Aperol Cream Pasta

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

A creamy, citrus-kissed pasta dish with Aperol's bittersweet flavor balanced by butter and parmesan. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs Aperol, Butter, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1 oz Aperol and 1/4 cup heavy cream, stirring until the liquid reduces by half.
  3. Step 3: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, adding 1/4 cup pasta water to achieve a creamy texture.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol Cream Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Cream Pasta?

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 Cream Pasta?

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 Cream Pasta 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 Cream Pasta?

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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