Easy Creamy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Easy Creamy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe because it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. This dish combines the comforting creaminess of half & half with the vibrant, slightly tangy burst of whole peeled tomatoes, enhanced by fragrant Italian seasoning and fresh basil. Adding jasmine rice makes it wonderfully satisfying and hearty, perfect for any day I want a simple but deeply flavorful meal. It’s truly a soup I turn to when I want something both cozy and elegant without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe

When it comes to flavor, this soup is a delightful balance of creamy richness and bright tomato tang, all rounded out by the aromatic notes of garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. The jasmine rice soaks up the savory broth, giving the soup a wonderful texture that feels both smooth and substantial. Every spoonful feels indulgent yet comforting, making it one of my go-to dishes on chilly afternoons or relaxed weekend lunches.

What really excites me about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. The steps are straightforward, and aside from a little simmering time, it doesn’t require constant attention, which has saved me on many busy days. Whether I’m cooking for family, entertaining friends, or just treating myself, this soup fits perfectly. It stands out because it’s both a quick fix and a dish that looks and tastes special enough to impress. I find myself returning to it any time I want a fuss-free meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface, including a purple and red box of Success Jasmine rice on the left, a white bowl filled with chopped white onions near the center, a can of Cento San Marzano peeled tomatoes lying on its side in the foreground, a small ramekin with a cube of butter, another with chopped green herbs, and a third with dried green seasoning. To the right, there are two clear measuring cups, one with a light orange liquid and the other with white liquid, and a small white ramekin containing minced garlic. The setup appears clean and organized, ready for cooking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple staples, but each plays an essential role in building the taste, texture, and inviting color of this soup. From the buttery base to the bright fresh basil, every component adds something special.

Success Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice or cooked rice: Adds a delicate, fragrant texture that makes the soup more filling.
Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for sautéing aromatics and adds depth to the flavor.
Onion, diced: Brings sweetness and a savory foundation as it softens in the butter.
Minced garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and a gentle bite that livens up the soup.
Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano and thyme for a classic Mediterranean edge.
Whole peeled tomatoes (28 oz can): Provide the fresh, bright tomato flavor that’s the soul of the soup.
Chicken stock (4 cups): Forms a flavorful, savory broth that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
Half & half or heavy cream (¾ cup): Brings luscious creaminess for that satisfying, silky texture.
Fresh basil (¼ cup): Adds a bright herbal note that elevates the overall flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and balancing flavors.
Fresh parmesan cheese: Great as a finishing touch for a salty, nutty kick.
Ricotta cheese: An optional spoonful for added creaminess and a subtle tang.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the mixture until the onions turn translucent and everything smells fragrant, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference to build a flavorful base.

Step 2: Pour the whole peeled tomatoes and chicken stock into the pot. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 30 minutes. This slow simmer allows the flavors to really meld.

Step 3: Remove the pot from the heat and, using an immersion blender, blend the soup right in the pot until it’s smooth and thick with no large tomato pieces left. Be careful and blend in short bursts to avoid splattering.

Step 4: Stir in the half & half along with the fresh basil and cooked jasmine rice. Combine thoroughly to ensure the rice is heated through and the creaminess is evenly distributed throughout the soup.

Step 5: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. I like to add extra fresh basil leaves, a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese, and a spoonful of ricotta cheese on top for the perfect finishing touch.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep that lasts a couple of days. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes, mostly spent chopping and gathering ingredients. The cooking time is about 45 minutes, including sautéing and simmering, so the total time from start to finish comes to nearly 55 minutes. There’s no resting or cooling time necessary, so you can dive right in as soon as it’s finished blending and mixed up.

How to Serve This Easy Creamy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe

A deep white bowl holds a smooth, rich orange-red tomato soup filling almost to the rim. On top, there is a dollop of white cream in the upper left center, surrounded by finely shredded pale yellow cheese that spreads loosely across the middle. Charcoal green thin strips of fresh basil leaves are scattered unevenly around the surface, adding color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with soft shadows around the base, giving a clean and fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this creamy tomato rice soup, I love pairing it with rustic, crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich for dipping and added texture. A simple side salad of mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette also complements the rich flavors beautifully. Garnishing with extra fresh basil and freshly grated parmesan makes the presentation inviting and adds an extra layer of flavor every time.

For beverages, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio balances the creamy richness of the soup nicely. If I’m keeping things non-alcoholic, a chilled sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a light iced tea pairs wonderfully. This soup works for cozy weeknight dinners, casual lunch gatherings, or even a special holiday meal when served up with elegant toppings. I recommend serving it hot so the creaminess and comforting aromas truly shine.

Portion-wise, I like to serve about one to one and a half cups per person, so everyone leaves feeling satisfied but not overstuffed. Bowls with a wide opening help this soup cool to a perfect warmth faster and showcase the vibrant color beautifully on the table.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with different ingredients in this recipe to fit various dietary needs or simply for a flavor twist. For a vegan version, I substitute the butter with olive oil, use vegetable stock instead of chicken, and swap the half & half for full-fat coconut milk or a creamy cashew cream. It still achieves that luscious, comforting texture without losing any heartiness.

If you want a bit more texture or protein, adding cooked shredded chicken or beans can turn this soup into a more substantial meal. You can also swap out the jasmine rice for brown rice for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. For spice lovers, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika during the sauté step gives the soup a delightful kick that wakes up all the flavors.

Finally, if you prefer, this soup can be made in a slow cooker by sautéing the aromatics first, then transferring everything else to the slow cooker and cooking on low for 4-6 hours before blending and adding cream and rice.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover soup in airtight containers, ideally glass ones with tight lids, so it keeps fresh and retains flavor. Refrigerated leftovers will stay good for up to 3 days. Make sure the soup cools to room temperature before sealing the container and placing it in the fridge to avoid condensation that can affect texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but I recommend leaving out the half & half if you plan to freeze it—add the creaminess when reheating instead. Use freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it will keep for up to 3 months. When freezing, portion it out so you only thaw what you need rather than refreezing repeatedly.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this soup is gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring regularly to prevent scorching. Add the half & half or cream during reheating if you didn’t already include it before freezing. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen if possible, as uneven heat can affect texture. If you must microwave, do so in short intervals, stirring between, and add extra basil or cheese as a fresh garnish afterward to revive the dish.

FAQs

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Easy Creamy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your chicken stock and other ingredients are verified gluten-free. The rice and pure tomatoes are safe, so it’s an easy option for those avoiding gluten.

Is there a vegan version of this soup?

Yes! Swap out butter for olive oil, chicken stock for vegetable broth, and replace half & half with coconut milk or cashew cream. Skip the parmesan and ricotta or use plant-based cheese alternatives for a delicious dairy-free and vegan version.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can, but canned whole peeled tomatoes are convenient and offer a concentrated sweet-tart flavor. If you use fresh tomatoes, be sure to peel and roughly chop them, and you might need to simmer longer to get the same depth of flavor and consistency.

What type of rice works best in this recipe?

I prefer jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma and tender texture, but you could use basmati or even leftover cooked rice if you have it. Brown rice works too but will need a bit longer cooking or precooking before adding.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Definitely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just store it properly in the fridge and reheat gently before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Easy Creamy Tomato Rice Soup Recipe a try because it’s one of those recipes that feels like a personal treasure to share. It’s simple to make, packed with comforting flavors, and adaptable to whatever ingredients or dietary needs you have. Once you taste it and enjoy how it fills your kitchen with warmth and delicious aromas, I bet it will become a favorite go-to meal for you too. Happy cooking!