Italian Drunken Noodle Recipe
If you're a fan of Italian cuisine and looking for a quick, flavorful dish to add to your meal rotation, the Italian Drunken Noodle recipe is the perfect choice. This dish combines the bold flavors of Italian herbs, savory sausage, and fresh vegetables with wide noodles, all tossed together in a rich, wine-infused sauce. It’s a hearty meal that’s both easy to make and sure to impress!
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Ingredients
To make Italian Drunken Noodles, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 oz wide egg noodles (or pappardelle for an authentic touch)
- 1 lb of Italian sausage (choose mild or spicy based on your taste preference)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red wine (choose a good quality for the best flavor)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick of heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the noodles:
Begin by boiling the wide egg noodles in salted water, following the package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside.
2. Cook the sausage:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until warm. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it cookst . Sauté until it’s browned and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Add the tomatoes and wine:
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. Then, pour in the red wine, stirring well to deglaze the pan, making sure to scrape up any browned bits at the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer for about 3 minutes, letting it reduce slightly.
5. Combine and finish:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, along with the fresh spinach and Italian seasoning. Stir until the spinach wilts. Add the drained noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are coated with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Serve and garnish:
Serve the Italian Drunken Noodles hot, topped with fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Best Italian Drunken Noodles
- Wine choice: For this dish, choose a red wine that you enjoy drinking, such as a Chianti or Merlot, to enhance the flavor.
- Spice level: If you prefer a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage or increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Noodle options: While egg noodles or pappardelle are ideal, you can also use fettuccine or tagliatelle if that’s what you have on hand.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap out the sausage for a plant-based alternative or simply add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of fresh vegetables, hearty sausage, and wide noodles all simmered in a savory, wine-infused sauce makes this dish stand out. The use of Italian seasoning and fresh basil ensures you get that authentic Italian flavor, while the red wine adds depth and richness to the sauce.
The Italian Drunken Noodle recipe is a delightful blend of simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests with a dish that looks and tastes like it took much more effort than it actually did. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious taste of Italy right at home!