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    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    Easy Marmite Pasta Recipe

    Published: Jan 24, 2021 · Modified: Sep 26, 2024 by Beth Sachs · 12 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    marmite spaghetti pin image

    They say you either love it or hate it and I'm most definitely in the love it camp when it comes to marmite!

    This super quick but oh-so-tasty easy marmite pasta recipe has a rich savoury flavour and is perfect for a simple mid-week dinner.

    A pan of marmite spaghetti with a jar of marmite in the background.

    Would you like to save this?

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    I've been making this marmite spaghetti long before Nigella Lawson made it a 'thing' and I've even managed to convert several marmite-hating friends to it.

    I used to rustle it up all the time at University. It was quick, cheap, and ever so tasty, which is music to the ears of any student.

    Now it's my kids who request this marmite pasta (at least once a week), and I'm more than happy to make it for them. Don't knock it until you try it, even the marmite haters amongst you!

    👩‍🍳 Love easy pasta recipes? Try my easy cheesy pasta too!

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Why should you try it?
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🥄 Equipment
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💭 Top tips
    • 🍴 Serving suggestions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • ❓ FAQS
    • 😋Related recipes
    • Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ✔️ Why should you try it?

    • Quick and easy pasta recipe.
    • Cheap and frugal to make.
    • Perfect for kids and students.
    • Marmite is packed full of vitamins and minerals.

    🥘 Ingredients

    • Marmite - one teaspoon is all you need! You could also substitute marmite for vegemite or a supermarket branded yeast extract.
    • Butter - use unsalted butter as marmite is already quite salty.
    • Garlic - chopped very finely.
    • Parmesan - grana padano would also work well and is a lot cheaper.
    • Spaghetti - or whatever pasta you have in the cupboard.
    • Black Pepper.

    🥄 Equipment

    • Heavy bottom pan (for making the buttery marmite sauce)
    • Large saucepan (for boiling the spaghetti)
    • Sharp knife
    • Chopping Board

    🔪 Instructions

    The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post

    One: Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta to al dente. Whilst the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a pan over a medium heat and cook the garlic for a few minutes to soften.

    Two: Add in the marmite (I use 1 teaspoon) and stir to combine.

    Three: Drain the pasta, but reserve 3 tablespoon of the starchy pasta cooking water. Stir the pasta through the buttery marmite mixture and add in the reserved pasta water to make a glossy smooth sauce.

    Four: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir to combine. Serve with a grinding of black pepper and more Parmesan.

    Step by step photo instructions for making marmite pasta.

    💭 Top tips

    • Use unsalted butter as marmite and cheese are both quite salty.
    • Adding a little of the starchy pasta water gives the sauce a lovely glossiness. This isn't a step to skip!
    • I find it's best to use long pasta like spaghetti or linguine for this dish, as the silky sauce clings to each strand. But any shape pasta would work.

    🍴 Serving suggestions

    The marmite spaghetti is great just as it is, but when I want something more substantial I serve it with pesto focaccia and a crisp green salad.

    📖 Variations

    • Why not try adding some bacon or sliced chorizo sausage (at the same time as the garlic)?
    • A handful of frozen peas or sweetcorn could be added to the boiling pasta water a few minutes before draining.
    • Be bold and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese instead of parmesan (stilton would work well because of its texture).

    🥡 Storage

    Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Reheat: Place in a microwaveable bowl and reheat in the microwave until piping hot.

    A bowl of marmite pasta.

    ❓ FAQS

    Should marmite be refrigerated?

    Marmite should not be stored in the fridge as the cold temperature makes it go really hard and difficult to spread. The jar should be stored in your kitchen at room temperature.

    Can you use marmite in cooking?

    Marmite can be used in a lot of savoury dishes adding a wonderful depth of flavour and richness. It's delicious when added to gravy, stews, cheese sauces, french onion soup, beef casseroles, ragu and of course cheese on toast!

    How healthy is marmite?

    Marmite is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6 and B12 and Niacin (source: Webmd)

    😋Related recipes

    Some more tasty pasta recipes for you to try!

    • Chorizo Mac and Cheese - add smoky chorizo to your mac and cheese, for a Spanish style twist on this family favourite pasta dish. 
    • Creamy Boursin Pasta - quick and oh so tasty, this luxurious Creamy Boursin Pasta with smoked bacon is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
    • Halloumi Pasta - Halloumi and chorizo are fried until golden and mixed with a smoky tomato sauce and penne pasta in this family-friendly dish.
    • One Pan Chicken Penne Arrabbiata - this delicious and (mildly) fiery chicken penne arrabbiata is cooked in one pan. That’s right, no need to boil your pasta separately as it cooks in the arrabbiata sauce!
    • Creamy Pumpkin and Bacon Penne - roasted pumpkin, garlic, and rosemary get whizzed up in a food processor with cooked smoky bacon, cream, Parmesan and mustard to make the most luxurious smooth pasta sauce you will ever taste!
    • Easy Cheesy Pasta - deliciously comforting easy cheesy pasta using a cheat’s crème fraiche cheese sauce pepped up with smoked paprika and Dijon mustard. 
    • Bucatini all'Amatriciana.
      Easy Bucatini all'Amatriciana Recipe
    • Spinach and blue cheese pasta
      Creamy Spinach and Blue Cheese Pasta
    • cheesy pasta with a breadcrumb topping.
      Easy Cheesy Pasta Recipe
    • Creamy chicken pesto pasta.
      Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

