20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch

This 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch is the perfect quick meal for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients, this soup is both comforting and flavorful, making it ideal for cozy dinners or a quick lunch. The rich blend of tomatoes, garlic, and cheese creates an irresistible dish that pairs beautifully with your favorite sandwiches. Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of basil, garlic, and Parmesan delivers a rich taste that satisfies.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it alone or pair it with grilled cheese, breadsticks, or salad.
Simple Ingredients: Use pantry staples to whip up this comforting soup without fuss.
Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike—everyone loves creamy tomato soup!

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment helps ensure your cooking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large soup pot
Whisk
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large soup pot: Essential for cooking the ingredients evenly while providing enough space for stirring.
Whisk: Perfect for mixing flour into the base smoothly without lumps.
Measuring cups: Ensure accuracy in your ingredient amounts for consistent results.

Ingredients

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!

For the Base

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

For Thickening

¼ cup all-purpose flour
2½ cups milk

For Flavoring

1 can crushed tomatoes with Italian herbs (28oz or 798ml)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

To Finish

1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Fresh basil (for serving)

How to Make 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Melt the butter in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Add the tomato paste, minced garlic, salt, basil pesto, dried basil, and pepper. Cook these together for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Flour

Whisk in the flour until no white remains. This will help thicken your soup later on.

Step 3: Incorporate the Milk

Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously. Increase the heat to medium as you stir until the mixture thickens.

Step 4: Mix in Tomatoes and Cheese

Add the crushed tomatoes along with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until everything is combined and heated through.

Step 5: Sweeten to Taste

Finally, stir in granulated sugar to taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary before serving hot with fresh basil on top.

Enjoy your deliciously homemade 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch, perfect for any meal!

How to Serve 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch

Serving your 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch can elevate the meal experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will complement the rich flavors of the soup.

With Grilled Cheese Sandwich

A classic pairing, grilled cheese adds a crunchy texture and gooey cheese that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.

Topped with Fresh Basil

Adding fresh basil on top enhances the aroma and provides a burst of freshness that brightens up every spoonful.

With Crusty Bread

Serve the soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the flavors, making each bite delicious.

In a Bread Bowl

For a fun twist, serve your soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. This keeps it warm and offers edible serving ware!

With Croutons

Sprinkle homemade or store-bought croutons on top for added crunch and flavor variation.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

A drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top adds richness and a hint of sophistication to your dish.

How to Perfect 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch

To ensure your soup turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic adds more depth than pre-minced options, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and sugar to achieve your desired balance of sweetness and acidity.
Experiment with herbs: Feel free to incorporate additional herbs like oregano or thyme for extra flavor layers.
Control thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer; for a thinner consistency, simply add more milk or broth.
Blend for smoothness: For an ultra-smooth texture, blend the soup using an immersion blender or transfer to a standard blender before serving.
Serve warm: Ensure the soup is served hot to enjoy its full flavor and comforting qualities.

Best Side Dishes for 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch

Pairing side dishes with your creamy tomato soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A timeless favorite that complements tomato soup perfectly—try different cheeses for variety!
Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Garlic Bread
Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping and enhances the meal’s overall taste experience.
Vegetable Sticks with Hummus
Fresh vegetable sticks provide crunch and freshness while hummus adds creaminess without overpowering flavors.
Pasta Salad
A cold pasta salad tossed with vegetables makes for a light yet satisfying side alongside the warm soup.
Stuffed Peppers
Baked stuffed peppers filled with quinoa or rice add heartiness and can be customized based on preference.
Baked Potatoes
Fluffy baked potatoes topped with cheese or sour cream offer comfort while complementing the rich flavors of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables
Seasonal roasted vegetables add color, nutrients, and robust flavors that pair nicely with creamy tomato soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some to avoid:

Skipping the Garlic: Not finely mincing the garlic can lead to a harsh flavor. Always mince it well for a smooth taste.
Overcooking the Flour: Cooking the flour too long can create a raw taste. Whisk just until no white remains before adding milk.
Neglecting to Taste: Forgetting to adjust seasoning can leave your soup bland. Always taste before serving and add salt or sugar as needed.
Using Low-Quality Tomatoes: Subpar canned tomatoes can ruin your soup’s flavor. Opt for high-quality crushed tomatoes with herbs for the best results.
Not Whisking Properly: Failing to whisk in the milk thoroughly can cause lumps. Stir continuously until fully combined for a creamy texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch

Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, stirring every minute until heated through.
Stovetop: Gently reheat in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making this easy soup, here are some common questions answered.

What is the secret to creamy tomato soup?

The key is using quality canned tomatoes and whisking in milk gradually to achieve a smooth texture.

Can I customize my 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch?

Absolutely! Add vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition or swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.

How do I make my tomato soup thicker?

To thicken your soup, let it simmer longer without a lid or add more flour while whisking.

What should I serve with tomato soup?

Grilled cheese sandwiches complement this creamy tomato soup perfectly! You can also pair it with crusty bread.

Final Thoughts

This 20 Minute Creamy Tomato Soup from Scratch is not only quick and easy but also deliciously comforting. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various ingredients according to your taste preferences. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!