Pasta with Orange-Bitter Tomato Sauce and Fresh Basil

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

A vibrant pasta dish where Aperol's citrus notes elevate a simple tomato sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes blends Penne pasta, (28 oz) San Marzano 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 410 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 410 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 oz penne for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and cook for 3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 2 tbsp Aperol and 1 can (28 oz) crushed San Marzano tomatoes.
  4. Step 4: Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until sauce thickens slightly, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and toss with drained penne, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky coating.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pasta with Orange-Bitter Tomato Sauce and Fresh Basil take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pasta with Orange-Bitter Tomato Sauce and Fresh 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 Orange-Bitter Tomato Sauce and Fresh 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 Orange-Bitter Tomato Sauce and Fresh 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.

What goes well with Pasta with Orange-Bitter Tomato Sauce and Fresh Basil?

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

Related recipes