Italian Drunken Noodles: A Flavorful Pasta Dish

Italian Drunken Noodles are a perfect choice for those who love hearty and flavorful pasta dishes. This recipe combines the rich taste of Italian sausage with the sweetness of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, all brought together in a tomato sauce enhanced by white wine. Sautéed onions and garlic add depth, while red pepper flakes give it a subtle kick. The dish is garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness. Perfect for a comforting dinner, these noodles are easy to prepare and sure to impress with their robust flavors.

Craving a hearty and flavorful pasta dish with a twist? Italian Drunken Noodles bring together the robust flavors of Italian sausage, a colorful trio of bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce, all enhanced by a splash of white wine. This dish is perfect for a comforting dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided: This is used to sauté the sausage and vegetables, adding a rich flavor base to the dish.
• 1 lb Italian sausage: Choose your preferred level of spiciness. The sausage adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the noodles.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• Freshly ground pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complements the Italian sausage.
• ½ cup red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and a vibrant color.
• ½ cup yellow bell pepper, sliced: Similar to the red bell pepper, it contributes sweetness and color.
• ½ cup orange bell pepper, sliced: Balances out the other peppers with its mild sweetness.
• ¼ cup onion, thinly sliced: Provides a base flavor that enhances the sauce.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant and slightly spicy note.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, and rosemary that infuses the dish with classic Italian flavors.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick of heat. Adjust to your taste preference.
• ½ cup white wine: Deglazes the pan and adds a depth of flavor to the sauce. Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• 1- 28 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained: Forms the base of the sauce, providing moisture and a rich tomato flavor.
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color as a garnish.
• 12 oz egg noodles: These wide, ribbon-like noodles are perfect for absorbing the rich sauce.

Instructions

Step 1:

In a 4-quart Dutch oven or large skillet, heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the Italian sausage. Break the sausage into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside on a plate. This step ensures the sausage releases its flavorful oils, which will be used to cook the vegetables.

Step 2:

In the same pot, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, add the thinly sliced onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until they are fragrant and slightly softened. This allows the vegetables to absorb the flavors from the sausage drippings, creating a rich base for the sauce.

Step 3:

Pour in the white wine, stirring to deglaze the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, as these add depth to the sauce. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce until it is almost completely evaporated, about 2-3 minutes. This reduction process intensifies the wine's flavor, adding complexity to the dish.

Step 4:

Add the undrained diced tomatoes to the pot, along with the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the tomatoes to break down slightly.

Step 5:

Return the browned sausage to the pot, along with the chopped fresh parsley. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the sausage is heated through and the parsley is well incorporated into the sauce. Keep the sauce warm while you prepare the noodles.

Step 6:

Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the noodles, and cook until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Drain the noodles well, then add them to the pot with the sausage and vegetable sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 7:

Serve the Italian Drunken Noodles immediately, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. This dish is best enjoyed hot, with the flavors of the sausage, vegetables, and wine-infused tomato sauce melding together beautifully.

Serving and Storage Tips

Italian Drunken Noodles are best enjoyed immediately after cooking to appreciate the full depth of flavors and textures. Serve the dish hot, directly from the pot or transfer it to a large serving platter. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and crusty garlic bread, making it a complete and satisfying meal.

For storage, allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may dry out the noodles and diminish the flavors.

Helpful Notes About the Recipe

This versatile dish can be customized in several ways to suit your taste preferences:

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether for a vegetarian version. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to make up for the volume.
• Different Proteins: Instead of Italian sausage, try using ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Each protein will bring its unique flavor to the dish.
• Extra Heat: For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced fresh chili pepper to the sautéed vegetables.
• Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top of the finished dish for an extra layer of flavor.
• Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano can be added along with the parsley for additional herbaceous notes.

As famous chef Lidia Bastianich says, "The key to a great pasta dish is to let the ingredients shine." In Italian Drunken Noodles, the combination of colorful bell peppers, rich sausage, and a wine-infused tomato sauce creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and sophisticated. Another tip from chef Giada De Laurentiis: "Always cook with wine you would drink." Using a quality white wine in this recipe enhances the overall taste, making the dish truly special.

Whether you're making this for a family dinner or a special occasion, Italian Drunken Noodles are sure to impress with their robust flavors and beautiful presentation. Enjoy experimenting with variations and make this dish your own!