Here’s a flavorful and hearty recipe for Italian Drunken Noodles, an Italian-American twist on the classic drunken noodles dish, made with sausage, pasta, and a delicious wine-based sauce.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz wide egg noodles (or pappardelle pasta)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (use red, yellow, or green)
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half moons
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- ½ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles (or pappardelle) according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Brown the sausage:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5-6 minutes). Once fully cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté the sliced onions, bell pepper, and zucchini for about 4-5 minutes until they soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Deglaze with wine:
- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine everything:
- Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir to combine.
- Toss in the cooked noodles and gently mix everything together, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce for a few minutes.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve the Italian Drunken Noodles warm, with extra Parmesan on the side.
Notes:
- You can add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles or pasta.
- Adjust the amount of wine to your taste—if you prefer a stronger flavor, add a little more.
This dish is savory, filling, and has a delightful balance of flavors from the sausage, wine, and fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
