Name: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (Crockpot or Stove Top)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 330 min
Total time: 350 min
Ingredients: 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with juice (or 3 cups fresh diced tomatoes with any juice); 1 cup finely diced celery; 1 cup finely diced carrots; 1 cup finely diced onions; 1 tsp dried oregano or 1 T fresh oregano; 1 T dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 4 cups chicken broth; ½ bay leaf (optional); ½ cup flour; 1 cup Parmesan cheese; 6 Tbsp. butter; 2 cups milk, warmed; ¾ tsp salt (do less if you don't like much salt); ¼ tsp black pepper

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This easy Tomato Basil Soup with Parmesan is loaded with veggies and can be prepared on the stovetop or in the crockpot. Simple, healthy and delicious!

a white bowlful of homemade creamy tomato basil soup

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One of the ways we try to save money on groceries is by eating at least one meatless meal a week.

This Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is one of those recipes!

We love our meat, so I’m always excited when I can find meatless recipes that are so good and full of flavor that we don’t even think about the fact that we’re not eating any meat.

I discovered this recipe last fall and it has become a regular around here.

crockpot tomato basil soup in two white bowls with spoons next to dish towel

Why This is The Best Tomato Basil Soup Recipe

Easy to Make. The prep work and clean-up are minimal and there’s no fancy equipment needed. Since we aren’t crazy about big chunks of tomatoes I lightly blend it with my hand blender, and we think it makes it the perfect consistency.
Made with Simple Ingredients. No processed foods, just simple, basic kitchen staples that you probably typcially have on hand. The Parmesan cheese, milk, and butter make this tomato basil soup just a bit creamy, and the chicken broth adds a nice depth of flavor.
Perfect Comfort Food. Nothing says cozy like a bowl of tomato soup on a cold winter day! I also love that it’s full of veggies and yet my kids are happy to eat it.
Great for Leftovers. Tomato basil soup makes great leftovers and it also freezes well too!
Budget-Friendly. I love hearty comfort food that doesn’t break the bank!

On days that I plan ahead well, I love the convenience of making this Easy Tomato Basil Soup in my crockpot.

And those days when I’m a little more helter-skelter but need something quick to make for dinner, I just adjust the recipe and make it on my stovetop.

Watch Video: Learn How to Make This Recipe

What Is the Difference Between Tomato Soup and Tomato Bisque?

Traditionally bisque was a French dish and had a shellfish base, but this isn’t always the case now.

A bisque is usually a little thicker and creamier than soup. Also, if both versions contain cream it’s added during different times of the cooking process.

Ingredients for Tomato Basil Soup

Diced tomatoes. You can use fresh or canned. Fire roasted canned tomatoes add great flavor!
Other Veggies. Chopped celery, carrots, onions add another boost of nutrition.
Seasonings. Oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, pepper all add great flavor!
Chicken Broth. Homemade chicken stock is my favorite! In a pinch, you could use water with boullion too. Vegetable stock is also a great option if you want to make this vegetarian.
Butter. I typically use salted, but unsalted will be okay as well.
Flour. Just regular all-purpose. Or substitute with gluten-free flour if you prefer.
Milk. Whole milk will make it creamier, but 2% works too.
Parmesan Cheese. I use the grated Parmesan that comes in a can because it’s cheaper. But freshly grated will melt even better!

How to Make this Soup

STEP 1: In a large stockpot, combine the diced tomatoes, celery, carrots, onions, chicken broth, oregano, basil, and bay leaf (if you are using it). Cook until the veggies are soft.

STEP 2: For a smooth and creamy soup, use an immersion blender and blend until no chunks are remaining.

STEP 3: In a separate saucepan, over low heat melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Stir constantly for the next 5 to 7 minutes.

STEP 4: Slowly pour a cup of soup into the flour mixture, stirring constantly. Then pour in an additional 3 cups and continue to stir until smooth.

STEP 5: Combine the roux into the large stockpot and stir in the warmed milk, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese.

STEP 6: Simmer for just a bit then serve!

a bowl of homemade tomato basil soup topped with shredded parmesan cheese next to a spoon and dish cloth

Do You Have to Peel Tomatoes Before Making Soup?

Nope, that is not necessary! Actually, a lot of the flavor in tomatoes comes from their peels. When you blend the soup you won’t even be able to tell they are in there.

Can You Make Tomato Basil Soup with Parmesan in the Crockpot?

Yes! I make it in the slow cooker especially when I have a busy day.

Place the veggies, basil, oregano, chicken broth, and bay leaf into the bottom of the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 7 hours or until the veggies are soft.

Use the immersion blender if you don’t want chunky tomato soup.

About 30 minutes prior to serving, make the roux and pour it into the slow cooker followed by the warm milk, cheese, salt, and pepper.

Cook on low for another 30 minutes (covered) before serving.

What To Serve Easy Tomato Basil Soup With?

Even though this homemade soup recipe is delicious by itself, here are some of my favorites I usually serve it with:

Storing and Freezing Instructions

This soup will last about 3 to 4 days when kept in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.

To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer bag or mason jar where it will stay fresh for up to 2 months.

You can freeze it all together or divide it into portions, which is convenient if you plan on eating single servings.

Other Simple Soup Recipes That You’ll Enjoy:

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4.87 from 22 votes

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (Crockpot or Stove Top)

This easy, creamy Tomato Basil Soup is loaded with veggies and can be prepared on the stove top or crockpot. Simple, healthy and delicious!

Prep Time20

Cook Time5 30

Total Time5 50

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Servings: cups

Author: Lydia @ ThriftyFrugalMom.com

Ingredients

2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with juice or 3 cups fresh diced tomatoes with any juice
1 cup finely diced celery
1 cup finely diced carrots
1 cup finely diced onions
1 tsp dried oregano or 1 T fresh oregano
1 T dried basil or 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
4 cups chicken broth
½ bay leaf (optional)
½ cup flour
1 cup Parmesan cheese
6 Tbsp. butter
2 cups milk, warmed
¾ tsp salt (do less if you don’t like much salt)
¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

CROCKPOT INSTRUCTIONS:

Add tomatoes, celery, carrots, onions, oregano, basil, bay leaf and chicken broth to a large slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5-7 hours, until vegetables are soft. (If you don’t want a chunky soup, blend it until smooth. I love using my Immersion Hand Blender to do this!)
About 30 minutes before serving, prepare a roux by melting butter over low heat and then whisking in the flour. Whisk constantly for 5-7 minutes. Slowly stir in 1 cup hot soup. Add another 3 cups and stir until smooth.
Add the roux mixture back into the slow cooker. Stir and add the Parmesan cheese, warmed milk, salt and pepper.
Cover and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes or so until ready to serve.

STOVE TOP INSTRUCTIONS:

Combine first 8 ingredients in large pot. Cook until veggies are soft.
Make roux as instructed and add to soup.

Notes

TOMATOES: If using fresh tomatoes, you don’t need to peel them. The peels become unnoticeable once cooked, especially if you blend the soup.

STORAGE: Soup will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

FREEZING: Leftover can be frozen for up to 2 months- just allow soup to cool completely before freezing.

Recipe adapted from Today’s Mama.

a collage of two photos of Creamy Tomato Soup with text overlay