Italian Drunken Noodles: A Flavorful Fusion of Italian and Wine-Infused Goodness

How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles

1. Cook the Noodles:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.

2. Prepare the Sausage and Vegetables:

• In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil, followed by the onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Build the Sauce:

• Pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine with Noodles:

• Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Perfect Italian Drunken Noodles

1. Choose the Right Wine: Use a dry white wine for the sauce—nothing too sweet, as it could overpower the flavors.
2. Customize the Spice: If you like extra heat, opt for spicy Italian sausage and increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Vegetable Variety: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to incorporate more veggies.
4. Make Ahead: The sauce can be prepared a day in advance for even deeper flavors. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked noodles before serving.

Why It’s Called Drunken Noodles

The name comes from the addition of wine to the sauce, which adds a subtle depth of flavor and richness to the dish. It’s a nod to how wine enhances the ingredients, creating a “drunken” infusion of Italian goodness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
• Serve alongside a glass of the same white wine used in the recipe to bring out the flavors of the sauce.