Instant Pot Tomato Soup

Reasons to love this Instapot Soup Recipe

• Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
• Thick, creamy, and comforting – Closer to a tomato bisque than a simple soup
• Made with canned tomatoes – No fresh tomatoes needed
• Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients – You likely have everything on hand already

Fresh tomatoes vs canned tomatoes

Fresh, ripe tomatoes are ideal for soup when they’re in season—especially in late summer when their flavor is at its peak. But during the colder months, high-quality canned tomatoes are a reliable and convenient alternative. They're picked and preserved at peak ripeness, and they save time on prep and are available year-round, making them a pantry essential for making a speedy bowl of soup anytime—no matter the season.

How to blend tomato soup made in an instant pot?

There are two ways to blend a homemade tomato soup: using an immersion blender or a countertop blender!

Using an Immersion Blender (Stick Blender): This is the easiest and most convenient method, especially when blending soup directly in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Simply insert the immersion blender into the inner pot and blend until it is thick and creamy. Cleanup is quick and simple.

Using a Countertop Blender (like a Vitamix): This method yields the smoothest and creamiest consistency. Allow the hot pressure-cooked soup to cool for about 10 minutes before blending to avoid steam pressure buildup. Blend in batches to prevent overfilling, and blend until completely smooth.

Ingredients you'll need to make tomato basil soup

Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.

• Tomatoes – You’ll need one 28-ounce can of whole peeled plum tomatoes; for the best flavor, use a high-quality brand like San Marzano or Bianco DiNapoli if available.
• Onion – One cup of chopped onion is sautéed to bring out its natural sweetness, adding depth, body, and a creamy texture to the homemade pressure cooker soup.
• Basil – Fresh basil adds a bright, fresh, and herbaceous flavor that enhances the richness of the canned tomatoes.
• Honey – If you have ever wondered what to put in a tomato soup to make it taste better, then here is my secret ingredient - honey! It balances the acidity of the tomatoes and deepens the flavor, transforming the soup without making it noticeably sweet.
• Heavy Cream – A splash of heavy cream makes it rich, smooth, and indulgent; for a lighter or dairy-free version, try using blended cashews instead.

How to make tomato soup in instant pot?

You can find the full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.

What to eat with tomato soup?

To serve, ladle the pressure cooker tomato basil soup into bowls and finish with a swirl of heavy cream for a restaurant-style touch. Top with crispy croutons and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves!

And of course, nothing beats the classic: Grilled cheese and tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food combo! The gooey, melted cheese and golden, crispy bread are perfect for dipping.

Other great pairings include:

• Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices – perfect for soaking up every last drop.
• Homemade Parmesan cheese crackers – a salty, crunchy side that complements the soup beautifully.

Recipe tips

• Blend until very smooth, achieving a thick consistency like a bisque.
• When using Vitamix or other blenders, let the soup cool slightly before blending.
• Use good-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano or Bianco DiNapoli.
• I used 33% reduced-sodium chicken stock. You can use vegetable stock to keep the soup vegetarian.
• Want to make it healthier? Use canned coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
• I used a 3-quart Instant Vortex Instant Pot for this recipe.

Video

More Easy Canned Tomato Soup Recipes

• Chinese Tomato Egg Drop Soup is made using canned tomatoes for a quick and easy recipe that will warm you on a chilly day.
• This Chickpea Tomato Soup is thick and luxuriously creamy without any cream - Made using canned tomatoes and chickpeas!
• Vegan Tomato Soup is thick and luxuriously creamy without any cream.