Italian Drunken Noodles
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles and set aside. 🌾
- Brown the Sausage & Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. 🛢️
- Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned. 🥩
- Add the diced onion and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. 🧅🫑
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. 🧄
- Deglaze with Wine:
- Pour in ½ cup of dry red wine, scraping up any browned savory bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. 🍷
- Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the wine reduces by half. ⏲️
- Simmer the Sauce & Toss Noodles:
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. 🍅🌿
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the cooked noodles directly into the skillet, tossing well to coat every noodle in sauce. (If the mixture looks a bit thick, splash in a little reserved pasta water!)
- Garnish & Serve:
- Remove from heat and toss with fresh chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. 🧀🌿
- Serve hot straight from the skillet and enjoy! 😋✨
