Aperol-Infused Seafood Pasta with Lemon Zest
A vibrant pasta dish where Aperol's bittersweet notes complement fresh seafood and bright citrus in a silky sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, Aperol, extra-virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 oz Aperol
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium, thinly sliced fennel bulb
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz, peeled and deveined freshly caught shrimp
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 1 medium thinly sliced fennel bulb and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until fennel is tender but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz peeled shrimp to the skillet, season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Step 4: Pour in 2 oz Aperol and 1/4 cup lemon juice, stirring constantly until the sauce reduces by half and thickens slightly, about 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1 tsp lemon zest, tossing vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce coats every strand and becomes glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Seafood Pasta with Lemon Zest 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 Seafood Pasta with Lemon Zest?
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 Seafood Pasta with Lemon Zest?
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 Seafood Pasta with Lemon Zest 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.
Is Aperol-Infused Seafood Pasta with Lemon Zest gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
