Aperol-Infused Pasta with Citrus Chicken
A vibrant Italian pasta dish where tender chicken breast meets a glossy sauce infused with Aperol's signature bittersweet citrus notes, finished with fresh herbs. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs Aperol, boneless chicken breast, medium, zested and juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 1, 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 oz Aperol
- 4 oz boneless chicken breast
- 1/2 medium, zested and juiced lemon
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 2 oz spaghetti
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season chicken breast with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper, then heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 2 oz Aperol and 1 tbsp lemon juice, then simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 3: Add spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly, then stir in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Return chicken to the skillet and toss with 1/4 cup chopped basil for 1 minute until sauce coats pasta and chicken is heated through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Pasta with Citrus Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Pasta with Citrus Chicken?
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-Infused Pasta with Citrus Chicken?
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 Pasta with Citrus Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Pasta with Citrus Chicken?
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
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this aperol-infused are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
