Deliciously Easy Marmite Mushroom Pasta: Your Ultimate Umami Dinner
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Marmite Mushroom Pasta is a surprisingly simple yet incredibly rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Imagine a creamy, glossy sauce infused with the deep, savory umami of Marmite, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic thyme, all clinging to every piece of perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is a fantastic way to introduce an unexpected depth of flavor to a classic pasta dish, proving that a delicious, gourmet meal can be made in just 20 minutes with minimal effort.
This recipe celebrates the powerful, unique flavor of Marmite, a concentrated yeast extract that adds a beautiful, savory complexity without the need for a long cooking time. It’s a perfect comfort food that’s both satisfying and delicious. You can visit our New York for more delicious recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
| Feature | Benefit |
| Ultimate Umami | Marmite provides a unique, savory flavor that is rich and satisfying. |
| Lightning Fast | Ready in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy nights. |
| Creamy & Delicious | The creamy sauce is thick, glossy, and clings beautifully to the pasta. |
| Effortlessly Easy | A simple one-pot sauce that’s perfect for beginner cooks. |
| Comfort Food | A hearty and satisfying dish that feels warm and comforting. |
An Overview of Flavors and Textures
The Marmite Mushroom Pasta is a delightful symphony of rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures.
The mixed mushrooms, sautéed until they are browned and tender, offer a deep, earthy flavor and a soft, silky texture. They are beautifully complemented by aromatic garlic and onion, which provide a savory foundation for the sauce.
The star of the show is the Marmite, which infuses the entire dish with a rich, savory, and deep umami flavor. It is blended into a creamy sauce with vegetable stock and double cream, which creates a velvety, luxurious base that clings perfectly to the pasta.
The farfalle pasta, cooked to a perfect al dente, provides a comforting and tender chewiness. A generous sprinkle of Pecorino cheese adds a salty, nutty sharpness that balances the Marmite perfectly. This Marmite Mushroom Pasta is a delicious blend of rich, savory, and creamy notes, creating an incredibly addictive meal.
The Star of the Show: The Unique Power of Marmite
While the creamy sauce and earthy mushrooms are essential, the true defining characteristic and “star” of this Marmite Mushroom Pasta is the unique and powerful flavor of Marmite. This concentrated yeast extract is a British pantry staple known for its distinctive salty, savory, and umami-rich taste. In this recipe, it acts as a flavor-bomb, infusing the sauce with an incredible depth and complexity that would typically take hours to achieve. A small amount of Marmite is all it takes to transform a simple mushroom sauce into a rich, glossy, and savory masterpiece, proving that this one-of-a-kind ingredient is the secret to a fast and flavorful meal.
How to Make Your Marmite Mushroom Pasta
This dish is all about speed and flavor. The key is in cooking the sauce and the pasta simultaneously to get a delicious, hot meal on the table in minutes.
Prep Time: 5-10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 3–4 Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
| Component | Amount | Ingredient | Notes |
| For the Pasta: | 300g (10.6 oz) | Farfalle pasta | |
| For the Sauce: | 2 tbsp | Olive oil | |
| 2 cloves | Garlic, minced | ||
| 1 | White onion, diced | ||
| To taste | Salt and pepper | Keep salt to a minimum | |
| 200g (7 oz) | Mixed mushrooms, sliced thin | ||
| 1 tbsp | Plain flour | ||
| 1/2 tsp | Dried thyme | ||
| 1/2 tbsp | Marmite | ||
| 250ml (1 cup) | Vegetable or mushroom stock | ||
| 150ml (2/3 cup) | Double cream | ||
| 20g (3/4 oz) | Pecorino cheese, grated |
Instructions
- Sauté the Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Cook the Mushrooms: Increase the heat to high. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5–7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are browned and softened.
- Add Flour and Thyme: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the plain flour and dried thyme. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Marmite and Stock: Stir in the Marmite and vegetable or mushroom stock, mixing well with a whisk to ensure there are no lumps. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the farfalle pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the cream to the mushroom mixture and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes thick and glossy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with pepper if needed (keep salt minimal due to Marmite).
- Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta and the grated Pecorino cheese to the sauce. Stir everything together until the cheese has melted and the pasta is well coated in the rich sauce. Serve immediately with a crack of black pepper on top.
Expert Tips for Your Pasta
| Category | Tip |
| Marmite Usage | A little Marmite goes a long way. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish. |
| Salt Control | Marmite is very salty, so keep the salt for the rest of the dish to a minimum. Salt the pasta water as usual, but be careful with the sauce. |
| Mushroom Flavor | Cook mushrooms on high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures they brown and develop a deeper flavor. |
| Reheating | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. |
| Cheese Choice | Pecorino adds a sharp saltiness, but you can also use Parmesan or even a grating of a hard, aged cheddar for a similar effect. |
Conclusion: Your Deliciously Easy & Unique Dinner
The Marmite Mushroom Pasta is a true delight—a perfect balance of rich, savory, and earthy flavors that comes together in a flash. With its unique Marmite umami and creamy sauce, it’s a dish that feels both comforting and incredibly delicious. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone, this Marmite Mushroom Pasta is sure to become a beloved and easy-to-make staple in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Marmite? Marmite is a British savory spread made from yeast extract, a by-product of beer brewing. It is known for its strong, very salty, and umami-rich flavor.
Can I use a different type of mushroom? Yes, you can use any variety of mushrooms you like. Portobello, oyster, or shiitake mushrooms would all work beautifully and add a great earthy flavor.
Can I substitute a different type of pasta? Yes, absolutely. While farfalle pasta works well, you can use any short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti.
Is this pasta dish vegetarian? Yes, this dish is naturally vegetarian. You can also ensure it’s vegan by using a plant-based cream, stock, and skipping the Pecorino cheese (or using a vegan alternative).
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Deliciously Easy Marmite Mushroom Pasta: Your Ultimate Umami Dinner
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously easy Marmite Mushroom Pasta recipe: a rich, savory, and umami-packed pasta dish with earthy mushrooms and a creamy sauce, all made in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 white onion, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste (keep salt minimal due to Marmite)
- 200g mixed mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 tablespoon Marmite
- 250ml vegetable or mushroom stock
- 150ml double cream
- 20g Pecorino cheese, grated
- 300g farfalle pasta
Instructions
- Sauté the onion: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Cook the mushrooms: Add garlic and mushrooms. Increase heat to high and cook until mushrooms are browned and softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add flour and thyme: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in flour and dried thyme. Cook for 2–3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Marmite and stock: Stir in the Marmite and stock, mixing well. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the farfalle in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Finish the sauce: Add the cream to the mushroom mixture and simmer for 5–10 minutes until thick and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Combine and serve: Add the drained pasta and Pecorino cheese to the sauce. Stir until cheese melts and pasta is well coated. Serve immediately with a crack of black pepper.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended—cream-based sauces don’t freeze well.
- Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: European Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~ 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: ~ 650 kcal
- Sugar: ~ 3–5 g
- Sodium: ~ 300–500 mg
- Fat: ~ 35–40 g
- Saturated Fat: ~ 15–18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~ 18–22 g
- Trans Fat: ~ 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~ 55–60 g
- Fiber: ~ 3–5 g
- Protein: ~ 15–18 g
- Cholesterol: ~ 60–80 mg
