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a nourishing and indulgent dish. Are you ready to dive in?

**The Magic Behind Tomato Basil Soup**

Tomato Basil Soup is a timeless classic. It epitomizes simplicity with its easy-to-source ingredients, yet it is also bursting with flavor. The creamy tomato base is comforting, while the fresh basil provides a burst of aromatic freshness. This soup has been a go-to for generations, and once you taste it, you'll understand why it's so beloved.

In this particular recipe, we are using a combination of chicken or vegetable stock, concentrated crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and fresh basil. The result is a smooth, slightly tangy, and perfectly creamy bowl of goodness that is comforting enough for any occasion.

**Why This Tomato Basil Soup Is So Special**

- **Rich and Creamy:** The addition of heavy cream makes this soup luxuriously smooth and rich. It balances the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a hearty, satisfying texture that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.

- **Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh basil adds a light, aromatic flavor that pairs wonderfully with the tomatoes. The chiffonade technique (thinly slicing the basil) ensures that each bite has a little burst of basil without overpowering the soup.

- **Quick and Easy:** Despite how complex and gourmet this soup might taste, it can be made in under 30 minutes. The prep is simple, and all you have to do is let the flavors come together as they simmer.

- **Customizable:** The recipe is very versatile. You can make it vegetarian by opting for vegetable broth, or you can add some extra garlic or a dash of red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.

**The Ingredients You’ll Need**

To make this delicious Tomato Basil Soup, you'll need:

- 2 (15-ounce) containers of chicken or vegetable stock/broth (our preferred brand: Kitchen Basics)

- 1 (28-ounce) can of concentrated crushed tomatoes

- 1 cup of heavy cream

- Coarse salt and black pepper to taste

- 20 fresh basil leaves for garnish, cut into chiffonade

That’s it! Simple, right? Let’s break it down:

- **Stock/Broth:** The stock is the foundation of your soup's flavor. Kitchen Basics is a great option because it has a deep, natural taste that adds richness without overpowering the tomatoes.

- **Crushed Tomatoes:** The concentrated crushed tomatoes are the hero of the soup, giving it its signature tangy, tomato-y base. Make sure you use a high-quality can of crushed tomatoes to ensure the best flavor.

- **Heavy Cream:** For creaminess, the heavy cream will enrich the broth, creating a smooth texture and adding a velvety mouthfeel. It’s what takes this soup from “good” to “next-level amazing.”

- **Basil:** Fresh basil is a must. It provides that fresh, herby aroma that cuts through the richness of the cream and creates balance in the dish. By cutting it into a chiffonade (thin ribbon-like cut), you get little bursts of basil in every spoonful.

**Step-by-Step Instructions**

Now, let’s get to the good part—making the soup!

**Step 1: Combine Broth and Tomatoes** 

In a medium saucepan, add the chicken or vegetable stock and the crushed tomatoes. Turn the heat to moderate. Stir the mixture occasionally as it heats up. Once it begins to bubble gently, you're ready for the next step.

**Step 2: Add the Heavy Cream** 

Now that your broth and tomatoes are heated and combined, it’s time to add the heavy cream. Pour it in slowly while stirring, allowing the cream to blend with the tomatoes, creating a creamy and smooth texture. Once it’s incorporated, reduce the heat to low.

**Step 3: Season the Soup** 

Sprinkle in a pinch of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt will enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, and the pepper adds a little warmth. Let the soup simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure everything is well-mixed and the flavors meld together.

**Step 4: Puree the Soup** 

Once the soup has simmered and the flavors have melded, it’s time to make it silky smooth. If you have an immersion blender, this is the perfect time to use it! Simply blend the soup right in the pot until it’s completely smooth and velvety. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, but be cautious as it will be hot.

**Step 5: Garnish and Serve** 

Now for the fun part—garnishing! Take about 20 fresh basil leaves and cut them into a chiffonade (a technique where you stack the leaves, roll them up, and slice them thinly). Sprinkle the basil chiffonade over your soup for an added burst of fresh flavor. You can also add extra black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. 

You’re now ready to serve and enjoy a warm bowl of comforting Tomato Basil Soup!