Description
Italian Drunken Noodles is a flavorful twist on classic pasta, combining al dente spaghetti with savory Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic garlic. Enhanced with white wine deglazed in a skillet and fresh basil, this dish is topped with grated Parmesan for a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Liquids & Oils
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the sausage and vegetables.
- Cook Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well and set aside.
- Brown Sausage: In the preheated skillet, heat the olive oil and add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it is thoroughly browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the thinly sliced onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the vegetables have softened slightly but still have a bit of bite.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another minute to release their juices and soften.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine, using a spoon or spatula to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. This adds depth and flavor to the dish.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season: Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Add Basil: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the noodles and toss again to incorporate the herb’s fresh aroma and flavor.
- Serve: Plate the Italian drunken noodles while hot, topping each serving with grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the dish’s richness. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use good quality white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, for the best flavor.
- Fresh basil is best added at the end to preserve its bright flavor and color.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
