🍷 Italian Drunken Noodles (Pasta alla Ubriaca)
A bold, wine-infused pasta dish with rich tomato sauce, savory pancetta, and a kick of red pepper—perfect for cozy nights!
🧾 Ingredients:
12 oz pappardelle or fettuccine (or any wide noodle)
4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 cup dry red wine (Chianti or Cabernet)
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
½ cup heavy cream (optional, for creamier sauce)
½ cup fresh basil, torn
½ cup grated Pecorino or Parmesan
Salt & black pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking
👩🍳 Directions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil noodles in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Sauté Pancetta & Aromatics
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet. Cook pancetta until crispy.
Add onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté 2 minutes.
3. Deglaze with Wine
Pour in red wine, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until reduced by half (~3 mins).
4. Simmer the Sauce
Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 mins.
Stir in heavy cream (if using) and basil.
5. Combine & Finish
Toss cooked pasta in sauce, adding pasta water as needed to loosen.
Sprinkle with cheese and extra basil.
💡 Pro Tips:
Vegetarian? Skip pancetta, use mushrooms, and add 1 tsp smoked paprika.
Extra kick? Add a splash of vodka with the wine for a “drunken” twist!
Pair with: Garlic bread and a glass of the wine you cooked with.
📌 #DrunkenNoodles #ItalianFood #PastaLover #ComfortFood #WeeknightDinner