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→ LET'S MAKE IT! ♥
1. COOK THE NOODLES
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package directions until just tender.
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water. Drain the noodles and set aside.
2. BROWN THE SAUSAGE
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
Transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving a little of the flavorful fat in the pan.
3. COOK THE VEGETABLES
Add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the same pan. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. ADD THE WINE
Pour in the red wine, stirring and scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. This adds depth and a lovely savory note to the sauce.
5. BUILD THE TOMATO SAUCE
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
Return the cooked sausage to the pan. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 8–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together.
Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
6. TOSS EVERYTHING TOGETHER
Add the drained noodles to the skillet and toss gently until they're coated in the rich sauce.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until everything comes together beautifully.
7. FINISH AND SERVE
Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh basil or parsley.
Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy a hearty, flavorful bowl of Italian-inspired comfort! ♥
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✧ LITTLE SECRETS FOR THE BEST NOODLES
★ Brown the sausage properly. Those golden bits add extra flavor to the entire dish.
★ Choose colorful peppers. Red and yellow peppers bring sweetness, color, and a lovely contrast to the savory sausage.
★ Let the sauce simmer. A few extra minutes allow the tomato, garlic, herbs, and sausage flavors to blend together.
★ Don't overcook the pasta. Cook it just until tender, since it will warm through again in the sauce.
★ Adjust the heat. Use sweet Italian sausage for a milder dish or hot Italian sausage if you prefer a little spice.
★ Make it your own. Sliced mushrooms, baby spinach, or a handful of olives can add another layer of flavor.
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❀ WHAT TO SERVE WITH ITALIAN DRUNKEN NOODLES
♥ Garlic bread for soaking up the sauce
♥ A crisp Caesar or garden salad
♥ Roasted zucchini or broccoli
♥ Warm crusty bread with olive oil
♥ A little extra Parmesan at the table
This pasta is satisfying enough to serve on its own, but a fresh salad and warm bread make it feel like a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
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♥ MAKE-AHEAD & STORAGE TIPS
✓ Prepare ahead: Slice the vegetables and mince the garlic a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator.
✓ Refrigerate leftovers: Place leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
✓ Reheat gently: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
✓ Freeze if needed: The cooked dish can be frozen in airtight portions for up to 2 months for best quality, although the noodles may soften slightly after thawing.
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✨ ONE PAN OF SAUCE, A BIG BOWL OF COMFORT! ✨
Tender noodles, savory sausage, sweet peppers, and a rich tomato-wine sauce make these Italian Drunken Noodles a wonderful choice for anyone who loves bold, hearty pasta dishes.
It's colorful, comforting, and full of flavor — the kind of dinner that makes an ordinary evening feel a little more special. ♥
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✦ TELL ME IN THE COMMENTS!
Would you make these Italian Drunken Noodles with sweet Italian sausage or spicy sausage? ♥
And would you add mushrooms, extra peppers, or keep the recipe just as it is?
Share your favorite twist in the comments, save this recipe for your next pasta night, and pass it along to someone who loves a comforting homemade dinner!
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Thank you for spending a little time with us today. ❤️
✍️ Written with care by BASSMA EL-HAZIBI
