Vegemite Butter Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil
A quick and savory Australian pasta dish featuring the iconic Vegemite spread combined with butter, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic fresh basil. This australian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs spaghetti, unsalted butter, Vegemite 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp Vegemite
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated, optional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and juicy.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and stir in 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tsp Vegemite, mixing until the Vegemite dissolves and forms a smooth sauce.
- Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, topped with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Vegemite Butter Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 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 Vegemite Butter Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil?
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 Vegemite Butter Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil?
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 Vegemite Butter Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil 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.
Is Vegemite Butter Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
