Indulge in the rich and bold flavors of Italian Drunken Noodles, a dish that combines succulent Italian sausage, hearty pasta, and a spicy tomato sauce. This recipe takes inspiration from classic Italian and Thai cuisine to create a fusion dish that’s packed with flavor and sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
For the Italian Sausage:
- 1 pound Italian sausage links (mild or spicy, based on your preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces wide rice noodles or pappardelle pasta
- Salt, for cooking pasta
For the Drunken Noodle Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Italian Sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage links to the skillet and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
- Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside. Once it has cooled slightly, slice it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the rice noodles or pappardelle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Drunken Noodle Sauce:
- In the same skillet used to cook the sausage, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers to the skillet.
- Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent.
- Stir in red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
4. Add Wine and Tomatoes:
- Pour in the red wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and dried oregano to the skillet.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Simmer and Combine:
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Add the sliced Italian sausage to the sauce and let it heat through for a few minutes.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer your Italian Drunken Noodles to a serving dish.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
8. Enjoy:
- Serve your Italian Drunken Noodles hot and savor the harmonious blend of Italian and Thai-inspired flavors.
The flavors of Italian sausage, bold tomato sauce, and spicy red pepper flakes combine to create a delightful fusion dish. The end result is a hearty and satisfying pasta dish with a hint of heat, making it ideal for those who like a little kick in their meals. Serve it for dinner and sample some fusion cuisine!