Looking for a unique twist on classic Italian flavors? Try this recipe for Italian Drunken Noodles, which combines traditional Chinese stir-fry techniques with an Italian flair. This fusion of flavors creates a satisfying and hearty meal you’ll want to enjoy over and over again.
The original Drunken Noodles recipe hails from Thailand, featuring a stir-fry style dish with thick noodles and a special sauce. We’ve reimagined this concept by infusing it with rich Italian flavors to create a memorable dining experience.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Drunken Noodles
- Creative Fusion: Combines the best of Italian and Asian flavors.
- Hearty and Comforting: Perfect for chilly days or cozy weeknight meals.
- Savory Sausage: Italian sausage adds a robust, slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
- Balanced Flavors: Parmesan cheese, bell peppers, garlic, and basil create a harmonious blend.
Ingredient Notes
- 12 oz. Egg Noodles: Cooked to your preferred tenderness.
- 1 lb. Ground Italian Sausage: Provides a rich and robust flavor.
- 2 Bell Peppers: Chopped for color and freshness.
- 3 tsp. Minced Garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the dish.
- 1 tsp. Italian Seasoning: Enhances the Italian flair.
- ½ C. White Cooking Wine: Key for flavor infusion.
- 28 oz. Canned Diced Tomatoes: Undrained for added juiciness.
- 1 Tbsp. Dried Basil: Intensifies the herbal notes.
- Salt and Pepper: To season according to taste.
- Parmesan Cheese and Fresh Parsley: For a finishing touch.
How to Make Italian Drunken Noodles
- Browning the Meat and Peppers
Add the ground Italian sausage and bell peppers to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the meat is fully browned and the peppers are slightly softened. - Flavor Infusion
Reduce the heat to medium, add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and sauté for an additional 30 seconds. - Wine Infusion
Incorporate the white cooking wine and cook until the liquid is reduced by half. - Creating the Base
Add diced tomatoes, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. - Final Assembly
Mix in the cooked noodles, sauté until heated through, and garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Storage Options
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in a pan on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based protein alternatives.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta.
- Additional Veggies: Enhance the dish with zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
What to Serve With Italian Drunken Noodles
- Simple Side Salad: A fresh salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the noodles.
- Buttery Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- White Wine: A glass of chilled white wine complements the flavors beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
While egg noodles work best, you can experiment with other pasta shapes for variety. - Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, you can easily substitute the sausage with vegetarian options like tofu or tempeh. - Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the noodles and sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve. - How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted to your preference by adding more or less Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes.
Prepare to indulge in a burst of flavors with each bite of Italian Drunken Noodles. The sharpness of Parmesan cheese coats the hearty noodles, while the savory Italian sausage delivers a satisfying meal experience. Whether serving for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will impress your taste buds.
Italian Drunken Noodles
Ingredients
- 12 oz Egg Noodles
- 1 lb Ground Italian Sausage
- 2 medium Bell Peppers chopped
- 3 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 C White Cooking Wine
- 28 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes undrained
- 1 Tbsp Dried Basil
- Salt and Pepper
- Parmesan Cheese and Fresh Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Add the ground Italian sausage and bell peppers to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the meat is fully browned and the peppers are slightly softened.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
- Incorporate the white cooking wine and cook until the liquid is reduced by half.
- Add diced tomatoes, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Mix in the cooked noodles, sauté until heated through, and garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley.