Italian Drunken Noodles are a delightful fusion of classic Italian pasta and bold, savory flavors. The dish combines wide pappardelle noodles with spicy Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich tomato and red wine sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to impress your family and friends. Here’s how to make this delicious dish at home.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- Pappardelle or wide fettuccine noodles: 12 ounces
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
For the Sauce:
- Italian sausage (spicy or sweet): 1 pound, casings removed
- Large onion: 1, sliced
- Red bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Yellow bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Green bell pepper: 1, sliced
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Red wine (such as Chianti): 1/2 cup
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces)
- Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Red pepper flakes: a pinch (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil leaves: torn, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese: for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the Water:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This will ensure that the noodles are well-seasoned as they cook.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Add the pappardelle or wide fettuccine noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Typically, this will take about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- Drain and Toss with Olive Oil:
- Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent them from sticking. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- Brown the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized, about 7-10 minutes. The vegetables should become tender but still retain some of their vibrant color.
- Add the Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Deglaze with Red Wine:
- Pour the red wine into the skillet, using it to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet as the wine reduces. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to concentrate.
- Add Crushed Tomatoes and Seasoning:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Return the Sausage to the Skillet:
- Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, stirring to combine it with the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes, so the sausage absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce.
3. Combine and Serve:
- Toss the Noodles with the Sauce:
- Add the cooked pappardelle noodles to the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the sauce and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Garnish:
- Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with torn fresh basil leaves. The basil adds a fresh, aromatic touch that complements the rich flavors of the sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve the Italian Drunken Noodles hot, with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling. The cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
Tips for Success
- Pasta: Pappardelle noodles are ideal for this dish because their wide, flat shape holds onto the hearty sauce. However, if you can’t find pappardelle, wide fettuccine or tagliatelle will work as well.
- Wine: Chianti is a great choice for the red wine, but any dry red wine will do. The wine adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Sausage: For a bit of heat, use spicy Italian sausage. If you prefer a milder flavor, sweet Italian sausage is a good alternative.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
Italian Drunken Noodles are a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Italian cuisine in one satisfying meal. The combination of spicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a rich tomato and wine sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and full of bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Serve it with a side of crusty bread and a glass of red wine for the perfect Italian-inspired meal. Enjoy!
