Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

Here’s a recipe for Italian Drunken Noodles, a delicious twist on the classic Thai drunken noodles, but with Italian flavors:

Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. wide rice noodles (or your preferred pasta)
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 lb. Italian sausage (or ground beef/chicken)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or fresh basil/oregano)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Noodles:
   • Cook the rice noodles (or pasta) according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage:
   • In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Sauté the Veggies:
   • Add the sliced bell pepper and zucchini to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze with Wine:
   • Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
5. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Combine Noodles and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more broth to reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve:
   • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations:

• You can substitute the sausage with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a vegetarian protein like tempeh.
• Add some fresh spinach or kale for extra veggies and color.