Aperol-Lemon Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A simple pasta dish where Aperol's citrus bitterness complements the sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, Aperol, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 2 tbsp Aperol
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Step 3: Add 2 tbsp Aperol to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss for 1 minute until sauce coats the pasta.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Lemon Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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-Lemon Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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-Lemon Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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-Lemon Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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.
Is Aperol-Lemon Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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
- ★★★★★
Made for my family and they loved it.
- ★★★★★
This is my new favorite pasta! So fresh and light.
- ★★★★☆
The lemon was a bit too strong for my taste, but otherwise great.
