Italian Drunken Noodles

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If you love bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a touch of indulgence, Italian Drunken Noodles are about to become your new favorite dish! This rich and savory pasta recipe combines spicy Italian sausage, bell peppers, and aromatic herbs, all simmered in a white wine and tomato-based sauce. The result? A mouthwatering, restaurant-quality meal perfect for any occasion

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: Spicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce create an unforgettable taste.
• Simple Yet Elegant: Easy to prepare but impressive enough for dinner parties.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more enjoyment!
• Customizable: Adjust spice levels and ingredients to your taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Pasta: Pappardelle noodles provide a broad, ribbon-like texture perfect for holding the sauce.

• Protein: Spicy Italian sausage adds a savory and slightly fiery kick.

• Aromatics: Onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning enhance the dish’s depth of flavor.

• Vegetables: Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers bring sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color.

• Liquids: Chardonnay (or white wine) deglazes the pan, infusing the sauce with a subtle acidity.

• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes with juice create a rich, tangy base for the sauce.

• Herbs & Seasoning: Fresh basil, parsley, salt, and cracked black pepper balance the flavors beautifully.

• Finishing Touches: A drizzle of olive oil and optional parmesan for extra richness.

Tips and Tricks

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley enhance the flavor of this dish.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Use mild Italian sausage for a less spicy version.
• Perfect Pairing: A glass of Chardonnay complements the rich flavors.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a creamy variation.

Variations and Customizations

• Protein Swap: Substitute sausage with grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Pairing Suggestions

• Wine Pairing: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or a light red like Sangiovese.
• Side Dishes: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil.
• Freezing: Freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months.

Popular Questions

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! While pappardelle is ideal, fettuccine or tagliatelle work just as well.

What can I substitute for white wine?

Use chicken broth or a mix of broth and a splash of lemon juice.

Is this dish spicy?

The heat level depends on the sausage used. Opt for mild or sweet Italian sausage for a milder version.

Italian Drunken Noodles

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Italian Drunken Noodles blend Italian and Thai flavors with tender pappardelle, spicy sausage, bell peppers, and garlic in a rich tomato and white wine sauce. Fresh basil and parsley add a refreshing finish to this bold, comforting dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces pappardelle noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 4 spicy Italian sausage links (casings removed)
• 1 onion (thinly sliced and quartered)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 1 orange bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup Chardonnay or preferred dry white wine
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (julienned, divided)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Boil the pappardelle noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics

• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy.
• Stir in the sliced onions and cook until softened and golden brown.
• Season with salt, Italian seasoning, and cracked black pepper.

3. Add Vegetables and Garlic

• Toss in the red, yellow, and orange bell peppers. Cook until they begin to soften.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

4. Deglaze with White Wine

• Pour in the white wine, stirring to loosen any browned bits from the pan.
• Let it reduce for about 2 minutes.

5. Simmer the Sauce

• Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice and return the browned sausage to the skillet.
• Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Combine and Serve

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the sauce.
• Stir in parsley and half of the basil.
• Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and garnish with the rest of the basil before serving.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, allow the sauce to simmer longer.
• Fresh ingredients make a difference—opt for high-quality tomatoes and herbs.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the dish to your taste!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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