Savory Italian Drunken Noodles

Savory Italian Drunken Noodles

Savory Italian Drunken Noodles is a delightful dish that combines the richness of Italian sausage with the heartiness of pappardelle pasta. The creamy sauce, with a splash of wine and fresh vegetables, brings a wonderful flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is great because it is simple to make and packed with flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that feels special. The combination of sausage, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables makes it a wholesome dish. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen!

How to Make Savory Italian Drunken Noodles

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pappardelle pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the pappardelle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and fully cooked. Remove it from the skillet and set aside, leaving the flavorful drippings behind.

3. Sauté the Vegetables: In that same skillet, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes or until they’re tender and vibrant. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes until fragrant.

4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white wine, and with a spatula, scrape the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

5. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for 5 minutes.

6. Incorporate the Cream: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Return the cooked sausage back into the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow everything to heat through for another 2-3 minutes, mixing well.

7. Combine with Pasta: Gently add the cooked pappardelle to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles with the creamy sauce. Stir in the fresh basil, making sure to reserve some for garnish later.

8. Serve: Plate the noodles generously, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining basil for that final touch of flavor. Enjoy your flavorful Savory Italian Drunken Noodles!

How to Serve Savory Italian Drunken Noodles

Serve the Savory Italian Drunken Noodles hot, garnished with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal.

How to Store Savory Italian Drunken Noodles

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will be good for about 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a pan on low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Savory Italian Drunken Noodles

• Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for your spice preference.
• Add Veggies: You can add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrition.
• Make it Lighter: To cut back on calories, you can use turkey sausage or a lighter cream substitute.

Variation (if any)

For a vegetarian version, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or add more vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

   • Yes, you can use any pasta you like, but pappardelle works wonderfully for this recipe.

2. Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

   • Absolutely! Just substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?

   • Yes, but it’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta to maintain texture. Thaw and reheat before serving.