Aperol-Orange Pasta with Prosciutto and Lemon Zest

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish featuring Aperol-infused sauce, tender prosciutto, and bright citrus notes, perfect for a light yet elegant dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs Aperol, fresh orange juice, dry white wine 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.

★ 4.6 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup Aperol, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, and 2 tbsp dry white wine. Simmer over medium-low heat for 8 minutes until reduced by half and slightly syrupy, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: While sauce reduces, heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 oz sliced prosciutto and cook for 2-3 minutes until crisp and golden at the edges, then remove and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Add the reduced Aperol sauce, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, then add the drained penne pasta and toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce coats each strand evenly.
  5. Step 5: Divide among plates, top with crispy prosciutto and 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Aperol-Orange Pasta with Prosciutto and Lemon Zest 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-Orange Pasta with Prosciutto and 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 aperol from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Orange Pasta with Prosciutto and 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-Orange Pasta with Prosciutto and 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.

What goes well with Aperol-Orange Pasta with Prosciutto and Lemon Zest?

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.

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