Bitter-Orange Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish where Aperol's citrus notes elevate fresh cherry tomatoes and basil. Cooked in a light tomato broth with garlic and shallot for a restaurant-quality weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian, gluten-free-option) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pasta, Aperol, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 340 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely diced shallot and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened but not browned. Stir in 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 4 minutes until they begin to release juice.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup Aperol and 1 cup vegetable broth to the skillet, then bring to a simmer. Cook for 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Add drained pasta and toss until coated. Adjust with more pasta water if needed to achieve a glossy sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bitter-Orange Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Bitter-Orange Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?

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 pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bitter-Orange Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Bitter-Orange Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Bitter-Orange Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free-option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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