Italian Drunken Noodles

Description: Italian Drunken Noodles are a flavorful, fusion pasta dish inspired by the Thai “Pad Kee Mao.” This unique recipe blends Italian sausage, bell peppers, and aromatic seasonings with egg noodles and a splash of white wine for depth. The result is a moist, not overly saucy pasta that’s packed with savory flavors and a subtle heat from red pepper flakes. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something different from traditional tomato or cream-based pasta dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup orange bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 12 oz egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausage: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil and sauté the red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, onion, and garlic for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until it reduces by half, about 3-5 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Combine with Sausage: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir in the fresh parsley. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, keeping everything warm.
5. Cook the Noodles: While the sauce is simmering, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and add the noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the noodles in the sauce.
6. Serve: Serve the Italian Drunken Noodles hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Cooking Tips:

• Be sure to crumble the sausage while browning it to ensure the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
• Let the wine reduce fully to ensure the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind a rich depth of flavor.
• For the best texture, cook the noodles al dente so they can hold the sauce without becoming mushy.

What to Serve with Italian Drunken Noodles: These noodles are hearty on their own, but pairing them with a crisp Caesar Salad or Garlic Bread would make a complete meal. For an added treat, try serving with a side of Roasted Vegetables or Bruschetta.

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 389 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 19g
• Fat: 16g