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Italian Drunken Noodles

A vibrant and flavorful Italian dish featuring pappardelle pasta, Italian sausage, and a medley of colorful vegetables in a rich tomato and white wine sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pappardelle pasta (or fettuccine)
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your pappardelle. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 7-10 minutes). Before draining, scoop out a cup of pasta water and set it aside.
  2. Sauté Your Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the Vegetables: Stir in the sliced onion and cook until translucent. Next, toss in the garlic, red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Sauté until they soften, about another 5 minutes.
  4. The Wine Lift: Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for about 3 minutes. Scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the skillet.
  5. Bring It All Together: Add your crushed tomatoes, and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let this simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
  6. Toss in the Noodles: Once your sauce has thickened, add the drained pasta—don’t forget that reserved pasta water! Toss everything together.
  7. Finish It Off: Stir in the chopped parsley and basil, reserving some for garnish. Taste and adjust your seasoning if needed.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with hearty mushrooms or lentils. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian noodles, Drunken Noodles, pappardelle, pasta recipe, Italian cuisine, comfort food