Tomato Soup from Pasta Sauce

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of tomato soup, especially when paired with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. But what if I told you that you could enjoy a heavenly bowl of “homemade” tomato soup in less than ten minutes? 

Creamy Tomato Soup made from pasta sauce is the perfect way to enjoy the familiar flavors of tomato soup while adding a creamy, indulgent touch. 

Why You Should Make It

• Easy Preparation for Busy Days – One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. It’s an easy soup recipe that doesn’t require hours of preparation or a long list of ingredients. With just a few refrigerator and pantry staples like pasta sauce, heavy cream, and fresh basil, you can whip up this creamy tomato soup in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.
• Budget Friendly – This recipe is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a delicious, homemade, inexpensive meal.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Creamy tomato soup is a classic favorite for both kids and adults. It’s a surefire way to please the whole family and create lasting memories around the dinner table.
• Ideal for Dinner Parties: If you’re hosting a dinner party, consider serving this creamy tomato basil soup as an appetizer. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave your guests craving the next course.
• Customizable and Versatile: This soup recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. See below for ingredient substitution and addition ideas.

Ingredients Needed

• Pasta Sauce: When it comes to making a creamy tomato soup that’s bursting with flavor, using pasta sauce as the base is a game-changer. The richness and depth of flavor that a good spaghetti sauce provides can turn a simple tomato soup into a culinary delight. Look for a quality pasta sauce like Rao’s, which is known for its premium ingredients and robust taste.
• Heavy Cream: One of the key elements that set this Creamy Tomato Soup apart is the addition of heavy cream. The cream gives the soup a luxurious, velvety texture that’s deeply satisfying.
• Fresh Basil: The basil adds a bright, herbaceous note and a level of freshness that will please your palate.
• Butter: Not only does a small amount of butter add additional fat that helps with the acidity of the tomatoes, but cooking the basil in the butter before adding the tomato sauce really enhances it’s flavor.
• Water: This is needed to thin the sauce into a soup-like consistency.

How To Make Creamy Tomato Soup from Pasta Sauce

Cook Basil

Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté chopped fresh basil in butter until fragrant, about one minute.

Heat Diluted Sauce

Add the entire jar of pasta sauce and the water. Increase heat to medium-high and cook until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in Cream

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the heavy cream. To serve, top with fresh basil and freshly ground pepper, if desired.

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Substitution Ideas

• Dairy-Free and Vegan Option: If you’re lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. Be sure to use unsweetened varieties to maintain the savory flavor. Likewise, the butter can be replaced with olive oil.
• Low-Fat Version: For a lower-fat option, replace the heavy cream with a lighter alternative like half-and-half or reduced-fat coconut milk. You can also use a reduced-fat butter substitute, a lite oil, or simply reduce the amount of butter used in the recipe.
• Spice it Up: Adjust the level of heat in your soup by adding or reducing red pepper flakes. For a smoky twist, consider using smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
• Fresh Herbs: If you can’t find fresh basil, try using dried basil or other fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley. Adjust the quantity to your taste.

Ingredient Add-ons

• Protein Boost: Consider adding cooked chicken, turkey, ground beef, or tofu. Dice or shred the protein source and stir it into the soup for a heartier meal. Chicken broth has protein and can be used in place of the water.
• More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value of the soup by adding extra vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or spinach. Sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the pasta sauce. You can also replace part or all of the water with vegetable broth for added nutrition.
• Fresh Tomatoes: If you prefer a fresher tomato flavor, you can substitute some of the pasta sauce with diced fresh tomatoes. Simmer them with the other ingredients until they soften and blend well. Additional salt may be needed if fresh tomatoes are added.
• Toppings: Freshly grated parmesan cheese, black pepper, a dollop of sour cream, or an extra swirl of heavy cream all compliment the soup well.

Don’t Forget the Grilled Cheese!

Few things pair as perfectly with tomato soup as a grilled cheese sandwich. The crunchy, buttery bread and oozing cheese are a match made in comfort food heaven. 

Alternatively, whip up some garlic bread or serve with a big green salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

In conclusion, creamy tomato soup made from pasta sauce is the perfect time-saving, flavor-boosting twist on a beloved classic. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner option or planning a dinner party, this soup is sure to become one of your favorite ways to enjoy comforting, homemade tomato soup. 

This post was originally created in June 2015 and has been updated with more fun facts and tidbits for your reading pleasure.