Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

Italian Drunken Noodles is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the hearty elements of Italian cuisine with the comfort of noodles. This recipe features Italian sausage, a trio of bell peppers, and a rich tomato sauce enhanced with white wine, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. It's an excellent choice for a family dinner or a cozy evening meal.

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
2. 1 lb Italian sausage
3. 1 teaspoon salt
4. Freshly ground pepper, to taste
5. ½ cup red bell pepper, sliced
6. ½ cup yellow bell pepper, sliced
7. ½ cup orange bell pepper, sliced
8. ¼ cup onion, thinly sliced
9. 2 garlic cloves, minced
10. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
11. ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
12. ½ cup white wine
13. 1- 28 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
14. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
15. 12 oz egg noodles

Preparation:

 

Step 1: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat half of the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil. Add the sliced red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, and the onion. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and slightly caramelized.

Step 3: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the vegetables. Cook for another minute, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce slightly.

Step 5: Add the diced tomatoes with their juice to the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6: Return the cooked Italian sausage to the pan. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Reduce the heat, and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: While the sauce is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain the noodles once they are cooked.

Step 8: Add the cooked noodles to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.

Step 9: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

COOKING Note: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preference for spice. The white wine adds a subtle acidity to the sauce, but it can be omitted if desired.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the Italian Drunken Noodles hot, with a side of garlic bread or a green salad. It’s a hearty and fulfilling dish on its own.

Tips:

1. You can substitute the Italian sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version.
2. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, omit the sausage and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach.
3. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free noodles.
4. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and can be reheated for a quick and tasty meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximately 450-500 per serving.
• Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving.
• Sodium: Approximately 600-700 mg per serving, mainly from the sausage and canned tomatoes.

Conclusion: Italian Drunken Noodles is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings a burst of Italian flavors to your table. The combination of savory sausage, sweet bell peppers, and a robust tomato sauce creates a meal that is both comforting and satisfying. This dish is versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences, making it a great option for any occasion.