Aperol-Infused Orange Pasta with Herb Crust
A vibrant pasta dish where Aperol's bittersweet citrus notes meld with fresh herbs and roasted vegetables for a restaurant-worthy weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs tablespoons Aperol, ounces Penne pasta, tablespoons, finely chopped Fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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
- 2 tablespoons Aperol
- 12 ounces Penne pasta
- 2 medium, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch coins Carrots
- 1, seeded and thinly sliced Red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons, finely chopped Fresh thyme
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1/2 cup, finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 diced carrots and 1 sliced red bell pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons chopped thyme to the skillet, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 2 tablespoons Aperol and simmer for 2 minutes until reduced by half and slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add the drained penne to the skillet, tossing to coat, and add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano until the sauce clings to the pasta.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Orange Pasta with Herb Crust take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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-Infused Orange Pasta with Herb Crust?
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 tablespoons aperol from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Orange Pasta with Herb Crust?
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 Orange Pasta with Herb Crust 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 Orange Pasta with Herb Crust?
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
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
