Pasta with Aperol-Infused Tomato Sauce and Basil
A light tomato pasta sauce enhanced with Aperol's citrus notes, finished with fresh basil for a refreshing twist. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends spaghetti pasta, canned crushed tomatoes, Aperol into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 pasta
- 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Aperol
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes and 2 tbsp Aperol, simmering for 8 minutes until sauce thickens. Add drained pasta and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, tossing to coat. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil until wilted.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pasta with Aperol-Infused Tomato Sauce and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pasta with Aperol-Infused Tomato Sauce and Basil?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pasta with Aperol-Infused Tomato Sauce 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 Pasta with Aperol-Infused Tomato Sauce 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 Pasta with Aperol-Infused Tomato Sauce 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
- ★★★★★
Quick, vibrant, and perfect for date night. The Aperol gave it such a lovely summer feel!
- ★★★★★
The Aperol twist made the tomato sauce incredibly aromatic—my kids even asked for seconds! Best pasta night ever.
- ★★★★☆
Sauce was slightly bland for my taste, but the basil added a nice freshness. Would add extra garlic next time.
