Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a flavorful and comforting dish, look no further than Italian Drunken Noodles. This delicious pasta combines hearty Italian sausage, a rich white wine sauce, and juicy tomatoes, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s full of savory, robust flavors with just a hint of sweetness from the basil. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend indulgence, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Brown the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 3 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and the flavors to blend.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Reheating and Storage Tips:
- Storage: Leftover Italian Drunken Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to prevent sticking. You can also microwave the noodles in a covered dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Freezing: You can freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. The pasta may become a bit softer after freezing and reheating, but the flavor will remain delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
- Yes! Any pasta shape you prefer will work, such as penne or rigatoni.
- Can I use chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
- Absolutely! Chicken sausage is a great leaner alternative.
- Is it necessary to use white wine?
- The white wine adds depth and richness to the dish, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- Can I make this recipe without alcohol?
- Yes, simply use broth (chicken or vegetable) instead of wine for a non-alcoholic version.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Yes, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or just use vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?
- Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used, but make sure to peel and dice them first.
- Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
- Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to enhance the dish.
- What other herbs can I use besides basil?
- Oregano, thyme, or parsley would also complement this dish beautifully.
- Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
- While pre-grated Parmesan works, freshly grated cheese will give the best flavor and texture.
- Is this recipe spicy?
- The recipe itself is not very spicy, but you can add more heat by including chili flakes or hot sausage.
- How can I make the sauce creamier?
- Stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a creamy variation.
- Can I add more garlic for extra flavor?
- Yes! You can easily adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste.
- How do I make this dish gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free spaghetti or any gluten-free pasta of your choice.
- Can I use another type of wine for this recipe?
- Yes, a dry white wine works best, but you can also experiment with a light red wine if preferred.
- Can I cook the sausage ahead of time?
- Yes, cooking the sausage ahead of time and storing it separately can save time when preparing the meal.
- How long should I simmer the sauce?
- Simmer the sauce for about 8-10 minutes, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance?
- The pasta can be cooked ahead, but it’s best to toss it in the sauce just before serving to avoid it getting too soft.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- Yes, you can freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. Just keep in mind that pasta may soften slightly upon reheating.
- What can I serve with Italian Drunken Noodles?
- A simple side salad or crusty garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Top 20 Tips for the Best Italian Drunken Noodles:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the spaghetti—al dente is key.
- Brown the sausage well for maximum flavor.
- Let the white wine simmer to cook off the alcohol and concentrate the flavors.
- Use a large skillet to prevent overcrowding when cooking the sausage.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for the best flavor.
- Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- For a deeper flavor, cook the garlic until golden brown, but don’t burn it.
- Experiment with different herbs like oregano for variety.
- Make sure to toss the pasta in the sauce while it’s still hot for better absorption.
- Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.
- Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage while cooking for even browning.
- Let the sauce simmer long enough for the tomatoes to soften and release their flavor.
- Consider adding a handful of spinach or arugula for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Pair the dish with a simple, crisp salad for balance.
- Don’t forget to taste the sauce for balance—sometimes a small pinch of sugar can cut acidity from the tomatoes.
- Keep the heat moderate when simmering the wine to avoid burning the sauce.
- Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
