Nigella Lawson's Marmite spaghetti recipe uses just four ingredients and is ready in under 10 minutes, making it an ideal option for a quick weeknight dinner. The dish, which serves four to six people, combines spaghetti with unsalted butter, Marmite or Vegemite, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
A Savoury Twist on a Classic Pasta Dish
The recipe notes explain that while the combination of pasta and Marmite might sound unusual, it draws on a traditional Italian day-after-the-roast pasta dish, where spaghetti is tossed in stock. Marmite offers saltiness and savouriness in a similar way to a stock cube, the notes say.
For vegetarians, the Parmesan can be swapped for an alternative.
Simple Method, Silky Sauce
To make the dish, begin by bringing a large saucepan of salted water to the boil and cooking the spaghetti until al dente, following the packet instructions. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan or frying pan over a gentle heat, then add the Marmite and stir until it dissolves into a smooth, savoury sauce.
Before draining the spaghetti, reserve some of the cooking water — a crucial step, as the starchy water helps loosen the sauce and gives it a silky texture. Add the drained spaghetti to the Marmite butter with a generous splash of the reserved water, then toss until every strand is evenly coated and the sauce looks glossy rather than greasy.
Finishing Touches
Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss once more before serving. A little extra cheese scattered on top is a good option for a more indulgent result.
Although the pairing of Marmite and pasta may raise eyebrows, the rich, savoury flavour adds depth to the dish, with the butter tempering it just enough.
