When my daughter asked me for tomato basil noodle soup on a hectic Tuesday night, I knew I was up for the challenge. She had just finished a long day at school and needed something warm and comforting before homework took over. This tomato basil noodle soup isn’t just any soup; it quickly became our go-to when my family craves something soothing but satisfying. It has this way of bringing us all together around the dinner table, sparking smiles and full bowls.
I didn’t always find the perfect tomato basil noodle soup recipe easy to make, though. Early on, I struggled with the balance of flavors—too acidic from the tomatoes or too bland from skimping on fresh basil. Now, after a few kitchen experiments, I’ve landed on a version that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. The basil infused noodle broth carries the fresh tomato soup with basil vibes my family loves, and the noodles add just the right heartiness.
If you’re looking for a quick tomato basil soup recipe that works for busy weeknights but still tastes special, this one’s a winner. It’s simple enough that even busy home cooks can pull it together without stress, yet comforting enough that everyone asks for seconds. I invite you to try this tomato basil noodle soup at home. It’s one of those recipes that can turn an ordinary meal into meaningful family time.
What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this tomato basil noodle soup:
- 4 cups of fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped (about 6 medium tomatoes)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup short noodles, like small egg noodles or ditalini
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
Trust me, this tomato basil noodle soup ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor. For the best tomato basil noodle soup, use ripe, fresh tomatoes — they make all the difference. You’ll find everything for this recipe at your regular grocery store, but farmers market tomatoes work wonders if you have access to them.
If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, you can substitute with a teaspoon of dried basil, though fresh brings that fragrant pop we all crave in tomato basil noodle soup. For a vegetarian take, just go with vegetable broth to keep this homemade tomato pasta soup plant-friendly. My family prefers when I use small egg noodles because they soak up the basil infused noodle broth nicely without getting mushy too fast.
Chopping the onion and garlic in advance makes this soup super quick to assemble after a busy day. You can even blend the fresh tomatoes if you like a smoother broth texture. This soup is forgiving if you need to swap noodles for gluten-free options or even orzo pasta.
How to Make It
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step builds the base of your tomato basil noodle soup with the best flavor.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it’ll turn bitter and affect your soup’s taste.
3. Add the chopped fresh tomatoes along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook everything together for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the tomatoes begin to soften and break down — this fresh tomato soup with basil begins to come alive here.
4. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer. This basil infused noodle broth needs a good simmer to marry the flavors well.
5. Add sugar at this stage if desired. It helps balance the natural acidity from the tomatoes without making the soup sweet.
6. Add your noodles and cook until tender, typically about 7-9 minutes depending on the type you choose. You’ll know your tomato basil noodle soup is ready when the noodles are just cooked through and the broth tastes rich and aromatic.
7. Stir in the fresh basil leaves just before serving to preserve their bright flavor.
Your kitchen will smell amazing while this tomato basil noodle soup cooks—the warmth of basil and garlic combined with tomato is irresistible. Don’t worry if your soup looks a little chunky or rustic; that’s the charm of this comforting tomato noodle soup made from scratch.
While your tomato basil noodle soup is cooking, you’ll have time to set the table or grab a fresh loaf of bread. This recipe typically takes me about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknights when time is tight but flavor counts.
Here’s where I used to mess up my tomato basil noodle soup: either adding the fresh basil too early or overcooking the noodles until mushy. Now I always remember to toss basil in right at the end and keep noodles al dente.
Serving Ideas

Everyone reaches for seconds when this tomato basil noodle soup comes out with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad. The fresh herbs in this soup work beautifully with lighter sides that don’t compete with the basil infused noodle broth.
This tomato basil noodle soup is perfect for those nights when you want something really satisfying but easy. It’s great for busy family dinners, chilly evenings, or when you just need a comforting tomato noodle soup hug.
Presentation makes a difference, too. Ladle this homemade tomato pasta soup into pretty bowls and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or torn basil leaves on top for a fresh finish. It adds color and a burst of flavor that makes your meal feel special.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days, but if the noodles soak too much, you can try reheating the broth and adding fresh cooked noodles for a quick refresh. For variations, I’ve tried adding diced carrots or celery for extra veggie goodness, and sometimes a splash of cream for a richer version. One time, I used gluten-free noodles with great success for a family member with dietary needs.
If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy other cozy soups like the turmeric ginger chicken noodle soup or the creamy Reuben soup from MomsGate. For plant-based options, you can take inspiration from these super comforting vegan noodle soup recipes from Forks Over Knives. And if you want a change of pace, check out this ramen noodle soup idea for a different twist.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this tomato basil noodle soup ahead of time?
Yes! Tomato basil noodle soup actually tastes better the next day once the flavors marry. I recommend storing the broth and noodles separately to keep the noodles from getting too soft. Reheat and mix when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Dried basil works in a pinch, but fresh basil really makes this soup sing. For a substitute, try adding fresh parsley or a bay leaf while simmering for a different herbal note.
How do I store leftover tomato basil noodle soup?
Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Noodles tend to soak up broth over time, so consider reheating the broth separately and adding freshly cooked noodles for best texture.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely. For convenience, canned whole or diced tomatoes are great, especially when fresh tomatoes are out of season. Just drain excess liquid if needed to keep your basil infused noodle broth balanced.
How long does tomato basil noodle soup keep in the freezer?
You can freeze the broth for up to 3 months but avoid freezing with noodles added, as they become mushy. Freeze the broth separately and cook noodles fresh when serving.
Is this tomato basil noodle soup suitable for kids?
Yes, the flavors are mild and well-loved by kids who enjoy the familiar combination of noodles and tomato soup. If your kids are picky eaters, try blending the soup for a smooth texture or adding tiny pasta shapes.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Definitely! Shredded chicken or cooked beans make a great addition to boost the meal. Just add them towards the end so they stay tender and don’t overpower the basil infused noodle broth.
If you want more ideas for comforting soups your family will love, visit this Facebook post with three good soup recipes for a quick serve restaurant. It’s always fun to try new ingredients and find that next recipe win.
The Final Word
This tomato basil noodle soup has earned its place in my family’s weekly rotation because it’s simple, satisfying, and brings us all to the table. It’s one of those meals that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles while still feeling thoughtful and homemade. My Tomato Basil Noodle Soup Tips have helped me nail it every time:
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and add basil at the last minute to keep flavors bright.
- Avoid overcooking noodles by adding them just before you’re ready to eat.
- Balance acidity with a touch of sugar if your tomatoes are too tart.
I’ve tried a creamier version for a crowd and a vegan version with vegetable broth and rice noodles that went over well with my friends. My husband loves it with extra Parmesan, while my daughter prefers it boxed plain with a little garlic bread on the side.
I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your favorite twists, I hope it becomes a comforting tomato noodle soup that your family asks for again and again. Sharing meals like tomato basil noodle soup is what turns everyday dinners into treasured memories.
For more easy soup ideas, be sure to check out MomsGate’s turmeric ginger chicken noodle soup and creamy Reuben soup. For plant-based inspiration, these 19 super comforting vegan noodle soup recipes from Forks Over Knives offer wonderful variety. If you want restaurant-level quick soups at home, these three good soup recipes on Facebook are worth a look.
Happy cooking, and here’s to many cozy family dinners with your own delicious tomato basil noodle soup!
Tomato Basil Noodle Soup
This comforting Tomato Basil Noodle Soup combines fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil with tender noodles in a flavorful broth, perfect for a cozy meal any day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches).
- Return soup to the pot if needed, then add egg noodles. Cook until noodles are tender, about 7-8 minutes.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil just before serving.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk before adding the basil. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

