Description

Indulge in the rich and robust flavors of Italy with this tantalizing recipe for Italian Drunken Noodles. Bursting with the vibrant colors and aromatic spices of Italian cuisine, these savory noodles are infused with the bold essence of red wine, creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is unforgettable.

Ingredients

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this delightful blend of ingredients:

8 ounces wide egg noodles
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 large onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 cup red wine (preferably Italian)
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Experience the culinary journey of creating Italian Drunken Noodles with these simple steps:

Cook the Egg Noodles: Begin by cooking the egg noodles according to package instructions until they reach al dente perfection. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside.
Brown the Italian Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them until they become softened and slightly caramelized, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until they become fragrant.
Deglaze with Red Wine: Pour in the red wine, making sure to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Allow the wine to reduce by half, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Combine and Cook: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the cooked noodles to the sauce, tossing everything together to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through and well combined.
Serve and Enjoy: Garnish your Italian Drunken Noodles with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor. Serve them hot and savor each delicious bite.

Notes

Serving Tips:

Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the noodles for a burst of color and flavor.
Pair with Garlic Bread: Serve the noodles alongside warm garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up the delicious sauce.
Add a Side Salad: Accompany the noodles with a crisp side salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Top with Parmesan Cheese: Offer grated Parmesan cheese at the table for guests to sprinkle over their noodles for an extra cheesy touch.
Serve with Red Wine: Pair the Italian Drunken Noodles with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover Italian Drunken Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat the noodles, simply microwave them in a microwave-safe dish or reheat them on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Refresh with Sauce: If the noodles seem dry when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta sauce to moisten them.
Freezing: While you can freeze leftover noodles, note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Thawing: Thaw frozen noodles overnight in the refrigerator before reheating them. Alternatively, reheat them directly from frozen in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra liquid to prevent them from drying out.