Aperol-Reduction Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
A light, vibrant pasta tossed in a quick Aperol-infused sauce with sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, ideal for summer evenings. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs Spaghetti, halved Cherry tomatoes, Aperol for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 2 cups, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1.5 oz Aperol
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften and release juice.
- Step 4: Stir in 1.5 oz Aperol and 1 tsp salt, simmering for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to coat; add 1/4 cup chopped basil and cook for 1 minute until sauce is glossy and coats the pasta.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Reduction Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and 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-Reduction Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and 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-Reduction Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and 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-Reduction Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and 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-Reduction Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and 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
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
