There’s just something magical about a simmering pot of Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) on the stove – the aroma pulls you toward the kitchen, promising comfort and nostalgia with every spoonful. This recipe delivers the vibrant tang of ripe tomatoes, the savory backbone you crave, and a creamy finish, all without the heaviness of old-school versions. It’s a bowl you’ll want to curl up with whether you need a quick dinner or the perfect partner for a golden, melty grilled cheese. If you thought homemade tomato soup was fussy or rich, you’re in for a warm, wholesome treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted by how a handful of humble staples transform into a soup bursting with fresh, bright flavor. Every ingredient here serves a purpose: some for depth, some for creaminess, all for bringing together that beloved red hue and lively taste.

Olive oil: This flavorful fat builds the rich base and helps soften the onions for that classic depth.
Small onion (chopped): Onion gives gentle sweetness and body – don’t skip this aromatic start!
Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic adds warmth and unmistakable savoriness to every spoonful.
Tomato paste: Just a spoonful deepens the tomato flavor and lends gorgeous color.
Whole peeled tomatoes (28 oz can): These are the star – choose San Marzano if you can for extra sweetness and low bitterness.
Low-sodium vegetable broth: Provides just enough liquid but keeps the sodium in check; adds subtle earthy notes.
Sugar: A bit tames the acidity of tomatoes and balances out the flavors beautifully.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the back-to-basics ingredients together.
Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and peppery kick.
Dried basil: This gives subtle Italian herb notes throughout the soup.
Plain Greek yogurt or light cream: This is the “lightened up” secret – bringing in richness and that creamy texture without loads of heavy cream.
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional): A sprinkle brightens up the bowl and makes it look irresistible!

How to Make Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!)

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When it shimmers, toss in the chopped onion. Let it cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns soft and lightly translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and the tomato paste. Give them about 1 to 2 minutes – you’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen fills with a sweet, rich fragrance and the paste gets a shade darker.

Step 2: Simmer the Soup Base

Time to build up those flavors! Pour in the can of whole peeled tomatoes (don’t drain them), then add the vegetable broth, sugar, salt, black pepper, and dried basil. Stir everything together, breaking up the tomatoes a bit with a spoon. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and let it bubble uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This is where the flavors deepen, the tomatoes mellow, and the broth thickens just enough.

Step 3: Puree to Perfection

Once your soup has simmered and smells inviting, it’s time for that silky-smooth texture! Use an immersion blender right in the pot, whizzing until it’s as smooth as you like. If you don’t have one, carefully ladle batches into a regular blender—just remember to vent the lid and go slow, as hot liquids expand. Once it’s beautifully blended, return the soup to the pot.

Step 4: Add Creaminess and Season

With the heat on low, stir in your Greek yogurt or light cream. Watch the soup transform into a creamy, lighter version of a classic! Stir gently until fully incorporated, then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you love a little richer flavor, add another splash of yogurt or cream.

Step 5: Serve with Style

Ladle the Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) hot into bowls. Top with fresh basil, parsley, or a drizzle of extra yogurt or cream for a hint of flair. Each bowl is full of goodness and packed with color, ready to brighten up even the dreariest day.

How to Serve Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!)

Garnishes

Garnishes make any bowl of soup feel special. Try a scattering of fresh basil or parsley on top, a swirl of Greek yogurt or light cream for a creamy finish, or even a dash of cracked black pepper for extra pop. The key is to add a bit of brightness or texture to make your Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) truly irresistible.

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong with a perfectly toasted grilled cheese sandwich—seriously, this pairing is legendary for a reason! For a lighter meal, opt for seeded crackers or hunks of crusty whole-grain bread. If you want something green, a fresh salad with crisp cucumbers, sharp vinaigrette, and maybe a sprinkle of feta complements the vibrant tomato soup beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not try serving Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) in small mugs or shot glasses for a party appetizer? You can also drizzle on a little pesto, sprinkle with crunchy roasted chickpeas, or add rustic croutons for crunch. Sometimes I even pour it over cooked whole wheat pasta or rice for a cozy, chunky twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) keeps brilliantly in the refrigerator. Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You’ll probably find that the flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day!

Freezing

This soup is a meal-prepper’s dream: Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) freezes well for up to three months. Let it cool fully, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (leave a bit of space for expansion). Thaw overnight in the fridge, or gently on the stovetop over low heat.

Reheating

To reheat, simply ladle the soup into a pot and warm it gently over medium-low, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens after chilling, add a bit of broth or water until it returns to your desired consistency. If you used Greek yogurt, avoid boiling hard to prevent curdling—gentle heat is your friend!

FAQs

Can I make Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) vegan?

Absolutely! Replace the Greek yogurt or light cream with unsweetened coconut milk or a plant-based yogurt. You’ll keep that lovely creaminess without any dairy, and it’s every bit as delicious.

Do I need to use an immersion blender?

An immersion blender is the easiest way to make your soup perfectly smooth right in the pot, but a regular blender works great too. Just blend in batches and vent the lid to avoid splatters from hot soup.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

During tomato season, absolutely! Use about 2 pounds of ripe, peeled tomatoes. Roast or simmer them first to boost flavor, then proceed with the recipe as written for a fresh take on Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!).

How can I add more protein?

Use Greek yogurt for a protein boost, or swirl in a scoop of cooked white beans before blending. You can also add a spoonful of cooked quinoa or lentils to the bowl for a more filling option.

Can I add extra veggies?

Yes! Sauté diced carrots, celery, or red bell pepper with the onions for subtle sweetness and an extra nutrition punch. Just make sure everything cooks down before blending for that signature velvety texture.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll stir up a pot of Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) soon—there’s nothing cozier or more timeless. Once you see how easy and rewarding it is to make from scratch, you’ll never go back to the canned stuff. Let this recipe fill your kitchen with warmth and your bowl with flavor!

Classic Tomato Soup (Lightened Up!) Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Classic Tomato Soup recipe is a lighter version of the traditional favorite, with the same comforting flavors. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a cozy meal, especially when paired with a grilled cheese sandwich or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion (chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried basil
½ cup plain Greek yogurt or light cream
fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cook until fragrant.
Add canned tomatoes, broth, sugar, salt, pepper, basil. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, breaking up tomatoes.
Blend soup until smooth, return to heat. Stir in yogurt or cream until creamy.
Adjust seasoning, serve warm with herbs and yogurt or cream.