Drunken Noodles
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti or fettuccine
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Allow the wine to cook down for about 2 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Finish and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce.
- Stir in the fresh basil and parsley.
- Serve the Italian Drunken Noodles hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips and Tricks:
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce before serving.
- If you prefer a bit more heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite white wine.
Enjoy your Italian Drunken Noodles! This recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Thank you for your interest in my recipes, and I look forward to sharing more culinary delights with you!