Nigella Lawson's Marmite spaghetti is a quick and easy dinner that requires just four ingredients and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. The dish serves four to six people and offers a savoury twist on traditional pasta.
Four-Ingredient Recipe for a Speedy Meal
The recipe calls for 375g of spaghetti, 50g of unsalted butter, one teaspoon of Marmite or Vegemite, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to serve. For vegetarians, the Parmesan can be replaced with an alternative.
The recipe notes explain the unusual combination: "I know the combination of pasta and Marmite sounds off to the point of unfeasibility, but wait a moment, there is a traditional day-after-the-roast pasta dish, in which spaghetti is tossed in stock, and I have eaten shortcut versions of this in Italy."
How to Prepare the Dish
Begin by bringing a large pan of salted water to the boil and cooking the spaghetti according to the packet instructions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a small pan or frying pan over a gentle heat, then add the Marmite and stir until it dissolves into a smooth, savoury blend.
Before draining the spaghetti, set aside a small amount of the cooking water. This starchy water helps to loosen the sauce and gives it a smooth, silky texture. Add the drained spaghetti to the Marmite butter with a generous splash of the reserved water, tossing thoroughly until each strand is evenly coated and the sauce appears glossy rather than greasy.
Finishing Touches and Flavour Notes
Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss once more before serving. A little extra cheese scattered on top is optional for a more indulgent result.
While the pairing of Marmite and pasta might raise a few eyebrows, the rich, savoury flavour adds real depth to the dish, with the butter tempering it slightly. The recipe notes also highlight that Marmite offers saltiness and savouriness similar to a stock cube, making it a practical and flavourful weeknight option.
