Name: Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large yellow onion, diced; 3 medium carrots, diced; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated; 1 cup fresh basil leaves and tender stems; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or generous pinch dried thyme); 2 cups vegetable stock or broth; optional: ½ cup dry, unoaked white wine (such as Pinot Grigio); 2 cups heavy cream, milk, or unsweetened plant milk of choice (almond, oat milk, etc.); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons tomato paste; one 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes; kosher salt and ground black pepper, to season; optional: up to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 77 reviews

If you’re craving a heartwarming bowl of comfort that embraces you with every spoonful, look no further than this Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe. It’s a true celebration of simple pantry staples transformed into a velvety, vibrant soup that will make those cold days instantly cozier. The beautiful harmony of gently simmered tomatoes, fresh herbs, and creamy richness will have you coming back for seconds and sharing this gem with everyone you know.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot filled with smooth, bright orange soup sits on a white marbled surface. On top of the soup, fresh green basil leaves are scattered, along with small black pepper and red spice flakes. A metal ladle with a wooden handle is dipped into the soup near the center, creating a small round indentation. Around the pot, there are a few loose basil leaves, a wooden cutting board with a small bowl of red spices, a silver spoon, and a blue and white striped cloth. The scene is bright and clean, with the white marbled surface adding a soft texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a starring role in crafting its flavor, texture, and color. Using pantry essentials alongside fresh herbs ensures a bright and satisfying result that’s easy to pull together any day of the week.

3 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a luscious base and helps soften the veggies for deeper flavor.
1 large yellow onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and a gentle bite that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
3 medium carrots, diced: Impart subtle earthiness and a touch of natural sweetness to round out the taste.
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated: Brings aromatic depth and a savory punch.
4 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the soup its rich color.
Optional red pepper flakes (up to 1 teaspoon): Adds a warming hint of heat for those who like a little kick.
1 cup fresh basil leaves and tender stems: Brightens the soup with herby freshness and a lovely green note.
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or a generous pinch dried thyme): Offers earthy, woodsy undertones.
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes: The star ingredient, a convenient and flavorful tomato base for winter warmth.
2 cups vegetable stock or broth: Creates the perfect liquid foundation to meld all the flavors.
Optional ½ cup dry unoaked white wine: Elevates the complexity and adds subtle acidity, but can be swapped if preferred.
2 cups heavy cream, milk, or unsweetened plant milk of choice: Envelops the soup in creamy goodness, making each spoonful silky smooth.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the ingredients into perfect harmony.

How to Make Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a sturdy pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and carrots, seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until they soften slightly, about 5-6 minutes, which develops that gentle sweetness and a tender base. Then stir in garlic, tomato paste, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them, letting this mixture cook another minute or two until the tomato paste darkens and the garlic’s aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 2: Build and Simmer the Soup

Next, toss in fresh basil, thyme, canned crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and that splash of white wine if you opted for it. Give everything a good stir, bring it all to a boil, then turn the heat down to a slow, gentle simmer. Partially cover your pot and let those flavors meld together for about 15 minutes until the veggies are tender throughout and your kitchen smells like a cozy Italian trattoria.

Step 3: Blend Until Silky

Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender, filling it no more than two-thirds full to avoid spills. Blend each batch until velvety smooth, keeping the blender lid slightly open but covered with a kitchen towel to let steam escape safely. Alternatively, use an immersion blender right in the pot for effortless blending. This step transforms the rustic broth into the creamy texture that makes this Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe so irresistible.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Seasoning

Return the blended soup to your pot and stir in your choice of cream or plant-based milk. Gently warm the soup over medium-low heat until everything is heated through but not boiling, then taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. This final touch ensures the soup’s richness is perfectly balanced and irresistibly smooth.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and add your favorite toppings to enhance its warmth and flavor. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper, more red pepper flakes, or fresh basil leaves will make it shine. Serve alongside crusty bread or a gooey mozzarella grilled cheese sandwich for a meal that’s pure comfort in every bite.

How to Serve Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe

The image shows a top view of various fresh ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface, ready for cooking. There is a wooden cutting board with chopped orange carrots beside a large knife on the left side. Next to the cutting board is a whole onion and a white bowl with a red rim filled with chopped white onions. Nearby is a white bowl with a red rim containing fresh green basil leaves. In the center, there is an open can of red crushed tomatoes, and close to it is a small white cup with more tomato paste. Above these are glass bottles with light yellow cooking oils. A white pitcher filled with dark brown broth is on the right side, and near it are herbs like fresh thyme and garlic cloves on a white marbled plate. Small containers hold salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes, completing the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil gives a burst of herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base. Cracked black pepper adds a rustic bite, while a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes introduces a gentle heat that lingers delightfully on your palate. For a special touch, swirl in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a spoonful of pesto for an extra pop of flavor.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs perfectly with something warm and crispy. Think crusty sourdough bread for dunking or a grilled cheese sandwich loaded with mozzarella or sharp cheddar for a melty, satisfying counterpoint. Simple green salads or roasted vegetable platters also complement the soup, making your meal feel balanced and thoughtful.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic earthenware bowls for cozy vibes or elegant white bowls for a restaurant feel at home. Top with a dollop of crème fraîche or a sprinkling of toasted pumpkin seeds to add texture and visual interest. For fun, serve it in mini bread bowls for individual portions that make any meal feel like a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe is fantastic for making ahead since the flavors deepen after resting. Once cooled, store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. When ready, gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain that luscious texture.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, this soup freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into airtight freezer-safe containers or portion it out into smaller servings for easy thawing. You can also use silicone Souper Cubes to freeze individual portions. The soup will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy again, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge. Then warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy and smooth. If reheating from refrigerated leftovers, a quick microwave stint or stovetop warm-up works wonders. Add a splash of cream or broth if it feels too thick after reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the heavy cream for your favorite unsweetened plant milk like almond or oat milk, and make sure your broth is vegan-friendly. The soup will still be rich, creamy, and incredibly comforting.

Do I have to use white wine?

You don’t have to. White wine adds a lovely complexity, but you can substitute it with dry vermouth, extra vegetable broth, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness without the alcohol.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can, but canned crushed tomatoes are the secret to consistent flavor and ease in this recipe, especially in winter when fresh tomatoes lack that ripe sweetness. If you use fresh, choose very ripe tomatoes and cook them down longer for a similar intensity.

How spicy is this soup?

The soup is mild by default, but you can easily add up to a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to give it a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering the comforting tomato flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftover soup?

Cool your soup completely and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

This Middle-of-Winter Creamy Tomato Soup (Canned Tomatoes) Recipe is an absolute treasure on chilly days. It’s quick to make, relies on straightforward ingredients, and melts into a bowl of pure warmth and happiness. I genuinely hope you enjoy making it as much as I do sharing it — every spoonful is a hug in a bowl that feels like coming home. Give it a try, and make your winter nights a little cozier, one creamy tomato spoonful at a time.