Velvety Weeknight Tomato Soup with Basil & Oregano
A comforting, creamy tomato soup infused with fragrant herbs, ready in under 30 minutes.
By Janelle
Updated: January 18, 2026
Why I Love This Recipe
Tomato soup, a timeless classic, evokes memories of childhood comfort and simple pleasures. But this isn't your average canned soup experience. This recipe elevates the humble tomato with aromatic herbs and a touch of sweetness, creating a velvety smooth and deeply satisfying bowl. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it's a dish that proves you don't need hours to achieve incredible flavor.
- •Effortless Elegance - Transforms simple canned tomatoes into a sophisticated and comforting soup.
- •Herbaceous Harmony - Dried basil and oregano provide a fragrant and balanced flavor profile.
- •Quick Weeknight Winner - Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- •Naturally Creamy Texture - The pureed tomatoes create a smooth, velvety texture without any heavy cream (though you can add some!)
- •Customizable Comfort - Easily adaptable to your preferences; add a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of cheese, or grilled cheese croutons.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need – nothing too fancy, just good ingredients that work together beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (or to taste)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. The oil should shimmer slightly, indicating it's hot enough for the next step.
~2 min
- 2
Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. The onion will start to become fragrant and slightly sweet.
~7 min
- 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of garlic will become quite noticeable.
~1 min
- 4
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine everything evenly, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds extra flavor to the soup.
~1 min
- 5
Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and sugar. Stir well to incorporate the herbs and sugar into the tomato mixture. The sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
~1 min
- 6
Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. A gentle simmer is key to developing the soup's depth of flavor.
~15 min
- 7
Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. Be cautious when blending hot liquids; start on low speed and vent the blender to prevent splattering. The soup should have a velvety texture.
~3 min
Tip: If using a regular blender, work in batches and vent the lid to avoid pressure buildup. - 8
Return the blended soup to the pot. If the soup is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Seasoning is crucial to balancing the flavors.
~2 min
- 9
Gently heat the soup through. Do not boil. Overheating can diminish the fresh taste. You are just warming it through after the blending.
~2 min
- 10
Serve hot and garnish with a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of fresh basil, or your favorite toppings. Grilled cheese croutons are always a welcome addition. Enjoy the comforting warmth and rich flavor of your homemade tomato soup.
~1 min
How Do I Know It's Ready?
The soup is done when it is smooth, creamy, and heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can! You'll need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Roasting the tomatoes before blending will enhance the flavor even more.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Velvety Weeknight Tomato Soup with Basil & Oregano as much as I do! It's a wonderful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out – feel free to share your experience and any variations you tried!