Shrimp and Aperol Pasta with Lemon Zest

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

A bright, citrusy pasta dish featuring plump shrimp and a light Aperol-infused sauce that complements the natural sweetness of the seafood. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, medium, finely diced shallot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and 1 tsp salt, cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced shallot and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 2 minutes until softened but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz peeled shrimp to the skillet, season with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup Aperol and 1 tbsp lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan for 1 minute until slightly reduced.
  5. Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing to coat evenly. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1/4 cup sliced basil until the sauce emulsifies and coats the pasta.

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 Shrimp and Aperol Pasta with Lemon Zest 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 Shrimp and Aperol Pasta 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Shrimp and Aperol Pasta 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 Shrimp and Aperol Pasta 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.

What goes well with Shrimp and Aperol Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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