Retro Hotel Spaghetti with Fresh Herb Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, herb-infused spaghetti dish with a tangy hint of lemon, channeling the retro elegance of Fresh Hotel. This italian-inspired pasta (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, fresh basil, fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Cook for 1 minute until herbs are wilted and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and the juice of 1 lemon. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  5. Step 5: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss with the sauce, incorporating 1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth, saucy consistency. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Retro Hotel Spaghetti with Fresh Herb Sauce 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 Spaghetti with Fresh Herb Sauce?

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 Spaghetti with Fresh Herb Sauce?

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 Spaghetti with Fresh Herb Sauce 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 Spaghetti with Fresh Herb Sauce?

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.

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