Easy Tomato Soup Recipe with Tomato Sauce

By Maya Gonzalez
Easy Tomato Soup Recipe with Tomato Sauce
The quickest way to make delicious tomato soup with tomato sauce is to combine 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce with 1 cup vegetable broth, 1/2 cup cream (optional), 1 small onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp olive oil, and seasonings. Simmer for 20 minutes for a rich, flavorful soup ready in under 30 minutes. This easy tomato soup recipe with tomato sauce delivers restaurant-quality results with pantry staples you likely already have.

Creating a satisfying tomato soup doesn't require hours of simmering fresh tomatoes. Using quality tomato sauce as your base streamlines the process while delivering deep, complex flavor. This method transforms basic pantry ingredients into a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. The secret lies in building layers of flavor with simple techniques that elevate canned tomato sauce beyond its humble origins.

Why Tomato Sauce Makes the Perfect Soup Base

Tomato sauce already contains tomatoes that have been cooked down, which concentrates their natural sweetness and umami. Unlike tomato paste that requires significant liquid addition, tomato sauce provides the ideal consistency to start with, needing minimal adjustment. High-quality tomato sauce has been expertly seasoned and cooked to develop rich tomato flavor, giving you a head start compared to beginning with raw tomatoes.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Tomato Soup

The beauty of this quick tomato soup using canned tomato sauce is its simplicity, but each ingredient plays a crucial role:

Ingredient Amount Why It Matters
Quality tomato sauce 1 (15 oz) can Provides concentrated tomato flavor without excess liquid
Vegetable or chicken broth 1 cup Adds depth and balances acidity
Yellow onion, finely diced 1 small Creates aromatic foundation for flavor
Fresh garlic, minced 2 cloves Adds complexity and depth
Olive oil or butter 1 tbsp Helps bloom flavors of aromatics
Fresh basil or dried oregano 1-2 tbsp fresh or 1 tsp dried Complements tomato flavor profile
Heavy cream or coconut milk (optional) 1/2 cup Adds richness for creamy tomato soup variation
Sugar (optional) 1/2 tsp Balances acidity in some tomato sauces

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Tomato Soup

Preparation (5 minutes)

Finely dice your onion and mince the garlic. Having these prepared before heating your pot ensures you won't burn aromatics while rushing to chop ingredients.

Cooking the Aromatics (7 minutes)

  1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat
  2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes)
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant (don't let it brown)

Building Your Soup Base (15 minutes)

  1. Pour in tomato sauce and broth, stirring to combine
  2. Add dried herbs (if using dried instead of fresh)
  3. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer
  4. Cook for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld
  5. Stir in fresh basil during the last 2 minutes of cooking

Finishing Touches (3 minutes)

  1. Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree until smooth (or carefully transfer to countertop blender)
  2. Stir in cream or coconut milk if making creamy tomato soup variation
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and optional sugar to balance acidity
  4. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Tomato Soup Preparation

Even simple recipes can go wrong if you miss key details. When making this easy tomato soup recipe with tomato sauce, watch for these pitfalls:

  • Burning the garlic - Garlic scorches quickly and turns bitter. Add it after onions have softened and cook just until fragrant.
  • Over-blending hot soup - Always cool soup slightly before blending in a countertop blender, and never fill more than halfway with hot liquid.
  • Using low-quality tomato sauce - The sauce forms your flavor foundation. Choose a brand with simple ingredients: tomatoes, salt, maybe herbs.
  • Skipping the simmer time - Those 10-15 minutes of gentle simmering develop complex flavors that make your soup taste homemade rather than canned.
  • Adding cream to boiling soup - Temper cream by stirring in a small amount of hot soup first to prevent curdling.

Delicious Variations for Your Tomato Soup

Once you've mastered the basic technique for this quick tomato soup using canned tomato sauce, try these popular variations:

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Add 1/4 cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons fresh basil during the final minutes of cooking. The cream creates a luxurious texture while fresh basil provides bright flavor notes that complement the tomato base.

Spicy Arrabbiata-Style Soup

Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes when cooking the onions for a subtle kick. For more heat, include a dash of hot sauce before serving. This variation transforms your simple tomato soup recipe for beginners into something with more complex flavor.

Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup

Roast 1 whole head of garlic and squeeze the softened cloves into the soup during the simmering stage. Roasting transforms garlic's flavor from sharp to sweet and nutty, creating a sophisticated depth in your homemade tomato soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This tomato soup with tomato sauce and fresh herbs stores exceptionally well:

  • Refrigeration: Cool completely and store in airtight container for up to 5 days
  • Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months (omit dairy if planning to freeze)
  • Reheating: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water.

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment

Elevate your 30-minute tomato soup recipe with these serving ideas:

  • Top with freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of good olive oil
  • Pair with grilled cheese sandwiches for the classic comfort food combination
  • Add croutons or garlic bread for satisfying crunch
  • Float a dollop of pesto on top for an elegant presentation
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use tomato paste instead of tomato sauce for this soup recipe?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the liquid. For every 6 oz of tomato paste, add 1 cup of broth or water. Tomato paste creates a more concentrated flavor, so you may need to balance with a touch more sugar to counter the increased acidity.

How can I make my tomato soup less acidic?

Add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar or a small pinch of baking soda to neutralize acidity. Fresh basil also helps balance tomato's natural acidity. Start with small amounts and taste as you go, as over-correction can make your soup taste sweet rather than well-balanced.

What's the best way to thicken tomato soup made with tomato sauce?

If your soup is too thin, simmer uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce and concentrate flavors. Alternatively, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir into simmering soup until thickened. Avoid adding flour directly to hot soup as it may create lumps.

Can I make this tomato soup recipe vegan?

Absolutely. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute coconut milk for cream. Many store-bought tomato sauces are already vegan, but check labels for any dairy or animal products. For extra richness without dairy, blend in 1/4 avocado when pureeing the soup.

How do I prevent my tomato soup from separating when adding cream?

Temper the cream by slowly whisking in a small amount of hot soup first. Ensure your soup isn't at a rolling boil when adding cream—reduce to a gentle simmer. Whole milk or heavy cream is less likely to curdle than lower-fat dairy options. For dairy-free creaminess, use full-fat coconut milk.

Maya Gonzalez

Maya Gonzalez

A Latin American cuisine specialist who has spent a decade researching indigenous spice traditions from Mexico to Argentina. Maya's field research has taken her from remote Andean villages to the coastal communities of Brazil, documenting how pre-Columbian spice traditions merged with European, African, and Asian influences. Her expertise in chili varieties is unparalleled - she can identify over 60 types by appearance, aroma, and heat patterns. Maya excels at explaining the historical and cultural significance behind signature Latin American spice blends like recado rojo and epazote combinations. Her hands-on demonstrations show how traditional preparation methods like dry toasting and stone grinding enhance flavor profiles. Maya is particularly passionate about preserving endangered varieties of local Latin American spices and the traditional knowledge associated with their use.