Italian Drunken Noodles is a delicious fusion dish that combines the bold flavors of Italian pasta with the aromatic spices of Thai cuisine. This dish features tender pappardelle noodles tossed with juicy sausage, fresh vegetables, and a savory, slightly spicy tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, basil, and white wine. The result is a comforting and hearty meal that brings together the best of both culinary worlds. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pappardelle noodles (or fettuccine)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup white wine (dry)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pappardelle noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they start to soften.
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off while deglazing the pan.
- Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pan and stir to coat it with the sauce. Let everything simmer for another 3-4 minutes.
- Toss the cooked pappardelle noodles into the sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Stir in the fresh basil and cook for another minute before removing from heat.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil if desired.