Italian Drunken Noodles

🍝 Italian Drunken Noodles

Italian Drunken Noodles are a bold, rustic pasta dish loaded with juicy sausage, colorful bell peppers, garlic, herbs, and wide noodles simmered in a rich wine-infused tomato sauce. The wine adds deep flavor as it cooks down, creating a savory, comforting meal that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen.

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🧾 Ingredients

• 12 oz pappardelle or egg noodles

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup crushed tomatoes

• ¾ cup dry red wine

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the noodles
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the sausage
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (about 5–6 minutes).

3. Add vegetables
   Stir in onion and bell peppers. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until softened.

4. Add garlic
   Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Deglaze with wine
   Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to concentrate.

6. Make the sauce
   Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let simmer 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Combine with noodles
   Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.

8. Finish and serve
   Sprinkle with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread

• Pair with a fresh green salad

• Add roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant on the side

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❓ Q & A

Q: Why is it called “Drunken Noodles”?
Because the sauce is cooked with wine, which adds deep flavor as it reduces.

Q: Can I substitute the wine?
Yes. Use beef broth or chicken broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Q: What pasta works best?
Wide noodles like pappardelle, tagliatelle, or egg noodles hold the sauce best.

Q: Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely! Add more red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.

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⭐ Tip: For an extra rich flavor, add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce just before tossing with the noodles.