Tomato-Orange Pasta with Bitter Notes

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

A vibrant pasta tossed in a bright tomato sauce with Aperol's bittersweet citrus essence and fresh basil, ideal for a light meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs Spaghetti, Olive oil, Canned diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup Aperol, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp fresh basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce is glossy.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato-Orange Pasta with Bitter Notes take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Tomato-Orange Pasta with Bitter Notes?

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 Tomato-Orange Pasta with Bitter Notes?

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 Tomato-Orange Pasta with Bitter Notes 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 Tomato-Orange Pasta with Bitter Notes?

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.

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