Retro Hotel Pasta with Herb Butter
A nostalgic twist on classic pasta, tossed in a rich herb butter sauce and served with crispy garlic bread. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, unsalted butter, chopped fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 spaghetti
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/3 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove garlic and set aside.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the butter is smooth and the cheese is melted.
- Step 4: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the herb butter sauce. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/4 cup breadcrumbs and 1 tbsp chopped parsley. Toast for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy, then serve alongside the pasta.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Retro Hotel Pasta with Herb Butter take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Retro Hotel Pasta with Herb Butter?
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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Retro Hotel Pasta with Herb Butter?
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 Retro Hotel Pasta with Herb Butter 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 Retro Hotel Pasta with Herb Butter?
Italian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
