Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (Rich, Cozy & Full of Fresh Flavor!)

Sarah Smith
Dec 2, 2025
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Creamy tomato soup in a white bowl, topped with croutons, basil leaves, and a swirl of cream. Warm, inviting, and flavorful setting.

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is smooth, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor — roasted tomatoes, sautéed aromatics, fresh basil, and a touch of cream blend into the perfect cozy bowl. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and tastes far better than anything from a can. Pair it with grilled cheese, focaccia, or a simple salad for the ultimate comfort meal.

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is rich, cozy, and full of fresh flavor — perfect for pairing with warm Herbed Focaccia Bread or a basket of Garlic Parmesan Bubble Bread. For a full comfort-food dinner, serve it alongside a crisp Classic Caesar Salad or cozy pasta like One-Pot Sausage Pasta.

Why You’ll Love This

Smooth, creamy tomato soup with fresh basil flavor
Cozy, comforting bowl that feels classic and familiar
Simple ingredients simmered into a rich, satisfying flavor
Perfect for chilly days, grilled cheese nights, or easy lunches

Cook Times

Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 20–25 minutes Total: 30–35 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Soup

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended)
1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Optional Garnishes

Extra cream
Parmesan cheese
Croutons
Basil oil drizzle

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Build the Tomato Base

Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–12 minutes.

3. Blend Until Creamy

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. (Or cool slightly and blend in batches.)

4. Add Cream & Basil

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and fresh basil. Simmer 2–3 minutes, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.

5. Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with basil, Parmesan, or a swirl of cream.

Ways to Serve

Storage

Refrigerator: 3–4 days
Freezer: Freeze without cream for up to 3 months
Reheat: Warm gently; add extra cream or broth if thickened

FAQ

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes! Roast 2–3 lbs Roma or cherry tomatoes at 425°F for 20 minutes and add in place of canned.

Can I make it without cream?

Absolutely — use coconut milk, half-and-half, or simply leave it out for a lighter soup.

Can I blend only half for some texture?

Yes! Blend half the soup and mix it back in for a rustic, chunky version.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How can I make it thicker?

Simmer longer or add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste.

Is this good for meal prep?

Yes — it reheats beautifully and freezes well (without the cream).

Conclusion

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is the ultimate cozy classic — rich, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. With simple ingredients and restaurant-quality flavor, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or pairing with a warm, melty grilled cheese. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to canned soup again!