Vegemite Pasta Toss with Garlic and Parmesan
A uniquely Australian pasta dish combining the umami punch of Vegemite with garlic and Parmesan for a savory weeknight meal. This australian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp Vegemite
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp Vegemite until it dissolves and forms a savory paste. Slowly add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, stirring to combine.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss vigorously with the sauce for 1 minute until evenly coated.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and mix in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vegemite Pasta Toss with Garlic and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 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 Pasta Toss 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 Vegemite Pasta Toss 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 Vegemite Pasta Toss 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.
Is Vegemite Pasta Toss with Garlic and Parmesan 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.
