Dive into a tantalizing fusion of Italian & Thai: Italian Drunken Noodles! Featuring pappardelle noodles, spicy Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, onions, garlic, wine, and aromatic basil, it’s an adventure for your taste buds!
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Ah, the legendary Italian Drunken Noodles! I stumbled upon this recipe during a serendipitous evening in Venice. Having been invited to a potluck by an old schoolmate, Giulia, I was eager to contribute a signature dish from my travels in Thailand. Yet, wanting to blend in with the Italian flair, I decided to add a twist. As the night wore on, and wine glasses clinked more frequently, I found myself pouring some Chardonnay into the pan! The result? This delightful fusion dish that had both Italians and Thai-food lovers raving! Let’s just say, by the end of the night, we were all a bit “drunken” from joy and perhaps the wine.
What makes this Italian Drunken Noodles stand out?
What sets this dish apart? First, it’s a ravishing fusion of Italian and Thai – quite the unexpected pairing, but trust me, it’s as if they were star-crossed lovers destined for the plate. Secondly, there’s a generous splash of white wine which gives a slightly intoxicating depth to the flavor. And third, those chunky Italian sausages and colorful bell peppers aren’t just there for show – they’re the life of the party, delivering a burst of flavor and texture in every bite!
What are the ingredients for Italian Drunken Noodles:
- Pappardelle Noodles: A wider, flatter noodle which beautifully carries our rich sauce. But, spaghetti or fettuccine would work in a pinch!
- Spicy Italian Sausage: This gives our dish that kick! However, for those who prefer to play it safe, a milder sausage would do.
- Bell Peppers: Using a variety of colors not only makes the dish pop but adds different sweetness levels.
- White Wine (Chardonnay): Our “drunken” component! Opt for a good-quality wine, because remember, if you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it.
Steps to make Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes:
- Pasta Prep: Start by cooking the pappardelle noodles as per the package. Once done, drain and set aside, keeping them warm and cozy.
- Sausage Showdown: In a sizeable heavy-bottomed pan, warm up some olive oil. Now, crumble that spicy sausage in, letting each chunk brown a bit. Once cooked, transfer them to a bowl.
- Onions and Aromatics: Time for onions to shine! Let them get a golden tan in the pan with those lovely sausage drippings. Add your spices: salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Bell Pepper Bonanza: Throw in the bell peppers, waiting for them to soften just a tad. Now, for the aromatic garlic, followed by our star, the wine! Let it reduce and work its magic.
- Tomatoes and Sausage Return: Introduce the diced tomatoes and their juice. The sausage? Welcome it back to the pan. Give it a gentle stir and let it simmer to marry the flavors.
- Finishing Touches: Pour in some more olive oil, adding a silky touch. Fold in the parsley and half of the basil.
- Noodles Meet Sauce: The moment we’ve been waiting for! Combine those lovely noodles with our sensational sauce, making sure every strand gets drenched.
- Serve & Savor: Dish out your creation, garnishing with the rest of the basil. A sprinkle of parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil? Now, that’s la dolce vita!
Storage Options for Italian Drunken Noodles:
Refrigerate any leftovers in a tight-sealing container. This dish is like fine wine; it tastes even better the next day! It should keep for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Noodles: Spaghetti or fettuccine are great alternatives.
- Sausage: Not a fan of spicy? Use a milder Italian sausage or even ground chicken or turkey.
- Veggies: Feel free to toss in some zucchini or mushrooms for added variety.
- Alcohol-Free: Replace wine with chicken or vegetable broth, though you’ll miss the “drunken” part, but it’ll still be delicious!
Remember, recipes are merely guidelines; don’t be afraid to make the dish your own. After all, it’s the mishaps, experiments, and wine-induced additions that sometimes lead to the most unforgettable meals. Cheers! 🍷🍝
Italian Drunken Noodles
Ingredients
- 8 ounces wide noodles like pappardelle
- A glug or two of olive oil
- 4 zesty Italian sausages without their outfits, please
- 1 big ol’ onion sliced into elegant quarters
- A pinch and a half of salt or to your heart’s desire
- 1 teaspoon of that classic Italian herb mix
- A crack or two of black pepper
- A trio of bell peppers – one red one yellow, and one orange all finely sliced
- 4 garlic cloves mashed to perfection
- Half a cup of your favorite white vino Chardonnay’s a winner
- A can 28 oz of diced tomatoes yes, keep the juice!
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley finely chopped
- A handful of fresh basil leaves sliced stylishly
Instructions
- Cook the wide noodles following the whispers on their package. Drain, set aside, and cover them up so they keep snug.
- In a large pan, warm up some olive oil. Crumble your sausages into the pan. Let them brown and dance a bit, then scoop them out.
- Use the sausage’s leftover glow-up in the pan. Toss in the onions, letting them get that golden look. Sprinkle in the salt, herbs, and pepper.
- Add those colorful bells to the pan. Wait ’til they’re just right. Toss in garlic, wait a moment, then splash in the wine. Let it bubble away until it’s nearly vanished.
- Pour in those tomatoes, juice and all. Bring back the sausage. Give it a gentle twirl and simmer, letting the flavors have a little chat.
- Drizzle in more olive oil for a touch of luxury. Blend in the parsley and half your basil.
- Add the noodles to your saucy masterpiece. Ensure every noodle gets its fair share of the sauce.
- Dish it out, sprinkle over the remaining basil, maybe some parmesan if you’re feeling fancy, and of course, a hint more olive oil. Voilà!