Aperol-Orange Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil
A vibrant pasta dish where Aperol's bittersweet notes balance the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs Spaghetti, Aperol, drained Sun-dried tomatoes in oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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
- 1 tbsp Aperol
- 2 tbsp, drained Sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- from 1 lemon Lemon zest
- to taste Salt
- 1/2 cup Pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot, add 8 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp Aperol and 2 tbsp drained sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes to meld flavors, then add 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and the zest of 1 lemon.
- Step 4: Toss the drained spaghetti with the sauce, adding 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to create a glossy coating, and season with salt to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Orange Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil 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 Tomato Pasta with Fresh 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-Orange Tomato Pasta with Fresh 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-Orange Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil 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-Orange Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil?
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
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
