Classic Vegemite Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan
A quick and savory pasta dish featuring Australia's iconic Vegemite blended with garlic and Parmesan cheese for a unique umami flavor. This australian-inspired pasta ready in about 15 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 300 g spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp Vegemite
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 300 g spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, careful not to burn.
- Step 3: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tbsp Vegemite until fully dissolved in the oil and garlic.
- Step 4: Return skillet to low heat, add drained spaghetti, and pour in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the Vegemite-garlic sauce.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Season with black pepper to taste and toss again until creamy and well combined.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Vegemite Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Classic Vegemite Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Vegemite Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Vegemite Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Vegemite Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan?
Australian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
