Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent—about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the entire can of crushed tomatoes along with the 2 cups of vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Sprinkle in the dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the soup to reduce slightly, intensifying the taste.
Using an immersion blender directly in the pot, puree the soup until it’s silky smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and puree, then return it to the pot.
Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Heat the soup gently until warmed through—avoid boiling, which can cause the cream to curdle.
Give the soup a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For a little extra freshness, add a few torn fresh basil leaves right before serving.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with more fresh basil leaves. It’s perfect paired with a grilled cheese sandwich or alongside a fresh salad for a light, flavorful meal.