Name: Italian Drunken Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces pappardelle noodles, uncooked; 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for drizzling); 4 spicy Italian sausage links, casings removed (or substitute with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or roasted mushrooms); 1 large onion, quartered and sliced thinly; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper; 1 red bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced; 1 orange bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, pressed through a garlic press; ½ cup white wine (or substitute with stock mixed with a splash of apple cider vinegar); 1 (28 ounces) can diced tomatoes, with juice; 2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, julienned, divided use

Why Make This Recipe

Italian Drunken Noodles is a delightful, comforting dish that brings the taste of Italy right into your home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet quick to prepare. The combination of colorful bell peppers and flavorful sausage makes this pasta vibrant and appealing, especially for kids who love fun food. Plus, with easy substitutions for sausage, you can easily accommodate different dietary needs, making it a versatile dinner option for the whole family.

How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

Let’s dive into preparing this delicious dish. It’s easy and straightforward, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when you need a warm meal on the table fast.

Ingredients:

8 ounces pappardelle noodles, uncooked
Olive oil
4 spicy Italian sausage links, casings removed (you can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even roasted mushrooms for a vegetarian option)
1 large onion, quartered and sliced thinly
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 red bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
1 orange bell pepper, cored and thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, pressed through a garlic press
½ cup white wine (for a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute with stock mixed with a splash of apple cider vinegar)
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, julienned, divided use

Directions:

Begin by cooking the pappardelle noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and keep them warm.
In a large, heavy-bottom pan, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Crumble the spicy Italian sausage into small chunks and add it into the pan. Sauté until browned.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage and set it aside in a bowl.
Next, add the sliced onion to the pan, cooking until it turns golden, stirring often. This should take about 5 minutes. If it sticks, add a little more olive oil.
Now, sprinkle in the salt, Italian seasoning, and cracked black pepper, stirring to incorporate.
Toss in the sliced bell peppers and sauté for about 2 minutes until they are slightly tender. Then, add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add the white wine (or substitute) and allow it to reduce for a couple of minutes.
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice and return the sausage to the pan. Gently combine everything, then let it simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes.
Drizzle in another 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil for richness and finish by stirring in the chopped parsley and half of the basil.
Add the warm pappardelle noodles into the sauce and use tongs to toss everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve the Italian Drunken Noodles in bowls, garnished with the remaining basil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, if you like.

How to Serve Italian Drunken Noodles

Serve your Italian Drunken Noodles as a comforting family dinner. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce. The vibrant colors and hearty ingredients will have everyone asking for seconds!

How to Store Italian Drunken Noodles

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles moist.

Tips to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and prepare the sausage earlier in the day. This will cut down your cooking time drastically.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage altogether and add more veggies, like mushrooms or zucchini. A bit of smoked paprika can enhance the flavor beautifully.
Add Greens: Toss in some spinach or arugula just before serving for added nutrition and color.

Variation

If your family loves spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick. You can also mix up the types of peppers to include your family’s favorites.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free noodles?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pappardelle or another pasta variety will work just fine. Adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze Italian Drunken Noodles. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It’s best consumed within a couple of months.

How do I make it kid-friendly?

You can reduce the amount of spice by using mild sausage, or you could even omit it altogether. Incorporating more sweet bell peppers sweetens the dish, making it appealing to younger palates.

With these simple guidelines and adjustments, Italian Drunken Noodles can become a staple in your family’s weeknight dinners! Enjoy the memorable moments around the table as you savor this delicious meal together.