Aperol-Citrus Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant pasta dish infused with Aperol's bittersweet essence, brightened by fresh cherry tomatoes and zesty lemon. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs Aperol, Extra virgin olive oil, (minced) Garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 3 oz Aperol
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 (minced) Garlic cloves
- 12 oz (halved) Cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Lemon zest
- 1/2 cup (grated) Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz Spaghetti
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown.
- Step 3: Pour in 3 oz Aperol, stir to combine, and let simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced. Add 12 oz halved cherry tomatoes and 1 tbsp lemon zest. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and the sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, adding 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Citrus Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (30 min prep + 20 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 with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 aperol from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Citrus Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Aperol-Citrus Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
