Easy Tomato Soup Recipe
This easy tomato soup recipe is a comforting and creamy dish made with sautéed onions and garlic, crushed tomatoes, saffron for a subtle aroma, and a touch of heavy cream. Enhanced with tiny Acini di Pepe pasta, it makes for a satisfying meal perfect for any season.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Soup Base
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 medium sweet onions, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- Large pinch of saffron threads (optional)
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pasta & Cream
- 1/2 cup Acini di Pepe pasta
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and develop sweetness. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release their fragrance.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the low-sodium chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, and saffron threads if using. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine all flavors.
- Cook Pasta: Once boiling, add the Acini di Pepe pasta to the soup. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook gently for 10 minutes, allowing the pasta to soften and absorb flavors.
- Incorporate Cream and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream and return the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to blend the creaminess throughout the soup.
- Rest and Serve: Turn off the heat and cover the pot. Let the soup rest for about 10 minutes, which allows the pasta to plump up fully. Serve the hot soup accompanied by croutons, oyster crackers, popovers, or a grilled cheese sandwich for a complete meal.
Notes
- If saffron is unavailable, you can omit it; the soup will still be flavorful.
- Acini di Pepe pasta can be substituted with other small pasta shapes like orzo or small shells.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to control salt levels for a balanced taste.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken stock with vegetable broth.
- The resting time after cooking helps the pasta absorb more liquid and improves texture.
Keywords: tomato soup, easy tomato soup, creamy tomato soup, Acini di Pepe soup, saffron tomato soup, homemade tomato soup