Creamy Spicy Basil Tomato Soup

This Creamy Spicy Basil Tomato Soup puts a fresh Sizzling Lime spin on classic tomato soup. Roasted tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and garlic create a rich, savory base, while cottage cheese makes the soup creamy and adds protein without heavy cream. Fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous flavor, while a touch of red pepper flakes provides gentle heat. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy enough for a busy weeknight.

A comforting bowl of creamy tomato soup garnished with fresh basil, paired perfectly with a crispy grilled cheese sandwich, accompanied by a jalapeño and lime for a touch of zest.

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Creamy Spicy Basil Tomato Soup Ingredients

• 5 large ripe tomatoes, quartered

• 1 medium bell pepper, roughly chopped

• 3 cloves garlic

• 1 small onion, quartered

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• ¼–½ cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish

• ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Optional: 1–2 teaspoons fresh lime juice, added to taste

• Optional: ½ cup additional cottage cheese if you prefer a creamier soup

A vibrant array of fresh tomatoes, orange bell peppers, onions, and garlic cloves are ready to be transformed into a delicious homemade soup.

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Creamy Spicy Basil Tomato Soup Instructions

1. Roast the vegetables: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place the tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Roast for 30–35 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and lightly caramelized.

   
   

2. Blend the vegetables: Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender. Add the chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Blend until smooth.

   
   

3. Add the cottage cheese and basil: Add 1 cup of cottage cheese and ¼–½ cup fresh basil leaves. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If you prefer a creamier soup, add an additional ½ cup of cottage cheese and blend again.

   
   

4. Warm the soup: Pour the soup into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat for 5–10 minutes. Avoid bringing it to a rapid boil, which can cause the cottage cheese to separate.

   
   

5. Taste and adjust: Remove from the heat and taste the soup. Adjust with additional salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes as desired.

   
   

6. Optional lime finish: If you want a little extra brightness, stir in 1–2 teaspoons of fresh lime juice, adding a little at a time until you reach your preferred flavor.

   
   

7. Garnish and serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves, freshly cracked black pepper, and a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

A pot of rich, creamy soup gently warms on the stove, ready to be served.

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Creamy tomato soup garnished with basil, accompanied by a crispy grilled cheese sandwich and a spicy touch of jalapeño, perfect for a cozy meal.

Make It Family-Friendly

The ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes provides a gentle warmth without overpowering the roasted tomato and basil flavors. For younger kids or anyone sensitive to spice, reduce the red pepper flakes or leave them out and let adults add extra heat to their own bowls.

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Sizzling Lime Tip

Start with ¼ cup of fresh basil for a subtle herb flavor or use ½ cup for a more pronounced basil-forward soup. The optional lime juice is best added at the very end, after tasting the soup. A small amount can brighten the flavors without making the soup taste distinctly like lime.

For the smoothest texture, blend the cottage cheese completely into the soup. The result is a creamy, protein-rich tomato soup without the need for heavy cream.