Italian drunken noodle

Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 oz wide pasta noodles (such as pappardelle or tagliatelle; gluten-free if needed)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on preference), casing removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Cook the Noodles:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the noodles. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

1. Brown the Sausage:
   • In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
   • Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Cook the Onions and Peppers:
   • In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
2. Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes:
   • Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. Deglaze with Wine:
   • Pour the white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce by about half, which should take 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
   • Add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
   • Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add Sausage Back:
   • Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce.
2. Add the Noodles:
   • Toss the cooked pasta noodles into the skillet with the sauce and sausage, gently mixing until the noodles are coated.
   • If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve:
   • Plate the Italian drunken noodles and garnish with fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad, if desired.

Tips:

• Sausage Substitution: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies.
• No Wine? If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or vegetable broth.

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4):

• Calories: ~550 kcal
• Protein: ~25g
• Fat: ~30g
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Fiber: ~4g

This Italian Drunken Noodles dish is bold, flavorful, and hearty, combining the best of Italian comfort food with a fun twist on Thai-inspired noodles. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels a little special!