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This easy single serving creamy tomato soup is made with canned tomatoes, broth, and cream for a rich, velvety flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect homemade tomato soup for one.

a single serving of creamy tomato soup topped with parmesan cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like canned tomatoes, broth, and cream – no special ingredients needed.
  • Quick to Make: This single serving creamy tomato soup is ready in just 30 minutes.
  • Rich and Smooth: A touch of cream gives it a velvety, restaurant-style texture.
  • Easy to Adapt: Easily make this homemade tomato soup vegan or gluten-free with simple swaps.
  • Perfectly Scaled: Designed for one but simple to double for two servings.

What I love most about this creamy tomato soup is how simple ingredients come together to create something so comforting and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe I make when I want a warm, satisfying meal without spending much time in the kitchen.

The rich, velvety texture and gentle blend of spices make every spoonful feel special. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich, and you’ve got a timeless classic that always hits the spot.

Looking for more easy single serving soup recipes? Try our hearty single serve lasagna soup, rich potato soup recipe for 1, easy French onion soup, or protein-packed white bean soup recipe. Each recipe is easy to make and full of delicious flavor!

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Ingredients

creamy tomato soup ingredients on a kitchen counter.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving creamy tomato soup recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

  • Butter: Use salted butter to sauté the onions and garlic. For a vegan version, replace with olive oil.
  • Onions and Garlic: These build the base flavor of the soup, adding depth and richness.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note. Regular or sweet paprika can be used instead.
  • Dried Basil: Ideal for cooking. If using fresh basil, add it just before blending to prevent bitterness.
  • Chili Powder: Brings gentle warmth without overpowering the soup’s creamy flavor.
  • Salt: Use 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt or 1/8 teaspoon of table salt, adjusting to taste.
  • Tomatoes: Use a 14- or 15-ounce can of diced, whole, or crushed tomatoes. Try leftover tomatoes in recipes like chicken tacos for one, single serve Spanish rice, or chicken paprika for one.
  • Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth provides control over seasoning. Use vegetable broth for a vegan option. Leftovers can be used in chicken divan for one, single serve tortellini en brodo, or a small mushroom casserole.
  • Honey: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes and adds mild sweetness. For a vegan substitute, use maple syrup, agave, or sugar. Extra honey works well in small batch pickled onions or chickpea curry for one.
  • Heavy Cream: Gives the soup its creamy texture. For a lighter version, use whole milk or half-and-half. For vegan, use full-fat canned coconut milk. Leftover cream can be used in chicken tikka masala for one, fettuccine Alfredo for one, or a small German chocolate cake.
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Recipe Variations

Give this single serving creamy tomato soup your own touch with one of these easy variations.

  • Vegan Version: Replace the butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, full-fat canned coconut milk in place of cream, and maple syrup or sugar instead of honey.
  • Bacon Addition: Cook 1–2 strips of bacon first, then use the bacon grease instead of butter to sauté the onions and garlic. Crumble the cooked bacon on top before serving.
  • Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower for extra texture and nutrition. Let them simmer until tender before blending.
  • Homemade Croutons: Add crunch by topping your soup with toasted homemade croutons or a slice of French Bread for dipping.
  • Shakshuka-Inspired: After blending, crack an egg into the soup and let it simmer, covered, for 5–8 minutes until poached. Skip the cream and finish with crumbled feta.

How To Make Creamy Tomato Soup For One

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a small batch of creamy tomato soup. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. Melt the Butter: In a 2-quart pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Cook the Onions: Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring often, until soft and translucent, about 1 minute.
  3. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, dried basil, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
onions, garlic, and paprika sauteeing in a small pot on the stove.
  1. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
tomato soup simmering in a pot on the stove.
  1. Add Sweetness: Stir in the honey to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
stirring honey into a pot of tomato soup on the stove.
  1. Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture to a stand blender. Blend until smooth or to your preferred consistency.
pureeing a small batch of tomato soup in a blender.
  1. Add the Cream: Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream.
  2. Serve: Ladle into a bowl, top with grated Parmesan if desired, and serve warm.
a single serving of creamy tomato soup in a bowl with a spoon on the side.

