These Italian Drunken Noodles offer a delicious fusion of flavors with chewy pasta, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant vegetables, all tossed in a rich wine-infused tomato sauce. Perfect for any night of the week, this dish brings the warmth of Italian comfort food with a little extra kick. The combination of tangy white wine, zesty sausage, and tender bell peppers creates a hearty, flavorful meal that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something a little more special, these drunken noodles are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange), thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 (14 ounces) can diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces pappardelle pasta (or fettuccine)
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 more minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they begin to soften. Then, pour in the white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, stirring to combine, then return the browned sausage to the skillet. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as desired.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pappardelle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and gently toss to combine, ensuring the noodles are well coated. If the mixture appears too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Serve immediately, enjoy, and savor every bite!
These Italian drunken noodles are an irresistible dish that combines the bold flavors of Italy with a hint of sophistication, thanks to the wine and sausage. It’s an easy yet indulgent meal that’s sure to become a favorite!