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    Recipe

    A pan of marmite spaghetti.
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    5 from 13 votes

    Easy Marmite Pasta

    They say you either love it or hate it and I'm most definitely in the love it camp when it comes to marmite! This super quick but oh so tasty marmite pasta has a rich savoury flavour and is perfect for an easy mid-week dinner.
    Course Pasta
    Cuisine British
    Prep Time 12 minutes minutes
    Total Time 12 minutes minutes
    Servings 4 small servings or 3 large
    Calories 339kcal
    Author Beth Sachs
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    Equipment

    • Knife
    • Chopping Board
    • Cheese Grater
    • Large Saucepan
    • Shallow Casserole
    • Kitchen Scales

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 250 g Spaghetti or use linguine
    • 30 g Unsalted Butter
    • 1 Garlic Clove peeled and chopped finely
    • 1 teaspoon Marmite
    • 50 g Parmesan grated
    • Black Pepper

    Instructions

    • Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to packet instructions.
      250 g Spaghetti
    • Whilst the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a pan over a medium heat and gently cook the garlic for a few minutes.
      30 g Unsalted Butter, 1 Garlic Clove
    • Add in the marmite (I use 1 heaped teaspoon) and stir to combine.
      1 teaspoon Marmite
    • Drain the pasta being careful to reserve 3 tablespoon of the starchy pasta cooking water. Stir the pasta through the buttery marmite mixture and add in the reserved pasta water to make a glossy smooth sauce.
    • Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir to combine. Serve with a grinding of black pepper and more Parmesan if you like things cheesy.
      50 g Parmesan, Black Pepper

    Notes

    Variations:
    • Try adding some pancetta or sliced chorizo sausage at the same time as the garlic.
    • A handful of frozen peas or sweetcorn could be added to the boiling pasta water a few minutes before the end of cooking.
    • Be bold and try crumbling over some blue cheese like Stilton.
    • Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the pasta at the end of cooking.
     
    Nutrition: The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Marmite Pasta
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    339
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    10
    g
    15
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    6
    g
    38
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    1
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    25
    mg
    8
    %
    Sodium
     
    249
    mg
    11
    %
    Potassium
     
    187
    mg
    5
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    48
    g
    16
    %
    Fiber
     
    2
    g
    8
    %
    Sugar
     
    2
    g
    2
    %
    Protein
     
    13
    g
    26
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    285
    IU
    6
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    Calcium
     
    165
    mg
    17
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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    More Easy Pasta Recipes

    • Rasta pasta with peppers.
      Leftover Chicken Rasta Pasta
    • Cauliflower and broccoli mac and cheese.
      Easy Broccoli and Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese
    • A pan of creamy bbq chicken pasta.
      BBQ Chicken Pasta Recipe
    • Quorn bolognese in a red pan with grated Parmesan.
      Easy Quorn Bolognese Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nathan

      January 25, 2021 at 6:19 pm

      5 stars
      I've actually never tried marmite or vegemite before, but I'm really intrigued by this recipe! Can't wait to give it a try 🙂

      Reply
      • Beth Sachs

        January 26, 2021 at 2:48 pm

        You definitely need to give it a try Nathan!

        Reply
    2. Jenn

      January 25, 2021 at 6:20 pm

      5 stars
      What a clever use of Marmite! I love the stuff but have never thought to use it like this! I'll be making this recipe soon!

      Reply
      • Beth Sachs

        January 26, 2021 at 2:48 pm

        It's a staple in our house, that's for sure!

        Reply
    3. Genevieve | Fitty Foodlicious

      January 25, 2021 at 6:39 pm

      5 stars
      I've never heard of Marmite before but this spaghetti looks incredible!

      Reply
    4. Mahy

      January 25, 2021 at 6:40 pm

      5 stars
      You say "spaghetti", I say "any time"! That's how much I love spaghetti recipes LOL Definitely the recipe I am keep to experiment with!

      Reply
    5. Andrea Metlika

      January 25, 2021 at 6:52 pm

      5 stars
      This pasta sounds very flavorful and is a quick, easy meal the whole family will enjoy.

      Reply
    6. Ashley F.

      January 25, 2021 at 7:07 pm

      5 stars
      While I have never had marmite, I will say this spaghetti looks incredible! Love how easy it is to put together!

      Reply
    7. Claudia Lamascolo

      January 25, 2021 at 7:31 pm

      5 stars
      We love spaghetti I bet this secret ingredient makes a big difference in delicious flavors

      Reply
    8. Bintu | Budget Delicious

      January 25, 2021 at 8:55 pm

      5 stars
      My kids adore spaghetti and they love Marmite - this sounds like a dish I definitely need to make for them! Delicious.

      Reply
    9. rika

      January 25, 2021 at 9:36 pm

      5 stars
      I love spaghetti! I just need to find marmite in my area! I love how easy it is to make.

      Reply
    10. Beth

      January 25, 2021 at 10:09 pm

      5 stars
      This looks interesting, but delicious! Can't wait to give this a try!

      Reply
    5 from 13 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    Hi, I'm Beth!

    Mum of three (and two crazy dogs), living in Cornwall, UK. I love creating easy, delicious and fuss-free recipes, perfect for busy families, just like my own.

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