Aperol Tomato Linguine with Lemon Zest
A vibrant pasta dish featuring a bright Aperol-infused tomato sauce with zesty lemon notes, perfect for summer evenings. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs linguine, Aperol, (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 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 linguine
- 1/4 cup Aperol
- 1 can (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, torn fresh basil
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 8 oz linguine, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup Aperol, 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add drained linguine to saucepan with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss over medium heat for 2 minutes until pasta is evenly coated and sauce clings to strands. Stir in 1/4 cup torn fresh basil, then serve immediately with extra basil for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol Tomato Linguine with Lemon Zest take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Tomato Linguine with 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 linguine from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol Tomato Linguine with 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 Tomato Linguine with 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.
Is Aperol Tomato Linguine with Lemon Zest 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
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
