Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup Recipe

Homemade Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort floods your kitchen when a hearty chunky tomato soup simmers on the stove, promising warmth and rich flavors.

Memories of grandmother’s cooking dance through the aromatic steam rising from the pot.

Ripe, juicy tomatoes create a vibrant base that whispers of summer gardens and fresh harvests.

Robust herbs and gentle spices blend seamlessly, turning simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal.

Mediterranean traditions inspire this classic recipe, making each spoonful feel like a loving embrace.

Rustic and unpretentious, this soup speaks directly to hungry hearts seeking genuine nourishment.

Grab a ladle and savor every delicious moment waiting to unfold.

Ingredients for Rich and Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup

For the Base:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for sautéing vegetables and building flavor.
  • Onion: Adds a sweet, caramelized depth to the soup's overall taste profile.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
For the Aromatics:
  • Butter: Creates a creamy, rich base that adds luxurious texture to the soup.
  • Garlic: Brings a pungent, warm flavor that complements the tomatoes.
  • Oregano: Introduces a classic Mediterranean herb note that elevates the soup's taste.
For the Tomato Components:
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provide the primary chunky texture and fresh tomato flavor of the soup.
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrates and intensifies the tomato flavor, adding depth and richness.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a smooth, velvety texture and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Stepwise Instructions to Chunky Tomato Soup Success

Stepwise Instructions to Chunky Tomato Soup Success

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Toss in chopped onions and sprinkle with kosher salt.

Stir occasionally and let the onions become golden and soft, releasing their sweet flavor for about 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Boost Flavor Profile

Add these ingredients to the pot:
  • Butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Dried oregano

Stir and cook for one minute until the kitchen fills with a delightful herbal fragrance.

Step 3: Introduce Creamy Element

Pour heavy cream into the pot, stirring continuously to create a smooth, luxurious base for the soup.

Step 4: Build Tomato Richness

Incorporate these ingredients:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato paste

Mix thoroughly and allow the soup to simmer on medium heat for 15-20 minutes.

This will help the flavors marry and the texture become slightly thicker.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serving

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed.

Ladle into bowls and serve alongside crusty bread or a crispy grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting meal.

Step 6: Texture Variation (Optional)

Blend a portion of the soup to create a more velvety consistency while maintaining some delightful tomato chunks for texture and visual appeal.

Tips to Perfect Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup Every Time

  • Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for the most vibrant, sweet flavor profile in your soup.
  • Partially blend the soup to create a perfect balance between smooth and chunky consistency.
  • Toast oregano briefly in butter to release deeper, more aromatic herbal notes before adding other ingredients.
  • Add heavy cream slowly and stir continuously to prevent separation and achieve a silky, uniform texture.
  • Pair the soup with crusty bread or grilled cheese to transform a simple dish into a satisfying, comforting meal.

Variations to Refresh Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup Bowl

  • Mediterranean Marvel: Replace oregano with fresh basil and add crumbled feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Spicy Southwest Splash: Mix in diced green chilies, sprinkle smoked paprika, and garnish with chopped cilantro for a zesty kick.
  • Roasted Veggie Boost: Incorporate roasted red peppers and caramelized garlic, then blend half the soup for a rich, complex flavor profile.
  • Protein Power Bowl: Stir in cooked ground turkey or shredded chicken, and top with crispy bacon bits for extra heartiness.

Ideal Pairings for Chunky Tomato Soup Experience

  • Pair with Crusty Sourdough: Slice thick, crusty sourdough bread and toast until golden brown, creating a perfect dipping companion that absorbs the soup's rich, creamy texture.
  • Complement with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with bright, acidic notes that cut through the soup's creaminess and enhance the tomato's natural tanginess.
  • Serve alongside Classic Grilled Cheese: Create a traditional grilled cheese using sharp cheddar on artisan bread, providing a melty, crispy side that elevates the entire dining experience.
  • Garnish with Fresh Basil Leaves: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top to add a vibrant, herbal freshness that brightens the soup's deep, robust flavor profile.

Proper Storage of Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup

Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.

Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

Pour soup into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or cream if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh ripe tomatoes, canned whole tomatoes, or a mix of fresh and canned. Roma or San Marzano tomatoes work best for their rich flavor and low water content.

  • Is this soup vegetarian?

The basic recipe is vegetarian, but you can make it vegan by replacing heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.

  • How can I make the soup more protein-rich?

Add cooked white beans, shredded chicken, or crumbled tofu to increase protein content and make the soup more filling.

  • What herbs work well in this tomato soup?

Besides oregano, try fresh basil, thyme, or parsley. Fresh herbs add brightness and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.

Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup That Warms the Soul

  • Savor Hearty Comfort: A soul-warming soup that delivers rich, robust flavors perfect for satisfying hunger and providing ultimate comfort on any day.
  • Master Easy Cooking: Novice and experienced cooks can confidently prepare this recipe with simple steps, minimal ingredients, and straightforward techniques that guarantee delicious results.
  • Customize Your Bowl: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like blending for smoother texture, adding extra herbs, or pairing with grilled cheese for a complete meal experience that suits individual preferences.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-quality soup in less than one hour, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks seeking delectable meals without extensive preparation.
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Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup Recipe

Creamy Chunky Tomato Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting creamy tomato soup delivers pure Italian countryside warmth with robust flavors and silky textures. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a soul-satisfying meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 2 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) cans diced tomatoes (with onion and garlic)
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 34 tablespoons tomato paste

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Oils and Fats:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, introducing finely diced onions and a sprinkle of kosher salt. Gently manipulate the ingredients, allowing them to soften and develop a gentle golden hue for approximately 10-15 minutes.
  2. Incorporate butter, minced garlic, and dried oregano, stirring briefly until aromatic and fragrant, roughly 60 seconds.
  3. Stream heavy cream into the mixture, whisking consistently to create a smooth, integrated base.
  4. Introduce diced tomatoes and concentrated tomato paste, thoroughly integrating all components. Allow the liquid to gently simmer at medium heat for 15-20 minutes, concentrating flavors and achieving a slightly thickened consistency.
  5. Evaluate the seasoning profile, making subtle adjustments with additional salt or herbs as desired.
  6. For enhanced texture variation, selectively puree a portion of the soup, preserving delightful tomato chunks while creating a more nuanced mouthfeel.
  7. Present the soup steaming hot, accompanied by rustic crusty bread or a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting culinary experience.

Notes

  • Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning and rich taste profile.
  • Use fresh, ripe tomatoes when in season for maximum natural sweetness and vibrant color, which enhances the soup’s overall depth.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Create dairy-free alternatives by using coconut milk or cashew cream, which provide similar richness and complement the tomato’s natural tanginess.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 466
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 815 mg
  • Fat: 44 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 84 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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