🍝 Spicy Italian Drunken Noodles with a Kick
🔥 What Is It?
This dish blends the bold flavors of spicy Italian sausage, peppers, garlic, tomatoes, and wide noodles (like pappardelle or egg noodles), all tossed in a wine-infused, chili-spiced sauce.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
🍝 Main:
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12 oz wide egg noodles or pappardelle
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1 lb spicy Italian sausage (crumbled or sliced)
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1 small yellow onion, sliced
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1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
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1–2 hot cherry peppers or 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ cups cherry tomatoes or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
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½ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
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½ cup chicken broth
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
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Optional: grated Parmesan or Pecorino
🔪 Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
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Boil salted water and cook noodles until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Sausage
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In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking into chunks. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Veggies
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In the same skillet, add another tbsp olive oil.
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Sauté onions and peppers until softened (about 4–5 min).
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Add garlic and hot peppers (or chili flakes) and cook for 1 minute.
4. Deglaze with Wine
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Pour in white wine. Let simmer 2–3 min, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Make the Sauce
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Add cherry tomatoes (or diced tomatoes), chicken broth, and the cooked sausage.
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Simmer 6–8 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Season with salt, pepper, and more chili flakes if you want extra heat.
6. Toss & Finish
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Add drained noodles to the skillet, tossing to coat. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
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Cook 1–2 minutes until everything is well combined.
7. Serve
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
🔁 Make It Your Own:
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Extra heat: Add Calabrian chili paste or a dash of hot sauce.
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Veggie option: Use plant-based sausage or mushrooms instead.
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More richness: Stir in a splash of cream or a knob of butter before serving.
Let me know if you want a one-pan version or a low-carb adaptation!