Imagine a soul-warming soup that combines the rich, tangy essence of tomatoes with the creamy, cheesy goodness of nutritional yeast - all without a single animal product! This Vegan Cheesy Rigatoni Tomato Soup is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that will transform your perception of plant-based comfort food. Perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or when you're craving something incredibly satisfying yet incredibly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup rigatoni pasta
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add rigatoni pasta to the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in nutritional yeast, which will create a creamy and slightly cheesy flavor profile. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb some of the liquid.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or a sprinkle of additional nutritional yeast.
Tips
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor - pre-minced garlic from a jar won't give you the same aromatic punch.
- For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the pasta, creating a more luxurious mouthfeel.
- If you want to boost the protein content, consider adding white beans or plant-based sausage crumbles.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to prevent mushy texture. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits.
- Experiment with different nutritional yeast brands to find your favorite cheesy flavor profile.
- For added depth, consider roasting the onions and garlic before adding to the soup for a more complex flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, adding a splash of broth when reheating to restore the original consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
