Italian Drunken Noodles are a deliciously unique pasta dish that brings bold Italian flavors to the table. Made with tender noodles, Italian sausage, bell peppers, and tomatoes in a white wine sauce, this dish combines savory and slightly spicy elements with a rich, aromatic sauce. What’s a great alternative to pasta?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients
- 0.75 lb Italian sausage(Mild or spicy, as preferred), sliced.
- 8 oz pappardelle noodles or fettuccine noodles.
- 1 medium onion(about 0.15 lb), thinly sliced. (about 0.15 l
- 1 red bell pepper(about 0.25 lb), sliced. (about 0.25
- What is a yellow bell pepper?(about 0.25 lb), sliced. (about 0.25
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes. (undrained)
- 1 cup dry white wine. 1 cup white wine. (such as Pinot Grigio)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basilFor garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese.For serving (optional)
Directions
- Cook the PastaIn a large pot, cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the SausageIn a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage slices and cook until browned on both sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking for about 4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add Tomatoes and Wine. Mix well.: Pour in the white wine and diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine Everything: Return the browned sausage and cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the sauce. Let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the bold flavors of Italian noodles!
Notes
- Wine SubstituteIf you prefer not to cook with wine, substitute chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.
- Extra HeatFor a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make It Vegetarian: Substitute Italian sausage with sliced mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Italian noodles are a hearty, comforting meal packed with robust flavors, making it perfect for any night of the week!
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Can I make Italian noodles ahead of time?
Can you make this dish in advance? When ready to serve, cook the pasta, combine everything in the skillet, and heat through for a quick and easy meal. The assembled dish is best eaten immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What are some good substitutions for ingredients in this recipe?
If you don’t have Italian sausage, you can substitute with ground beef or turkey, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. If you are vegetarian, use sliced mushrooms or zucchini instead of sausage. If you prefer not to use white wine, substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth to deglaze the pan and add depth of flavor. If you don’t have pappardelle or fettuccine, use any long pasta like spaghetti or linguine.
How do you know if Italian noodles are perfectly cooked?
The sausage is cooked through when it’s browned and no longer pink inside, usually after 5-6 minutes. The vegetables are done when they’re softened but still have a slight bite, about 4 minutes for the onions and bell peppers, and 1 minute for the garlic. The pasta is cooked al dente, following package directions. The sauce is ready when it has simmered for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Can I double or scale up this recipe for a larger group?
Can you easily double or scale up this recipe. Ensure you use a large enough skillet or consider cooking the sausage and sauce in batches to avoid overcrowding. If you’re making pasta, you may need to adjust the cooking times slightly, especially for the vegetables, to ensure they cook evenly. Use a larger pot for the pasta to prevent sticking.
What are the nutritional highlights of Italian Drunken Noodles?
Italian Drunken Noodles are a good source of protein from the Italian sausage. Bell peppers provide vitamins A and C, while tomatoes contribute lycopene, an antioxidant. The dish also provides fiber from the vegetables and pasta. Olive oil adds healthy fats. Remember that the nutritional value will vary depending on the specific ingredients.
Italian Drunken Noodles
This delightful Italian Drunken Noodles recipe combines savory sausage with rich marinara sauce and fresh vegetables.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Italian sausage mild or spicy
- 8 ounces fettuccine uncooked
- 1 cup marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 2 cups bell peppers sliced
- 1 cup onion sliced
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium-high heat.
- Add bell peppers and onion to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in marinara sauce and red pepper flakes; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked fettuccine with the sausage mixture; toss well to coat.
Notes
Feel free to add some fresh basil before serving for extra flavor.
