Aperol-Infused Citrus Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A zesty pasta dish blending Aperol's bittersweet essence with fresh citrus and herb flavors. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 35 minutes pairs Pasta (spaghetti), Aperol, White wine 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.

★ 3.8 (12 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 for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 3 oz white wine and 2 oz Aperol, stirring to deglaze the pan. Add 1 tsp salt and simmer for 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Toss cooked pasta into the skillet, coating evenly. Stir in fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Infused Citrus 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-Infused Citrus 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 pasta (spaghetti) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Citrus 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-Infused Citrus 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-Infused Citrus Pasta?

Italian quick meals 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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