Easy Stovetop Tomato Soup

This Easy Stovetop Tomato Soup is a creamy, cozy, and deeply flavorful dish made entirely in one pot. With a rich blend of vegetables, tomatoes, herbs, and cream, it’s the perfect soup to warm you up on chilly days. Best of all, it comes together quickly without the need for an oven—ideal for any season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot simplicity: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, all in a single pot.

• Super creamy: Thanks to heavy cream and a splash of balsamic vinegar, the soup has a velvety, rich texture.

• Bold, developed flavor: Tomato paste, fresh basil, spices, and a touch of sugar create a perfect balance of savory and sweet.

• Customizable: Add grilled cheese, croutons, or your favorite toppings.

• Freezer-friendly: Make a batch now and freeze leftovers for later.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil

• Yellow onion

• Carrots

• Celery stalks

• Garlic cloves

• Red pepper flakes

• Tomato paste

• Balsamic vinegar

• Whole plum tomatoes (canned)

• Chicken broth

• Italian seasoning

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Paprika

• Bay leaf

• Fresh basil

• Heavy cream

• Sugar

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Balsamic glaze (optional, for topping)

• Grilled cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. Prep vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.

2. Sauté base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

3. Add aromatics: Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Deglaze: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan.

5. Simmer soup: Add the plum tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a bay leaf. Stir to combine. Cover and let simmer on medium-low for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Blend: Add the fresh basil. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If using a regular blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches.

7. Finish: Stir in the heavy cream, sugar, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

8. Serve: Top with a swirl of balsamic glaze and extra cream if desired. Pair with grilled cheese for the ultimate comforting meal.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegan version: Use plant-based cream and vegetable broth.

• Spicy twist: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.

• Roasted flavor: Roast the tomatoes and garlic before blending for a deeper flavor.

• Chunky version: Blend only half the soup for a chunkier texture.

• Add-ins: Stir in cooked pasta, rice, or chickpeas for a heartier dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Let cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or water if needed.

FAQs

Can I use diced tomatoes instead of whole plum tomatoes?

Yes, but whole tomatoes typically have better flavor and texture. If using diced, choose high-quality canned tomatoes.

Can I freeze this soup?

Absolutely. This soup freezes well. Cool completely before freezing and leave out the cream if you plan to add it fresh upon reheating.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

Yes. You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or oat milk.

What’s the best way to blend hot soup?

An immersion blender is ideal. If using a countertop blender, let the soup cool slightly and blend in batches to avoid splattering.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop overnight.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and ensure any added toppings or sides are also gluten-free.

How do I add protein to this soup?

Serve with a grilled cheese sandwich or stir in cooked chicken, white beans, or lentils for added protein.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes. Use a plant-based cream and skip any cheese-based toppings or sides.

Why add sugar to tomato soup?

Sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a smoother and more rounded flavor.

Can I omit the balsamic vinegar?

You can, but it adds a nice tangy depth. A squeeze of lemon juice is a good alternative.

Conclusion

This Easy Stovetop Tomato Soup is everything you want in a comforting homemade meal—warm, creamy, full of flavor, and simple to make. Whether you pair it with a grilled cheese or enjoy it on its own, it’s bound to become a favorite in your cold-weather rotation. Keep this one-pot wonder on hand for cozy nights when you need something quick, satisfying, and delicious.

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