Description
This 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch is a luscious, comforting dish made with simple pantry ingredients and fresh seasonings. Rich in flavor and creamy in texture, this homemade soup combines the tanginess of crushed tomatoes with aromatic garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese, resulting in a smooth and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon basil pesto
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups milk
- 1 can crushed tomatoes with Italian herbs (28oz or 798ml)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Fresh basil (for serving)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Seasonings: Melt the salted butter in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Add the tomato paste, finely minced garlic, salt, basil pesto, dried basil, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to combine and release the flavors.
- Add Flour to Thicken: Whisk in the all-purpose flour thoroughly, continuing to stir until there are no visible white flour pockets. This step forms a roux base that will help thicken the soup.
- Add Milk and Thicken Soup: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to combine smoothly with the roux. Increase heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Cheese: Add the can of crushed tomatoes with Italian herbs and the grated Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients and heat the soup through until hot and slightly bubbling.
- Adjust Sweetness and Serve: Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, adjusting to your personal taste. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, fresh finish.
Notes
- You can adjust the sugar amount depending on the acidity level of your crushed tomatoes.
- For an even creamier texture, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with a sprinkle of dried basil if unavailable.
- Use low-sodium butter and salt to reduce sodium content if desired.
- This soup can be blended after cooking for a smoother texture, but is delicious as is with some tomato chunks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
