If there’s ever been a soup that captures the magic of comfort food in a bowl, Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup might just be the one. Imagine a spoonful: velvety cream swirled into robust tomato, every bite bringing both smoothness and pops of sweet-tart chunks. It’s rich, hearty, and deeply warming, yet comes together in just over half an hour with basic pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. Whether you’re dunking a crisp grilled cheese or savoring a simple lunch, this classic gets a luscious, textured upgrade that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup is that each ingredient is chosen to enhance both its vibrant flavor and satisfying texture. Simple as they may seem, every component—from the tomatoes to the splash of cream—plays a vital role in achieving the soup’s cozy depth and irresistibly creamy, chunky bite.

Olive oil: Gives a rich base for sautéing and adds a lightly fruity note to the soup’s aroma.
Yellow onion (chopped): Sautéed onion lends natural sweetness and a savory backbone to every spoonful.
Garlic cloves (minced): Just enough sharpness to heighten the tomato flavor without overpowering.
Diced tomatoes (with juice): Provide those signature tomato chunks and extra juiciness for the perfect texture balance.
Crushed tomatoes: Build up the velvety base, ensuring every bite is steeped in bold, tomatoey goodness.
Vegetable broth: Lifts and thins the soup to just the right consistency, keeping each spoonful light yet satisfying.
Tomato paste: Gives a concentrated, depth-of-flavor that brings out the “wow” factor in the broth.
Sugar: A little pinch tempers the tomatoes’ acidity and rounds out their rich flavor.
Dried basil: Brings a gentle herbal warmth, reminiscent of garden-fresh tomatoes and summer days.
Salt: Essential for balancing flavors—start small and adjust to your taste preference.
Black pepper: Adds a mild, peppery kick that perks up the overall flavor.
Heavy cream: The real secret to creaminess, making the soup ultra-rich and decadent without being heavy.
Butter: Melted at the end for even more silkiness and subtle depth.
Chopped fresh basil (optional): A fresh, aromatic finishing touch that brings visual appeal and extra flavor.

How to Make Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped yellow onion and let it soften for 4–5 minutes. You’re looking for that sweet spot where the onion turns translucent and just begins to smell irresistible. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This flavorful foundation will set the stage for the whole dish!

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Dump the diced tomatoes (juice and all), crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and tomato paste right into your pot. Each element brings its own unique contribution—juicy chunks, a silky blended base, and just the right amount of savory depth. Add the sugar, dried basil, salt, and black pepper and give it all a good stir to combine.

Step 3: Simmer to Bring Out the Flavors

Bring your soup mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away, uncovered, for 15–20 minutes. Stir every now and then, letting the flavors meld and intensify. This step is truly where your Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup gets its character; you’ll notice the tomato scent wafting all through your kitchen.

Step 4: Enrich with Cream and Butter

Slowly stir in the heavy cream and drop in the butter, letting it melt completely into the soup. These simple additions transform your tomato base into a velvety delight that still holds onto those satisfying chunks. For an even silkier finish, take a spoonful and taste—adjust salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 5: Adjust the Texture

If you love a hearty bite, serve the soup just as it is, letting those tomato pieces shine through. For a smoother take, use an immersion blender right in the pot—pulse gently, making sure you leave plenty of rustic chunks behind. This gives you the best of both worlds in your Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the finished soup into warm bowls and, if you like, sprinkle with freshly chopped basil. The green pops against the rosy soup, adding freshness and a restaurant-style finish. Now settle in, because it’s time to enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup

Garnishes

Adding the right garnish can really make your Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup sing. A handful of chopped fresh basil adds brightness, while a swirl of extra cream or a pat of butter makes it even more luscious. For a special touch, try cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better with Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup than classic grilled cheese—its melty, crispy magic is just made for dunking. A thick slice of crusty sourdough or buttery garlic bread also makes a perfect companion, soaking up every last drop. For lighter sides, think a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your soup in mugs for a cozy appetizer, or pour it into bread bowls for an edible, playful twist. For parties, try small shooter glasses with mini grilled cheese sticks on the side. However you present it, Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup always finds a way to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days and give it a gentle stir before reheating—flavors only get better as they mingle.

Freezing

Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup freezes surprisingly well. Portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (leave a little room for expansion) and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to keep the creamy texture smooth. If the soup thickens up too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it. Avoid boiling, which can cause dairy to separate.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or unsweetened oat milk, and use a vegan butter substitute. The soup stays wonderfully creamy with a subtle twist in flavor.

What’s the best way to get a perfectly chunky texture?

After simmering, use an immersion blender with a light hand—pulse just a few times so some tomato pieces remain. Or, simply skip blending for maximum chunkiness if that’s your preference.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh tomatoes work beautifully. Use about 2 1/2 pounds of ripe tomatoes, chop, and cook down thoroughly before following the recipe; taste and adjust seasoning since fresh tomatoes vary in sweetness and acidity.

How spicy is Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup?

This soup is mild and comforting by default, but feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to customize the heat level.

What can I add for extra protein?

Stir in cooked white beans, lentils, or even shredded rotisserie chicken if you aren’t keeping it vegetarian. These additions turn your Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup into a hearty main course.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about a steaming bowl of Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup—its mix of richness, comfort, and simple joy never gets old. Whether you enjoy it solo or share it with family and friends, let this cozy classic brighten up your next meal. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your own kitchen!

Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup. With a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, this soup is a delightful treat for the taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetable Base:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced

Soup Mixture:

1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter

Garnish:

Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
Simmer Soup: Add both types of tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Finish Soup: Stir in heavy cream and butter until fully incorporated. Adjust consistency with an immersion blender if desired.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.