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
- 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
- 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
- Pour in the white wine and cook until it is reduced by half.
- Add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes.
- 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
- 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
- Toss the noodles with the sausage and sauce until well combined. Serve hot and enjoy the flavorful twist of Italian drunken noodles.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some sliced jalapenos to the sauce.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference. Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would be great additions to this dish.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute Italian-style vegetarian sausage for the meat.
- 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.