Expert Tips

  • Prep First: Read the recipe and ingredient notes before starting so everything is ready to go.
  • Use Canned Tomatoes: They’re packed at peak ripeness and give the soup deep, rich flavor with little effort.
  • Watch the Salt: Choose low-sodium broth to better control seasoning. If using regular broth, reduce the added salt and adjust after tasting.
  • Add Garnishes: Top your soup with croutons, fresh herbs, toasted nuts, sour cream, or shredded cheese for extra flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this creamy tomato soup with a simple side for a complete, comforting meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of canned tomatoes work best?

Diced, whole, or crushed tomatoes all work well. For deeper flavor, try fire-roasted or San Marzano tomatoes.

Can I make this creamy tomato soup without cream?

Yes. Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, or stir in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for creaminess without heavy cream.

How long does homemade tomato soup last in the fridge?

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.

How do I make the soup thicker?

Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce liquid.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients to make creamy tomato soup for two.

More Single Serving Soup Recipes

If you love the ease and flavor of single serving dishes, don’t stop at tomato soup! Explore our collection of single serving soup recipes. Here are a few of our most popular:

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If you’ve tried this single serve creamy tomato soup recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!


Cooking For One Made Easy
Because you’re worth it

Creamy Tomato Soup For One

5 from 8 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
This easy single serving creamy tomato soup is made with canned tomatoes, broth, and cream for a rich, smooth flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes.
Save this Recipe!
Get this recipe sent to your inbox, plus get FREE weekly recipes.

Equipment

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • ¼ cup chopped onions
  • 1 clove garlic -minced
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Optional, for topping: grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions 

  • In a 2-quart pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Add the chopped onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until soft and translucent, about 1 minute.
  • Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, dried basil, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
  • Pour in the canned tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Stir in the honey to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the soup to a stand blender. Blend until smooth or to your preferred texture.
  • Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream.
  • Ladle into a bowl, top with grated Parmesan if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Prep First: Read the recipe and ingredient notes before starting so everything is ready to go.
  • Use Canned Tomatoes: They’re packed at peak ripeness and give the soup deep, rich flavor with little effort.
  • Watch the Salt: Choose low-sodium broth to better control seasoning. If using regular broth, reduce the added salt and adjust after tasting.
  • Add Garnishes: Top your soup with croutons, fresh herbs, toasted nuts, sour cream, or shredded cheese for extra flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 293kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.5g, Cholesterol: 64mg, Sodium: 917mg, Potassium: 176mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 796IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 44mg, Iron: 0.5mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Iโ€™m Joanie, chef, author of The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook, and creator of One Dish Kitchen. With 10+ years of experience developing single serving and small batch recipes, Iโ€™m passionate about making cooking for one simple and enjoyable. So glad youโ€™re here!

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5 from 8 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




10 Comments

  1. Gayla says:

    This tomato soup is delicious. I added 4 total T of cream. I’ve given your site to many people even the Lyft driver!!

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Thank you so much!!

  2. Cindy says:

    My favorite soup recipe. I have given your site to so many friends.

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      Thank you so much!

  3. Donna says:

    This soup was so yummy! I made some of the tortilla chips to go with it .So much better than the can soup. I sprinkled parmesan cheese on both

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      I’m so happy you enjoyed the soup!

  4. Janet Patterson says:

    What a great recipe! I had Better than Bouillon to make the 1/2 c of chicken broth. Made it exactly as Joanie described except I added cheese tortellini at the end and split the soup with my hubby.

  5. Garris BJ says:

    I made the tomato soup using some of my home canned tomatoes and it is delicious. I used a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. This will definitely be a staple in our house.

  6. Gail H says:

    Delicious loved it!

  7. J. Hegyi says:

    Good recipe.