Description
Welcome to your ultimate guide to preparing Italian Drunken Noodles, an irresistible fusion of Italian and noodle-based comfort food. This dish is perfect for family dinners or even when you’re looking for a quick, hearty meal. Packed with the savory flavors of Italian sausage, fresh peppers, and a splash of white wine, this recipe is sure to satisfy any pasta lover’s cravings. Ready to dive into this delicious adventure?
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided.
- 1 lb Italian sausage – You can substitute this with a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
- 1 teaspoon salt.
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste.
- ½ cup red bell pepper, sliced.
- ½ cup yellow bell pepper, sliced.
- ½ cup orange bell pepper, sliced.
- ¼ cup onion, thinly sliced.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – Add more if you like it spicier!
- ½ cup white wine – For a non-alcoholic version, substitute with chicken broth or vegetable stock.
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped.
- 12 oz egg noodles – Feel free to use gluten-free noodles as a substitution.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet or a Dutch oven, heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion, bell peppers, and garlic over medium heat for about 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Step 3: Add the Wine
Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated. This process intensifies the flavor and gives the dish its signature “drunken” element.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes and Seasoning
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Bring Back the Sausage
Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles
While the sauce is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles and add them directly to the pot with the sauce. Toss everything together to combine.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better your dish will taste. Opt for fresh bell peppers, garlic, and herbs for the most robust flavor.
- Substitute the Wine: If you prefer to keep it alcohol-free, substitute the wine with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Add Greens: If you want to add more veggies, throw in some spinach or kale during the final minutes of cooking for added nutrition.