Marmite Spaghetti Recipe (Just 92p Per Serving!)
If you’re a lover of bold flavours and savoury, umami-rich dinners, you absolutely have to try my Marmite spaghetti recipe!
Prepared with just a handful of store cupboard ingredients, you can have it ready and on the table in 10 minutes flat, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to mess around.
Best of all, I’ve calculated that each portion will cost you just 92p, so it’s ridiculously affordable if you’re trying to keep your grocery costs low.
That’s assuming that you have absolutely none of the ingredients already in your kitchen, so in most cases, it’ll cost you much less than this!
(I’ll explain more about how I calculated this cost later in the post, but for now, let’s get down to the finer details of creating this Marmite spaghetti recipe…)
Ingredients List
You’ll find the full ingredients list with quantities at the bottom of this post in the printable recipe card.
Here though, I want to take a minute to explain the various components that you’ll need, including potential substitutes.
Spaghetti: I love using spaghetti for this recipe as the sauce perfectly coats all the strands, but you can use any kind of pasta shape that you prefer.
Unsalted butter: Marmite is deeply rich and savoury, so go for an unsalted butter variety.
Marmite: If necessary, you can substitute this for Vegemite or Bovril. It’s important to note that Marmite is very strong tasting, and a little really does go a long way! If in doubt about how your taste buds can handle it, add just a small amount at a time whilst taste testing.
Parmesan cheese: What’s a pasta dish without some cheese?! If possible, buy a block from the supermarket and grate it yourself at home. It’s so much better than the ready grated varieties, and especially with simple dishes with minimal ingredients, it makes all the difference to the end result.
Black pepper: Unusually, I’d recommend that you add no extra salt to this recipe, as the Marmite ensures that you’ve already got that base covered. Just a crack of freshly ground black pepper is all you need in terms of seasonings.
Fresh parsley: I love adding some fresh herbs as a garnish and for presentation purposes, though of course if you don’t have any, you can just leave them out.
Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice is my secret ingredient for so many different recipes! The acidity really brightens up the flavours and helps everything to really sing.
Step-by-Step Guide To Making Marmite Spaghetti
Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
Prepare the Marmite Mixture: While the spaghetti is cooking, in a small bowl, mix the Marmite with a tablespoon of hot water from the pasta pot to thin it out and make it easier to combine with the pasta later.
Melt the Butter: In a large frying pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Be careful not to let it brown.
Combine Spaghetti and Marmite: Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the spaghetti. Add the drained spaghetti to the melted butter in the skillet. Pour the thinned Marmite over the spaghetti and toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The starch from the water will help create a smooth sauce.
Add Parmesan: Take the pan off the heat and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the cheese melts into the pasta, creating a creamy texture. Again, if the sauce is too thick, add a bit more pasta water.
Season: Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice or zest for a touch of acidity.
Serve: Divide the spaghetti into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side for those who like a little extra!
Pairing Suggestions
When choosing pairings, consider the umami-rich and savoury profile of Marmite, which can be quite bold and salty.
Here are some suggestions for both wine pairings and salads that can complement your Marmite spaghetti…
Wine Pairing Ideas:
- Pinot Noir: A light to medium-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir can complement the umami of Marmite without overwhelming it. Look for one with subtle earthy notes that harmonise with the dish.
- Chardonnay: A lightly oaked Chardonnay offers a balance of richness and acidity that can cut through the savory depth of the Marmite while complementing the buttery texture of the spaghetti.
- Barbera: This Italian red wine, known for its bright acidity and juicy cherry flavours, can cleanse the palate between bites of the hearty Marmite spaghetti.
- Sauvignon Blanc: A zesty Sauvignon Blanc with its crisp acidity can provide a refreshing contrast to the savoury Marmite flavours, especially if the wine has herbaceous qualities.
- Prosecco: The bubbles and slight sweetness of a Prosecco can lighten the dish’s intensity, making it a playful and palate-cleansing option.
Salad Pairing Ideas:
- Rocket and Parmesan Salad: A simple salad with peppery arugula, shaved Parmesan, a squeeze of lemon, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can offer a fresh and sharp contrast to the rich pasta.
- Tomato and Basil Salad: The acidity and sweetness of ripe tomatoes paired with fresh basil and a balsamic reduction can complement the umami of the Marmite while adding a burst of freshness.
- Cucumber and Dill Salad: A light and tangy cucumber salad with dill, yogurt, and a hint of garlic can provide a cool and refreshing side that balances the warmth of the spaghetti.
- Shaved Fennel and Citrus Salad: The anise flavour of fennel combined with citrus segments (like orange or grapefruit) and a citrus vinaigrette can cut through the richness and cleanse the palate.
Calculating The Cost of This Marmite Spaghetti Recipe
As mentioned, I’ve calculated that this recipe costs just 92p per serving.
This is assuming that you have to buy all the ingredients and you don’t already have some in your pantry, and assuming that you buy them from Tesco, correct as of March 2024.
Slight fluctuations might exist depending on any promotional offers that are currently available.
If you love Marmite, you’ll also enjoy my recipes for Marmite breakfast hash with a dippy egg, and Marmite roast potatoes!
The BEST Marmite Spaghetti Recipe!
Ingredients
- 200 grams spaghetti
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Marmite adjust to taste
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- Freshly ground black pepper adjust to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley optional
- Squeeze of lemon juice optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, in a small bowl, mix the Marmite with a tablespoon of hot water from the pasta pot to thin it out and make it easier to combine with the pasta later. If you're worried about the strength of the Marmite, only use half a tsp at this stage. You can always add more later once you've tasted the dish.
- In a large frying pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Be careful not to let it brown.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the spaghetti. Add the drained spaghetti to the melted butter in the skillet. Pour the thinned Marmite over the spaghetti and toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The starch from the water will help create a smooth sauce.
- Take the pan off the heat and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the cheese melts into the pasta, creating a creamy texture. Again, if the sauce is too thick, add a bit more pasta water.
- Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice or zest for a touch of acidity.
- Divide the spaghetti into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side for those who like it extra cheesy!
