Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

Italian Drunken Noodles are a unique twist on a traditional pasta dish, inspired by the bold flavors of classic Italian ingredients mixed with the idea of “drunken noodles” from Thai cuisine. This dish features wide pasta noodles tossed in a savory, wine-infused sauce with Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. It’s a one-pan meal that’s both hearty and bursting with flavor. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz pappardelle or wide egg noodles
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Sauce:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Equipment Needed:

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pappardelle or wide egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp of olive oil and the Italian sausage.
• Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers.
• Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
• Add the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes, sautéing for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine

• Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
• Let the wine simmer for 3-4 minutes or until slightly reduced.
• Stir in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

• Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
• Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss gently to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the noodles.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

• Add the chopped fresh basil and toss to combine.
• Remove from heat and garnish with additional basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil on top.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the pasta seems dry.

Helpful Notes

• Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with chicken broth and add a squeeze of lemon for acidity.
• Vegetable Variations: Add sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for more vegetables.
• Sausage Options: Use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Giada De Laurentiis: Recommends using high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Lidia Bastianich: Suggests adding a pinch of fennel seeds to the sausage for added depth.
• Gordon Ramsay: Advises not to overcook the pasta in the sauce to maintain the perfect texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, wide noodles like tagliatelle, fettuccine, or even linguine work well with this dish.

Q2: What type of wine is best?
Dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors of the sausage and vegetables.

Q3: Can I make this dish alcohol-free?
Yes, replace the wine with chicken or vegetable broth and add a bit of lemon juice for acidity.

Q4: How do I make this spicier?
Use hot Italian sausage and increase the amount of red pepper flakes for more heat.

Q5: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, just slice and brown it briefly before adding it to the vegetables.

Q6: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too dry?
Reserve some pasta water and add it gradually to maintain a silky sauce consistency.

Q7: Can I use red wine instead?
Yes, but it will create a deeper, richer flavor profile. Opt for a light red like a Pinot Noir.

Q8: What can I serve with this dish?
Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Q9: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the sausage and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q10: How can I add more protein?
Toss in cooked shrimp or chicken breast slices for added protein.

Enjoy this hearty, flavorful Italian Drunken Noodles recipe, perfect for cozy dinners with family or friends!