Italian Drunken Noodles
Ingredients:
8 oz pappardelle pasta (or wide egg noodles)
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
1 small zucchini, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup red wine (Chianti or your favorite Italian red wine)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Directions:
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pappardelle (or noodles) according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Sausage:
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving a bit of the drippings in the skillet for added flavor.
Sauté Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the red wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce for about 2 minutes.
Simmer with Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
Serve:
Serve the Italian Drunken Noodles topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 500 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings