Italian Drunken Noodles is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines wide pasta noodles with Italian sausage, bell peppers, garlic, and a rich red wine tomato sauce. The name comes from the addition of red wine, which adds depth and richness to the sauce. It’s a hearty meal that’s simple to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces pappardelle or wide fettuccine noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or sweet, casings removed)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup red wine (such as Chianti)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pappardelle or wide fettuccine noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce if needed.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers (red, yellow, and green). Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan with Red Wine
Pour in the 1/2 cup of red wine and use a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly and intensifying in flavor.
Step 5: Make the Tomato Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. Add the cooked sausage back into the sauce and stir to combine
Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is done, add the cooked pappardelle noodles to the skillet and toss everything together, making sure the noodles are coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve the Italian Drunken Noodles hot, garnished with torn fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy with a glass of red wine for the full Italian experience!
Cooking Notes:
- Wine: Use a dry red wine like Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot for the best flavor. The wine enhances the richness of the sauce.
- Sausage: You can use either sweet or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference. Spicy sausage will give the dish a little more heat, especially if combined with red pepper flakes.
- Pasta: Pappardelle is ideal for this recipe due to its wide, ribbon-like shape, but fettuccine or tagliatelle also work well.
Variations:
1. Vegetarian Drunken Noodles
Omit the sausage and replace it with mushrooms or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or eggplant.
2. Seafood Drunken Noodles
Replace the sausage with shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist. Cook the shrimp or scallops separately, then toss them in with the pasta at the end.
3. Creamy Drunken Noodles
For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream during the last few minutes of cooking the tomato sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish without wine?
A: Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with beef broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and combine with the reheated sauce.
This Italian Drunken Noodles recipe is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With its rich tomato and red wine sauce, tender sausage, and vibrant peppers, this dish brings together the best of Italian comfort food. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Give this recipe a try for a delicious and easy meal that’s full of bold flavors!