Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade creamy tomato soup is the epitome of comfort food—rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor. With just a handful of simple ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time, you can make a soup that’s rich, smooth, and way better than anything that comes from a can. The addition of heavy cream creates a luxurious texture, making it the perfect dish to enjoy on a cold day or as a comforting starter to any meal.
Ingredients
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2 cans whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
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1 quart chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian version)
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2 heaping tablespoons minced garlic
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Tomatoes: Puree the tomatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth.
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Cook the Aromatics: In a large pot, sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the pureed tomatoes and chicken stock to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
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Add Dairy: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Blend the Soup: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender.
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Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or croutons if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: Approximately 8
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the sautéing step.
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Herb-Infused: Include fresh basil or thyme during simmering for added aroma and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to reach desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Roast them first to enhance their flavor, then peel and blend them before adding to the soup.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to make the soup vegetarian.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors may even improve after a day or two.
How can I make the soup spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the sautéing step to introduce some heat.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Parmesan adds a distinct flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a different taste profile.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure all ingredients, including the stock, are gluten-free.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute if necessary.
What bread pairs well with this soup?
Traditional accompaniments include warm pita bread or crusty sourdough. You can also serve with fried pita chips for added texture.
Conclusion
This creamy tomato soup is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Its rich, velvety texture and comforting flavors make it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a starter to a hearty meal, this soup is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Print
Creamy Tomato Soup with Heavy Cream
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Tomato Soup with Heavy Cream is a comforting, velvety dish that’s perfect for any season. With its rich, smooth texture and bursting tomato flavor, it’s a homemade version that’s far better than anything from a can. The addition of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious, creamy base that makes every spoonful pure bliss.
Ingredients
2 cans whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
1 quart chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian version)
2 heaping tablespoons minced garlic
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
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Prepare the Tomatoes: Puree the tomatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth.
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Cook the Aromatics: In a large pot, sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the pureed tomatoes and chicken stock to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
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Add Dairy: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Blend the Soup: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender.
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Season: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or croutons if desired.
Notes
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the sautéing step for a spicy twist.
- Herb-Infused: Include fresh basil or thyme during simmering to infuse the soup with additional flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American
