Name: 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
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)

This Creamy Tomato Soup is made in 20 minutes with canned tomatoes, but no one would ever know! It’s flavored with basil, garlic and Parmesan and perfect for dunking your grilled cheese!

large pot of tomato soup with steel ladle in it.

Looking for more easy soup recipes? Try my Easy Taco Soup recipe, my Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup or my Ramen Noodle Soup!

There is just not a better comfort food combo than Creamy Tomato Soup and a crispy, melty grilled cheese sandwich.

This version is extra creamy, packed with basil, garlic and Parmesan, and made with inexpensive pantry staples!

It’s super quick, too, so you can get it bubbling on the stove even on the busiest weeknights. There’s barely any chopping, tons of flavor, and only one pot to clean!

This soup is super customizable, too. You can add in more veggies, rice, pasta, swap out herbs…basically, make it your own!

What people are saying

“This is my absolutely favourite tomato soup!” Tammy

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Homemade Tomato Soup ingredients:

ingredients needed for creamy tomato soup in bowls.

Salted butter: Unsalted butter also works, just taste at the end and add an extra pinch of salt if needed.
Garlic: Fresh is best, but jarred minced garlic works if you are in a rush, you may want a little extra for more flavor.
Basil pesto: I like to use homemade basil pesto, but any pesto you enjoy will work, start with a small amount and add more to taste if yours is strong.
Dried basil: If you are out of basil, Italian seasoning makes a good stand in.
Milk: Any milk you keep on hand is fine, 2 percent or whole will give you the creamiest texture, or swap in some half and half for extra richness. You can also swap the milk for evaporated milk or even some cream for a richer soup!
Crushed tomatoes with Italian herbs: If you only have plain crushed tomatoes, add a little extra dried basil or Italian seasoning to make up the flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan cheese makes things easy, but you can grate it yourself from a block if you like!
Fresh basil: Great for serving, but you can also finish bowls with extra Parmesan or a drizzle of cream if you do not have fresh herbs.

grilled cheese being dipped into a bowl of creamy tomato soup.

How to make Creamy Tomato Soup:

A few pantry staples and a pot are all you need to make this easy Tomato Soup! Don’t forget to check the recipe card for the full ingredients and instructions.

Melt the butter in a large pot, then cook the aromatics.
Whisk in the flour.
Whisk in the milk slowly until the mixture is smooth and lightly thickened.
Add the crushed tomatoes with Italian herbs and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the sugar to balance the acidity, tasting as you go.
Add the grated Parmesan and stir until it is fully melted and the soup is creamy.

spices added to large pot with melted butter and other ingredients. — Melt butter and cook the aromatics.

flour added to soup pot with other ingredients. — Melt butter and cook the aromatics.

milk added to soup pot with whisk in it. — Whisk in the milk.

parmesan and crushed tomatoes added to pot with other ingredients. — Whisk in the milk.

Tips for the best Creamy Tomato Soup:

Milk thickness: Stop cooking the milk mixture when it lightly coats the back of a spoon, if it thickens too much, whisk in extra milk or broth to loosen it before you add the tomatoes.
Low heat: Keep the heat on low once the milk and cheese are in the pot so the soup stays creamy and does not scorch on the bottom.
Blend the soup: If you are blending in a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly and work in smaller batches, an immersion blender makes it very easy if you have one.

How to store leftover Tomato Soup:

Store Creamy Tomato Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Reheat gently in a pot over low to medium heat, stirring often, and add a splash of milk or broth if it has thickened in the fridge.

You can also reheat single portions in the microwave, stirring halfway so it warms evenly.

Serving suggestions:

Serve Creamy Tomato Soup with a big chunk of crusty bread like No Knead Artisan Bread or buttery Garlic Bread for dunking, or keep it classic with gooey Air Fryer Grilled Cheese.

For leftovers, pour the soup over Buttered Noodles for a cozy, nostalgic pasta dinner, or use it as a creamy pizza sauce and spread it over Easy Pizza Dough before piling on your favorite toppings!

Tried this recipe?

Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel — I love to see what you’re making!

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Variations and Substitutions

Play with the herbs and spices: Use whatever you have in the pantry. Add extra basil, a little Italian seasoning, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
Dairy-free option: Use your favorite non dairy milk or even chicken or vegetable broth instead of milk. The flavor will be a bit different, but it will still taste creamy and cozy.
Add extra veggies: Toss in cooked carrots, onions or other soft veggies before blending. Cooked carrots are especially sneaky, they puree right in and most people will not even notice.
Make it heartier: Stir in cooked pasta, rice or another grain at the end for a more filling bowl.
Gluten-free version: Skip the flour roux and whisk a couple tablespoons of cornstarch into the cold milk instead. Let it thicken gently, then add your tomatoes and carry on with the recipe.

overhead image of mug of tomato soup with two pieces of grilled cheese on a plate.

More cozy veggie soup recipes you’ll love:

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Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!