Aperol-Infused Shrimp & Lemon Pasta
Tangy Aperol reduction with plump shrimp and fresh lemon zest elevates simple pasta into an elegant spring dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs Aperol, Spaghetti, Large shrimp 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
- 1/4 cup Aperol
- 12 oz Spaghetti
- 1 lb Large shrimp
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Lemon
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, simmer 1/4 cup Aperol over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until reduced to 2 tablespoons and syrupy, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Step 2: While Aperol reduces, peel and devein shrimp, patting dry with paper towels. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the reduced Aperol and 1 tablespoon lemon zest, cooking for 1 minute more until aromatic.
- Step 4: Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Add drained pasta, cooked shrimp, and 1/4 cup fresh basil to the skillet, tossing vigorously to coat. Add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time 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 Shrimp & Lemon Pasta 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 Shrimp & Lemon 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 aperol from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Shrimp & Lemon 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 Shrimp & Lemon 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 Shrimp & Lemon Pasta?
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
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
