The Ultimate 20-Minute Comfort: One-Pan Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

One pan, 7 ingredients, and 20 minutes to velvety perfection.

Forget preheating the oven and waiting an hour for roasted veggies. We’re making a professional-grade Creamy Tomato Basil Soup using nothing but a single deep pan and 20 minutes of your time.

The secret? We are pan-searing our tomatoes, carrots and onions over high heat until they get those gorgeous, charred edges. This creates a smokey, deep "roasted" flavor without ever touching a sheet pan. It’s thick, it’s velvety, and it’s specifically designed for those nights when you need comfort food immediately.

Why this one-pan version wins:

• The Char: Pan-searing locks in a concentrated sweetness that steaming or boiling just can't touch.

• The Cleanup: One pot, one blender, zero scrubbing roasted pans.

• The Freshness: We’re adding the basil at the very last second to keep that vibrant, peppery "pop."

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4

Approximately 150 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

• 5-6 Roma tomatoes, halved

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (60 ml)

• 1 small yellow onion, chopped

• ¼ cup diced carrots (35 grams)

• 2 cups vegetable broth (480 ml)

• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish (15 grams)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional:

• ½ teaspoon balsamic glaze

Instructions:

• Sauté, simmer, blend: In a large pot over medium heat, sauté onion in olive oil until it’s soft and translucent; add halved tomatoes and cook until the oil starts to separate; then toss in diced carrots and add vegetable broth, bringing to a gentle simmer. Let cool slightly, then blend until smooth using a blender, in batches.

• Season, glaze, serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste; add in fresh basil leaves. If desired, swirl in balsamic glaze for a tangy depth. Serve hot, garnish with a few basil leaves, with some crusty bread on the side!

This is officially the end of the 'boring tomato soup' era. Whether you’re dipping a crispy grilled cheese or just diving in with a spoon, this velvety, one-pan wonder is proof that you don't need a sink full of dishes to make something that tastes like a luxury. Go ahead—blister those tomatoes, grab the basil, and let this soup be the warm hug your week deserves. If you make it, tag me; I can't wait to see your cozy kitchen victories!