Italian Drunken Noodles

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need:

• 8 ounces pappardelle pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, according to preference)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Kitchen Equipment

You’ll need the following equipment to prepare this recipe:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pappardelle and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Sauté until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer for about 2 minutes.
5. Make the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
6. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips and Tricks

• Choosing the Wine: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works best for this recipe. Avoid sweet wines, as they can alter the flavor of the dish.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes.
• Pasta Options: While pappardelle is recommended for its wide, flat shape, you can use fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even spaghetti in a pinch.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Pairings

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

• A crisp green salad with Italian dressing
• Garlic bread or a crusty baguette
• A glass of the same white wine used in the recipe, or a light red wine like Chianti

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of sausage? A: Yes, you can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage to suit your dietary preferences.

Q: Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the wine? A: Yes, you can substitute the wine with chicken or vegetable broth. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze Italian Drunken Noodles. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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