Creamy 5 Ingredient Tomato Soup Recipe

Velvety 5-Ingredient Tomato Soup Recipe that Everyone Loves

Slurping spoonfuls of this creamy 5 ingredient tomato soup brings comfort on even the coldest days.

Robust tomatoes blend seamlessly with rich, smooth ingredients that create pure magic in a bowl.

Each spoonful delivers a velvety texture that dances between tangy and sweet.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions like this.

Home cooks rejoice in recipes that require minimal effort but produce maximum flavor.

The soup comes together faster than ordering takeout, with just a handful of pantry staples.

You’ll be amazed how five ingredients can transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Grab a ladle and let’s turn dinner into a delightful culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 4

The Bare-Bones Ingredients That Make This Tomato Soup Sing

For Aromatics and Fat:
  • Butter: Adds rich, velvety flavor and provides perfect base for sautéing onions and garlic.
  • Onion: Brings sweet, deep foundational taste that creates complex soup flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Delivers robust, aromatic punch that elevates overall soup depth.
For Liquid Base:
  • Canned Tomatoes: Provides vibrant, concentrated tomato essence with natural sweetness and tangy undertones.
  • Broth: Offers seamless liquid foundation that enhances soup's overall body and enriches flavor complexity.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Salt: Balances and heightens all existing flavor dimensions in the soup.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and gentle spiciness to complement tomato's natural sweetness.
  • Fresh Basil (Optional Garnish): Introduces bright, herbal freshness that complements rich tomato base.
  • Croutons (Optional Garnish): Creates delightful textural contrast with crispy crunch against smooth soup.

What You’ll Need to Cook This Minimalist Tomato Soup

  • Large pot: Essential for sautéing aromatics and simmering the soup, with a sturdy base for even heat distribution.
  • Immersion blender: Perfect for pureeing the soup directly in the pot, making blending quick and easy with minimal cleanup.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients before cooking.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise cutting of onions and garlic.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring and moving ingredients while cooking.

From Pot to Bowl: The Method Behind the 5-Ingredient Soup

  • Kickstart the Flavor Burst

Grab a big pot and melt butter over medium heat. Toss in chopped onions and garlic, letting them dance and soften until they turn golden and release their magical aroma.

  • Tomato Magic Begins

Pour in juicy tomatoes and rich broth. Stir everything together and let the mixture come to a gentle bubble, creating a symphony of flavors.

  • Slow Simmer Transformation

Turn the heat down low and let the soup slowly whisper its secrets. Cover partially and let it simmer for about half an hour, allowing each ingredient to mingle and develop deep, complex tastes.

  • Smooth Silky Finish

Take the pot off the heat and transform your chunky mixture into a velvety dream. Use an immersion blender to create a luxurious, smooth texture. If you don’t have one, carefully transfer to a blender in small batches.

  • Season and Serve with Love

Sprinkle in salt and pepper until the soup sings with perfect balance. Ladle into bowls and garnish with crispy croutons, fresh basil leaves, or serve alongside a gooey grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of This Simple Classic

  • Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum flavor depth. Canned San Marzano tomatoes work brilliantly if fresh aren't available.
  • For ultra-smooth texture, strain the soup after blending to remove any remaining seeds or skin. Use a fine-mesh strainer for silky results.
  • Replace butter with olive oil for a vegan version. Add a splash of coconut milk for creamy richness without dairy.
  • Enhance the soup with a pinch of smoked paprika, dried oregano, or red pepper flakes for complex flavor profiles. Fresh herbs like thyme can add unexpected depth.
  • This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to maintain smooth consistency.

Delicious Ways to Dish Out This Tomato Soup

  • Fresh Bread Companions: Slice crusty sourdough or rustic Italian bread and lightly toast for a perfect dipping partner that soaks up the rich, velvety tomato soup.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Pair with a classic grilled cheese sandwich featuring sharp cheddar or gooey mozzarella for a comforting, nostalgic meal that warms the soul.
  • Herbal Garnish Delight: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top, adding a bright, fresh burst of flavor and a pop of green color to the vibrant red soup.
  • Creamy Finish Option: Swirl in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to create a silky texture and add a tangy, creamy contrast to the deep tomato flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage for Weeknight Tomato Comfort

  • Store leftover soup in airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacteria growth.
  • Keep the tomato soup refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum. Always check for any unusual smell or color changes before reheating.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze flat for up to 3 months to save storage space and maintain quality.
  • Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of additional broth if the soup seems too thick after freezing, ensuring smooth texture and preventing burning.
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Creamy 5 Ingredient Tomato Soup Recipe

Creamy 5 Ingredient Tomato Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Comforting 5 ingredient tomato soup brings Italian countryside warmth to winter dinner tables. Fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and broth blend into a silky smooth classic that satisfies both simple and sophisticated palates.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (790 g/28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion (peeled and halved)
  • 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • 4 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Flavor Foundation: Gently melt butter in a spacious pot over medium heat. Introduce halved onion and garlic, allowing them to soften and develop a delicate caramel-like essence for approximately 5 minutes.
  2. Liquid Harmony: Pour tomatoes with their natural juices and broth into the pot. Stir gently and coax the mixture to a gentle simmer, encouraging the ingredients to mingle and release their robust flavors.
  3. Infusion Stage: Reduce heat to low, partially cover the pot, and let the soup gently bubble for 30 minutes. This slow cooking process allows the ingredients to weave their aromatic profiles together, creating a deeply nuanced base.
  4. Transformation: Carefully transform the soup’s texture by using an immersion blender to puree until silky smooth. Alternatively, transfer in controlled batches to a standard blender, ensuring a creamy, uniform consistency.
  5. Final Flourish: Season with salt and pepper, calibrating to your preferred taste profile. Serve piping hot, garnished with crisp croutons, vibrant fresh basil leaves, or accompanied by a molten grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting culinary experience.

Notes

  • Gently cook onions and garlic to develop deep, sweet flavors without burning, which can create bitterness and ruin the soup’s delicate taste.
  • When using a standard blender, work in small batches and remove the center lid cap to allow steam to escape, preventing potential hot soup explosions.
  • Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin, ensuring your preferred texture every time.
  • Boost protein by stirring in Greek yogurt, adding cooked white beans, or topping with shredded cheese for a more substantial meal.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 100
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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