Italian Drunken Noodles

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Italian Drunken Noodles is a flavorful and hearty pasta dish with Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, onions, and a rich tomato-wine sauce. This recipe is a fusion of Italian flavors and a splash of wine, which gives the noodles a subtle, boozy undertone while keeping the dish robust and comforting.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pappardelle or wide egg noodles
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pappardelle or egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the sausage:
    In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into pieces as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté the vegetables:
    In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they soften and become slightly caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. Deglaze with wine:
    Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine cook down for about 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Add tomatoes and seasonings:
    Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  6. Combine sausage and pasta:
    Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss to coat them in the sauce.
  7. Garnish and serve:
    Stir in the fresh basil and top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Enjoy your Italian Drunken Noodles!

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