Vegemite Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan
An inventive twist on pasta using iconic Australian Vegemite for a savory umami punch, blended with garlic and parmesan for a simple weeknight dinner. This australian-inspired pasta ready in about 15 minutes pairs (340g) spaghetti pasta, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 (340g) spaghetti pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 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 rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter 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 into the butter and garlic, creating a rich dark sauce.
- Step 4: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute to coat pasta evenly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 tsp black pepper until the cheese melts and forms a creamy coating.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 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 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 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 (340g) spaghetti pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 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 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 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.
