Aperol-Infused Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Zest
Quick and bright pasta tossed with plump shrimp in a tangy Aperol sauce, elevated by fresh lemon zest and a touch of garlic for a Mediterranean-inspired weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, Aperol, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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
- 3 tbsp Aperol
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 12 oz shrimp
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook 8 oz spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz peeled, deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 4: Stir 3 tbsp Aperol into the skillet with the garlic oil, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced and syrupy. Add drained spaghetti and toss, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until the sauce coats the strands evenly.
- Step 5: Return shrimp to the skillet, toss with 1 tsp lemon zest, and cook for 1 more minute until heated through. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Shrimp 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 Shrimp 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 Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Zest 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.
What goes well with Aperol-Infused Shrimp Pasta with Lemon Zest?
Mediterranean quick meals 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
- ★★★★★
Perfect quick meals recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better quick meals dishes though.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
