A robust Italian pasta dish packed with bold flavors, Drunken Noodles get their name from the rich, intoxicating combination of garlic, herbs, and savory ingredients.
The Story Behind Drunken Noodles
While some versions of this dish include wine, this recipe focuses on creating deep, complex flavors through the combination of garlic, herbs, and quality ingredients. The name “drunken” refers to the bold, intoxicating flavors that make this dish so irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) pappardelle or other wide pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in bell pepper and cherry tomatoes, cooking for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Add tomato paste and broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with butter and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water. Toss to combine all ingredients, adding more pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese and fresh basil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately with additional cheese for garnish.
Serving Suggestions
Drunken Noodles make a complete meal on their own, but pair beautifully with:
- A simple green salad with balsamic dressing
- Garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce
- A refreshing sparkling water with lemon
Variations
This versatile recipe can be adapted to different tastes:
- Vegetarian: Omit sausage and add mushrooms and zucchini
- Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes or add chopped chili peppers
- Seafood: Replace sausage with shrimp or scallops
- Creamier: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream with the broth
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Italian Drunken Noodles offer a perfect balance of bold flavors – the savory sausage, the slight heat from pepper flakes, the sweetness of bell peppers, and the freshness of basil. It’s a satisfying dish that’s simple to prepare yet delivers restaurant-quality flavors without the need for wine.
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