Creamy, cozy, and full of deep roasted flavor, this Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup is comfort food at its finest. Roasted vine tomatoes and sweet red bell pepper blend into a velvety, basil-kissed soup that's both elegant and easy. Swirled with cream and served over tender pasta with a sprinkle of parmesan, this one-pot meal is a warm hug in a bowl.
Craving more cozy, made-from-scratch soups? Be sure to try my Caldo de Res a traditional Mexican beef and vegetable soup that’s rich, hearty, and soul-warming.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Creamy and comforting: The texture is smooth and rich without being heavy.
- Bold, roasted flavor: Oven-roasted tomatoes and red pepper bring deep umami and sweetness.
- Fresh and cozy: Basil and garlic lift the flavors while the cream ties it all together.
- Easy to make: Made with simple ingredients in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Serve it as a soup starter, a light dinner, or add pasta for a heartier bowl.
INGREDIENTS YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE CREAMY ROASTED TOMATO SOUP
- 16 small tomatoes (on the vine)
- 1 red bell pepper
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
- 8 oz fusilli pasta, cooked (optional but recommended)
- Grated parmesan cheese, for serving
WHAT EACH INGREDIENTS DOES
- Ripe Tomatoes – The heart of the soup; roasting concentrates their sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- Onion – Adds savory depth and natural sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garlic – Roasting turns it mellow and buttery, giving the soup an earthy, aromatic base.
- Red Bell Pepper – Brings subtle sweetness and richness that rounds out the tomato flavor beautifully.
- Celery – Adds a slightly bitter, herbal note and balances the sweetness of the other vegetables.
- Carrots – Contribute a natural sweetness that enhances the roasted tomato flavor.
- Olive Oil – Helps roast the vegetables and adds richness and body to the soup.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for balancing and brightening all the flavors.
- Fresh Basil – Offers fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the richness of the soup.
- Fresh Thyme – Infuses the soup with earthy, aromatic depth as it simmers.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth – Forms the liquid base and helps meld all the flavors together.
- Sugar (optional) – A small amount helps balance acidity if your tomatoes are especially tart.
- Heavy Cream – Adds silky smoothness and rounds out the acidity for a comforting finish.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (for garnish) – Adds a pop of color and a fresh finish just before serving.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SUCCESS
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Cherry or grape tomatoes also work well.
- Don’t skip the roasting—it’s key to that rich, caramelized flavor.
- Blend to your liking—totally smooth or slightly chunky.
- Add heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Make it dairy-free with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Can I make this without pasta?
- Absolutely! The soup is delicious on its own and can be served as a lighter starter or paired with a salad.
- Can I freeze Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup?
- Yes. Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently before serving.
- Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
- You can substitute with one 14.5 oz can of fire-roasted tomatoes. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
- What pasta shapes work best?
- Fusilli is great because it catches the sauce well, but penne, rotini, or orzo are excellent options too.
- Try This Recipe & Let Me Know What You Think!
- If you make this Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram so I can see your beautiful bowls.
CREAMY ROASTED TOMATO SOUP
Ingredients
- 2 lbs tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 heads of garlic
- 3 celery
- 2 carrots
- 4 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and freshly ground pepper
- fresh basil handful
- fresh thyme handful
- 1 cup vegetables or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the ovenSet your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the vegetablesCut tomatoes in half (and deseed if you want a smoother texture). Add them to the baking sheet along with onion quarters, garlic heads (halved crosswise), chopped carrots, celery stalks, and red bell pepper.
- Season and roastDrizzle everything with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast for 25 minutes, then broil for an additional 2 minutes to enhance caramelization.
- Blend the soupLet the roasted veggies cool slightly. Squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins. Transfer everything—including any juices from the baking sheet—into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Simmer with herbs and brothPour the mixture into a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the broth, fresh thyme, and basil. Simmer for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- Finish with cream and seasoningRemove the thyme stems. Stir in heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar if needed.Pro Tip: Want a thinner soup? Add more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and garnishLadle into bowls and top with fresh basil. Serve hot with grilled cheese, croutons, or crusty bread.
For more expert tips on roasting vegetables for soups—including how roasting brings out sweetness and depth check out this helpful guide from Simply Recipes
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