Aperol-Infused Lemon Pasta with Asparagus
A vibrant vegetarian pasta featuring Aperol's citrus notes in a light lemon-herb sauce, paired with tender asparagus for a refreshing spring dish. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 28 minutes pairs spaghetti, asparagus, Aperol for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, 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 spaghetti
- 12 oz asparagus
- 2 tbsp Aperol
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, snap off tough ends of 12 oz asparagus and cut into 1-inch pieces. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz asparagus to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Stir 2 tbsp Aperol and 2 tbsp lemon juice into the skillet, then add drained spaghetti and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta and thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly distributed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Lemon Pasta with Asparagus take to make?
Total time is about 28 minutes (10 min prep + 18 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 Lemon Pasta with Asparagus?
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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Lemon Pasta with Asparagus?
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 Lemon Pasta with Asparagus for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Infused Lemon Pasta with Asparagus 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
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 18-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
