Italian Drunken Noodles

Italian Drunken Noodles offer a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds to the cobblestone streets of Italy. With each bite, you’ll experience the robustness of the sausage, the sweetness of the peppers, and the aromatic essence of garlic and herbs, all brought together by the richness of white wine and the comforting embrace of pappardelle noodles.

Ingredients

Before we embark on our culinary journey, let’s gather the following ingredients:

• Olive oil
• 4 spicy Italian sausage links, casings removed
• 1 large onion, quartered and thinly sliced
• Salt
• Italian seasoning
• Cracked black pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed
• White wine (Chardonnay recommended)
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
• Flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• Fresh basil leaves, julienned
• 8 ounces Pappardelle noodles, uncooked

Preparation

Now, let’s embark on the culinary adventure of preparing Italian Drunken Noodles:

1. Heat olive oil: Place a large, heavy-bottom pan or braising pot over medium-high heat and add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Brown the sausage: Once the oil is hot, crumble the spicy Italian sausage into the pan, allowing it to brown for a few moments on each side. Remove the browned sausage from the pan and set it aside.
3. Caramelize the onion: Add the sliced onion into the pan with the sausage drippings and caramelize it until golden, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Season and sauté: Stir in salt, Italian seasoning, and cracked black pepper. Add the sliced bell peppers and sauté until slightly tender and golden.
5. Add garlic and wine: Add the garlic and sauté until aromatic, then pour in the white wine and let it reduce until almost completely reduced.
6. Incorporate tomatoes and sausage: Add the diced tomatoes with their juice back into the pan along with the browned sausage. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Finish the sauce: Drizzle in olive oil to create a silky texture, and add chopped parsley and half of the julienned basil. Stir to combine and keep warm while preparing the noodles.
8. Cook the noodles: Cook the pappardelle noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them well and add them directly into the sauce, tossing gently to combine.
9. Serve and garnish: Portion the Italian Drunken Noodles into bowls, garnish with the remaining julienned basil, and optionally top with shaved Parmesan and an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Italian Drunken Noodles offer a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds to the cobblestone streets of Italy. With each bite, you’ll experience the robustness of the sausage, the sweetness of the peppers, and the aromatic essence of garlic and herbs, all brought together by the richness of white wine and the comforting embrace of pappardelle noodles. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and indulge in the flavorful delight that is Italian Drunken Noodles.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy?

• Absolutely! Feel free to use sweet Italian sausage if you prefer a milder flavor profile.

1. What can I substitute for Pappardelle noodles?

• If Pappardelle noodles are unavailable, you can use fettuccine or any other wide pasta variety.

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

• Yes, you can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of white wine for a vegetarian version of Italian Drunken Noodles.

1. How do I store leftovers?

• Store any leftover Italian Drunken Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

1. Can I customize the vegetables in this dish?

• Certainly! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out the bell peppers for other options such as zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.