ITALIAN DRUNKEN NOODLES

Italian Drunken Noodles: A Flavorful Twist on Traditional Pasta

Introduction:
Not all pasta dishes are created equal, and Italian drunken noodles are proof of that. If you’re looking for something different from the usual tomato or cream-based pasta dishes, then this recipe is a must-try. Italian drunken noodles are not overly saucy but are incredibly moist and packed with flavor. Let’s explore how to create this delicious and unique Italian-inspired pasta dish that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• ½ cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ cup yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ cup orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ cup white wine
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 12 oz egg noodles

Instructions:

Step 1: Browning the Italian Sausage
Preparing the Sausage

1. In a 4-quart Dutch oven or large skillet, heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauteing the Vegetables
Sauteing the Peppers and Onions

2. In the same pot, heat the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and bell peppers, along with the minced garlic. Saute until fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Creating the Sauce
Making the Sauce

3. Pour in the white wine and cook until it is reduced by half.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the pot and add the chopped parsley. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, then keep warm while cooking the noodles.

Step 4: Cooking the Noodles
Cooking the Egg Noodles

6. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and add them to the pot with the sausage and sauce.

Step 5: Serving

7. Toss the noodles with the sausage and sauce until well combined. Serve hot and enjoy the flavorful twist of Italian drunken noodles.

Tips:

1. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some sliced jalapenos to the sauce.
2. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference. Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would be great additions to this dish.
3. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute Italian-style vegetarian sausage for the meat.
4. Garnish the finished dish with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and sausage mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the noodles fresh.

Q: What can I serve with Italian drunken noodles?
A: This dish pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or a glass of red wine for a complete meal.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze any leftover Italian drunken noodles in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.