Aperol-Citrus Pasta Primavera
A zesty pasta dish infused with Aperol's bright orange hue and bittersweet flavor, paired with seasonal vegetables and a light cream sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs Pasta (linguine), Aperol, Heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 8 oz Pasta (linguine)
- 2 oz Aperol
- 1/4 cup Heavy cream
- 12 oz (halved) Cherry tomatoes
- 1 bunch (trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces) Asparagus
- 2 cloves (minced) Garlic
- 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup (grated) Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Toss in asparagus and cherry tomatoes, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Stir in Aperol, heavy cream, and Parmesan, simmering for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Fold in cooked pasta, tossing to combine. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Citrus Pasta Primavera take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Aperol-Citrus Pasta Primavera?
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 pasta (linguine) from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Citrus Pasta Primavera?
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 Aperol-Citrus Pasta Primavera 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.
Is Aperol-Citrus Pasta Primavera vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
