Introduction
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of homemade tomato basil soup—especially when it’s bursting with garden-fresh flavor and simmered to perfection. Whether you’re craving a creamy tomato-basil soup recipe on a chilly evening, or you’re on the hunt for a copycat tomato basil soup version of your favorite restaurant dish (like Jason’s Deli Tomato Basil Soup or Cosi Tomato Basil Soup), this recipe will become your go-to. And best of all? You’ll learn how to make tomato basil soup without cream, keeping things light while still rich and delicious.
Let’s dive into the ultimate simple tomato basil soup recipe—made with real tomatoes, fresh basil, and pantry staples. We’ll also include variations, serving ideas, and tips to customize it to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Basil Soup
- ✅ Dairy-free option available: Learn how to make tomato basil soup without cream.
- ✅ Restaurant-style flavor: A true copycat tomato basil soup—richer than a canned version.
- ✅ Fast & easy: Ready in under an hour.
- ✅ Customizable: Make it vegan, creamy, spicy, or chunky.
- ✅ Freezer-friendly: Great for meal prep and future cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything to gather for a soul-warming pot of homemade tomato basil soup:
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or unsalted butter for extra flavor)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 pounds fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of whole peeled tomatoes, 28 oz each)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added richness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Basil Flavor:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice (for brightness)
For Creamy Variation (Optional):
- ½ cup heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut cream
(Only if you prefer a creamy tomato-basil soup recipe)
Instructions: How to Make Tomato Basil Soup Without Cream
This simple tomato basil soup comes together in one pot and just a few steps.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to caramelize slightly—this adds a rich umami base to your soup.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning
Add in your chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), along with broth, salt, pepper, sugar (if using), oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together.
Let the soup come to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
💡 Note: If you’re using canned tomatoes, try San Marzano-style for that Jason’s Deli tomato basil soup richness.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Once the tomatoes have broken down and the flavors have melded, remove the soup from the heat. Add the fresh basil and let it steep for a minute.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or carefully transfer to a blender in batches and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot if needed.
💡 For a chunkier texture, only blend half the soup and mix it back in.
Step 4: Brighten & Balance
Add balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
Step 5: Add Cream (Optional)
If you want to create a creamy tomato-basil soup recipe, stir in heavy cream or a dairy-free substitute at the end. Warm through, but don’t boil.
How to Serve Tomato Basil Soup
This soup is perfect on its own, but here are some delicious pairings:
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – The classic combo never fails.
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette – For dipping into the silky soup.
- Parmesan Croutons – Adds texture and cheesy goodness.
- Fresh Basil or Parmesan Garnish – A touch of elegance.
For a heartier meal, add cooked pasta, white beans, or even tortellini.
Recipe Variations
🍅 Copycat Jason’s Deli Tomato Basil Soup
To get that iconic flavor, use canned San Marzano tomatoes, a splash of cream, and blend until ultra-smooth. Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity and a touch of garlic powder.
🌿 Cosi Tomato Basil Soup
Use roasted tomatoes for deeper flavor, add roasted garlic, and finish with a swirl of cream or milk. Serve with their signature flatbread.
🥥 Vegan Tomato Basil Soup
Swap cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Use vegetable broth, and finish with nutritional yeast for umami richness.
🌶️ Spicy Tomato Basil Soup
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a chopped chili with the garlic for heat lovers.
🥛 Tomato Basil Soup Without Cream
Stick with olive oil, fresh basil, and vegetable broth. For richness, blend in soaked cashews or a bit of oat milk.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave.
Freezer:
This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then freeze in quart-sized bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil is preferred for its aroma and flavor, but in a pinch, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried basil. Add it in Step 2 with the tomatoes.
❓Can I roast the tomatoes first?
Absolutely. Roasting tomatoes (at 400°F for 25–30 minutes with olive oil and garlic) intensifies their flavor and adds a lovely depth to your soup.
❓How do I thicken tomato soup?
Simmer longer to reduce liquid, or add a small peeled potato or a carrot during cooking and blend it in. This keeps it creamy without dairy.
❓What tomatoes are best for soup?
- Roma or Plum tomatoes for a sweet, low-moisture base
- Heirloom tomatoes for complex flavor
- Canned San Marzano tomatoes for convenience and richness
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Without Cream)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 19g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
Add ~70 calories if using ½ cup heavy cream.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a cozy, homemade version of your favorite restaurant-style tomato soup, this homemade tomato basil soup hits all the right notes. With fresh ingredients, a rich and tangy depth, and a velvety smooth texture—whether creamy or dairy-free—it’s a staple for weeknight dinners and chilly weekends.
Now that you know exactly how to make tomato basil soup without cream, you can customize this base recipe to suit any diet or flavor profile. From a copycat Jason’s Deli tomato basil soup to a simple tomato basil soup using pantry ingredients, you’ll never go back to canned again.
