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So, lately since the weather is getting colder and colder, I was in the mood for soup and I came up with this easy, healthy, Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup that’s straight-up magic. It is a copycat clone of Panera’s Bread’s Tomato Basil Soup – I swear!
Talk about a quick dinner winner! But get this – it’s not just for dinner. Slap it in a container, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate toteable lunch. And guess what? It’s low-calorie, low fat, and perfect for those days when you’re in the mood for meal prepping. And for those following Weight Watchers, it’s low in points too!
RELATED: Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup | With WW Points
If you love Panera’s Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, then my Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is like its laid-back cousin. Same comforting vibes, but now you can whip it up in your own kitchen without leaving the house. It’s got that same rich, creamy taste but it’s homemade in the Instant Pot.
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Instant Pot Creamy Goodness: What Healthy Ingredients Do I Need to Make This Healthy Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 Tablespoon):
- Why it’s good: Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, olive oil adds a burst of flavor while supporting overall cardiovascular health.
- Peeled Diced Onion (1/2 Cup):
- Why it’s good: Onions are a low-calorie, high-fiber veggie, adding natural sweetness and a dose of antioxidants to the mix.
- Minced Garlic (2 Teaspoons):
- Why it’s good: Beyond its fantastic flavor, garlic brings immune-boosting properties and potential cardiovascular benefits, making it a powerhouse for overall health.
- Fat-Free Chicken Broth (2 Cups):
- Why it’s good: Low in calories and high in flavor, fat-free chicken broth forms a savory base while providing essential nutrients like protein and minerals.
- No Sugar Added Spaghetti Sauce (23.5 Ounce Jar – Prego):
- Why it’s good: Prego’s No Sugar Added sauce keeps things flavorful without the extra sugars, ensuring your soup is delicious while keeping unnecessary sweeteners at bay.
- Crushed Tomatoes (28 Ounce Can):
- Why it’s good: Packed with antioxidants like lycopene, crushed tomatoes contribute to heart health and may even have anti-cancer properties.
- Dried Basil (1 Teaspoon):
- Why it’s good: Basil not only adds a fragrant kick but also brings anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to the table.
- Granulated Splenda Sugar Substitute (1 Tablespoon):
- Why it’s good: Sweetening the deal without extra calories, Splenda keeps things on the lighter side while satisfying any hint of sweetness.
- Salt (1 Teaspoon) and Ground Black Pepper (1/2 Teaspoon):
- Why they’re good: Used in moderation, salt and pepper enhance flavors without piling on excess sodium, crucial for maintaining a balanced diet.
- Fat-Free Half and Half (3/4 Cup):
- Why it’s good: Offering a creamy texture without the fat, fat-free half and half keeps the soup velvety while keeping the calorie count in check.
- Tomato Paste (2 Tablespoons):
- Why it’s good: Intensifying the tomato flavor, tomato paste adds depth without excess liquid, giving your soup a rich and robust taste.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese for Topping (Optional) and Fresh Herbs (Optional):
- Why they’re good: While optional, Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and a touch of luxury. Parmesan provides a savory kick, and fresh herbs bring additional antioxidants and a vibrant finish.
How to Make CREAMY TOMATO BASIL SOUP in your Instant Pot
EASY HEALTHY INSTANT POT CREAMY TOMATO BASIL SOUP | COPYCAT PANERA RECIPE
Print Recipe
Want a cozy hug for your taste buds – make this Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. It's the perfect Copycat Recipe for Panera Bread's Tomato Basil Soup. Each spoonful is a mini celebration in your mouth.
Course Soup
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Servings 4
Author DeeDeeDoes.com
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tbl Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 Cup Peeled, Diced Onion
- 2 Tsp Minced Garlic
- 2 Cups Fat Free Chicken Broth
- 23.5 Ounce Jar of Prego No Sugar Added Spaghetti Sauce
- 28 Ounce Can of Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 Tsp Dried Basil
- 1 Tbl Splenda Granulated Sugar Substitute
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 3/4 Cup Fat Free Half and Half
- 2 Tbl Tomato Paste
- Grated Parmesan Cheese, Optional
- Fresh Herbs, Optional
Instructions
Set your Instant Pot to "Saute" mode. Heat the olive oil and sauté the diced onions until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and continue sautéing for another 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
Pour in the fat-free chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits.
Add the Prego No Sugar Added Traditional Spaghetti Sauce, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, Splenda, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Seal the Instant Pot with the lid and set it to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode for 5 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of pressure.
Stir in the fat-free half and half and tomato paste. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
Serve hot, optionally topping each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
This makes 4 servings at 2 cups per bowl. If you follow Weight Watchers, each bowl serving is 4 Points.
Soup Lover or Calorie Watching? Wondering if Our Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Fits Your Diet Goals?
Based on the these ingredients, the Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup aligns with the following dietary considerations:
- Low-Calorie Diet:
- The use of fat-free chicken broth, fat-free half and half, and a sugar substitute helps keep the calorie count lower, making it suitable for those on a low-calorie diet.
- Weight Watchers:
- The incorporation of fat-free ingredients and a sugar substitute aligns with the principles of Weight Watchers, which often focuses on controlling calorie intake and making healthier ingredient choices.
- Vegetarian:
- While this recipe includes fat-free chicken broth, you can easily substitute it with vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian.
- Low-Sugar or Diabetic-Friendly:
- The recipe uses a no-sugar-added spaghetti sauce and a sugar substitute, which makes it a better option for those looking to manage their sugar intake, including individuals on a diabetic-friendly diet.
- Heart-Healthy:
- Extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes are known for their potential cardiovascular benefits, making this recipe suitable for those aiming to maintain heart health.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Copycat Version of Panera’s Bread Creamy Tomato Basil Soup?
Q: Can I use regular spaghetti sauce instead of the no-sugar-added version? Absolutely! You can use regular spaghetti sauce if you prefer. Opting for no-sugar-added sauce just makes it a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor and saves on WW Points.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap the fat-free chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ve got yourself a tasty vegetarian version.
Q: Is it necessary to use fat-free half and half, or can I use regular? You can use regular half and half if you prefer. The fat-free version is used to keep the soup on the lighter side and low in WW Points, but feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
Q: Can I freeze this soup for later?: Yes, you can! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It should stay good for up to 3 months.
Q: What can I use instead of Splenda if I don’t have it on hand? A: Any granulated sugar substitute that you prefer should work. Adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference.
Q: Are the fresh herbs necessary, or can I skip them? A: Fresh herbs are optional but highly recommended for an extra burst of flavor. Feel free to skip them if you don’t have any on hand, but they do add a delightful (and pretty) touch.
Time to dive into the Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Soup goodness. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that Instant Pot, and let the meal prepping begin!
