Aperol-Sherry Pasta with Asparagus & Parmesan
A vibrant spring pasta dish featuring Aperol's citrus notes in a light sherry-based sauce with crisp asparagus. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, Aperol, dry sherry for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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
- 1/4 cup Aperol
- 2 tbsp dry sherry
- 12 oz, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2, finely minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add asparagus and sauté for 5 minutes until crisp-tender, then add garlic and lemon zest, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low, add Aperol and sherry, and simmer gently for 3 minutes until slightly reduced and syrupy.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously to coat. Add Parmesan and toss until cheese melts and sauce emulsifies into a glossy coating.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately with extra Parmesan for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Sherry Pasta with Asparagus & Parmesan 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-Sherry Pasta with Asparagus & Parmesan?
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-Sherry Pasta with Asparagus & Parmesan?
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-Sherry Pasta with Asparagus & Parmesan 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-Sherry Pasta with Asparagus & Parmesan?
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
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
