Stir in the chopped tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add sugar if using. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Remove the pot from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches.
Return the soup to a gentle heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add the fresh basil and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional basil if desired. Pair with a slice of crusty bread or a grilled cheese for a perfect meal.
Notes
Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. This soup freezes well, making it great for meal prep.