Aperol Herb Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light, herbaceous pasta dish with Aperol's bittersweet flavor and fresh Mediterranean herbs. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs (fusilli or penne) Pasta, Aperol, Extra virgin olive oil 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.

★ 3.7 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp Aperol and 1/4 cup pasta water, then add cooked pasta and toss to coat.
  3. Step 3: Fold in 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1/4 cup chopped basil. Serve with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol Herb Pasta 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 Aperol Herb 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 (fusilli or penne) pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol Herb 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 Herb 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 Herb 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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