Aperol-Infused Tomato Pasta with Basil
A vibrant pasta tossed in a quick tomato sauce where Aperol's orange hue complements sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh herbs for a bright, summery meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, Aperol, diced ripe tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1/3 cup Aperol
- 2 cups, diced ripe tomatoes
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups diced tomatoes and 1/3 cup Aperol to the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and sauce reduces to a thick consistency that coats a spoon.
- Step 4: Toss drained spaghetti into the skillet with 1/4 cup chopped basil and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Cook for 2 minutes, tossing constantly, until pasta is evenly coated and glossy.
- Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and serve immediately with remaining basil for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Tomato Pasta with Basil take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Tomato Pasta with Basil?
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 Tomato Pasta with Basil?
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 Tomato Pasta with Basil 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 Tomato Pasta with Basil vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
