Zesty Drunken Noodles with Savory Italian Sausage
Experience the robust flavors of Italy with these Zesty Drunken Noodles, featuring spicy Italian sausage and a medley of colorful bell peppers. This dish combines the rich textures of pappardelle pasta with a luscious sauce made from caramelized onions, garlic, white wine, and juicy diced tomatoes. Finished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, this comforting meal is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Serve it at your next dinner gathering, and let the comforting aromas transport you to the sun-soaked streets of Italy.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2-3 tablespoons (for sautéing and finishing sauce)
Italian chicken sausage
1 lb (crumbled)
Onion
1 large (quartered and thinly sliced)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (to taste)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon
Cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Red bell pepper
1 (cored and thinly sliced)
Yellow bell pepper
1 (cored and thinly sliced)
Orange bell pepper
1 (cored and thinly sliced)
Garlic cloves
4 (pressed through a garlic press)
White wine
1/2 cup (preferably Chardonnay)
Diced tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (with juice)
Flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup (julienned, divided)
Pappardelle pasta
1/2 lb (prepared according to package instructions)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Drunken Noodles with Savory Italian Sausage?
This is an Italian-inspired dish featuring spicy Italian sausage, bell peppers, and pappardelle pasta in a sauce made from white wine and diced tomatoes.
What type of sausage is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of crumbled Italian chicken sausage.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this dish?
Pappardelle pasta is used for this recipe due to its broad, flat shape which pairs well with the chunky sauce.
Can I substitute the pappardelle pasta?
Yes, you can substitute it with other wide ribbons of pasta like fettuccine or tagliatelle.
Why is the recipe called 'Drunken' noodles?
The name refers to the use of white wine in the sauce, which adds depth and acidity to the dish.
What kind of wine should I use?
A dry white wine, preferably Chardonnay, is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe without alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth or vegetable stock.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What types of bell peppers are included?
The recipe uses a colorful medley of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers.
How should the bell peppers be prepared?
The bell peppers should be cored and thinly sliced.
How do I prepare the garlic for this sauce?
The recipe suggests using 4 garlic cloves pressed through a garlic press for even distribution.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, you should use the 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes with its juice to help form the sauce.
What fresh herbs are needed for garnish?
Fresh flat-leaf parsley and julienned basil leaves are used to finish the dish.
How is the onion prepared?
One large onion should be quartered and then thinly sliced.
Is this dish spicy?
The dish is described as zesty and features spicy Italian sausage, but the heat level can be adjusted by choosing mild or hot sausage.
What seasonings are used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, Italian seasoning, and cracked black pepper.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a one-pot dinner, making it suitable for busy weeknights.
What is the primary cuisine category for this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as European cuisine.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken sausage with a plant-based Italian sausage alternative.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing and finishing the sauce.
How should the sausage be cooked?
The Italian chicken sausage should be crumbled as it is sautéed in the pan.
What makes the sauce 'luscious' according to the description?
The combination of caramelized onions, garlic, white wine, and the juices from the diced tomatoes creates a rich texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner gathering?
Yes, the recipe description highlights it as a comforting meal perfect for sharing with family and friends.
What is the preparation for the basil?
The basil should be julienned (cut into thin strips) and used in divided portions.
Can I use dried herbs if I don't have fresh?
While fresh herbs are best for finishing, you can use dried Italian seasoning within the sauce as indicated.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as a one-pot dinner, though the pasta is typically prepared according to package instructions.
What color palette does the dish have?
The dish is very colorful due to the mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers along with green fresh herbs.
What is the best way to serve this pasta?
Serve it warm, garnished with extra fresh basil and a light drizzle of olive oil.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like spinach or sliced mushrooms would complement the existing ingredients well.
How do I handle the pasta preparation?
The 1/2 lb of pappardelle should be prepared according to the specific package instructions before being combined with the sauce.