Preparing the Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce later if needed.
Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables:
- Brown the Sausage:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they begin to soften and pick up some color, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Making the Sauce:
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Pour the white wine into the skillet, stirring to lift any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Reduce the wine by half, then stir in the chicken broth and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juice and the red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return Sausage to Skillet:
- Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet. Reduce the heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Combining Pasta and Sauce:
- Mix Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Serving:
- Garnish and Serve:
- Stir in the fresh basil just before serving. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips:
- Pasta Choice: Choose a pasta that will hold up well against the chunky sauce and sausages. Wide noodles are ideal as they mimic the texture and surface area of traditional drunken noodles.
- Wine Selection: If you don’t want to use wine, you can increase the amount of chicken broth, but the wine adds a depth of flavor that complements the richness of the sausages.
- Adjusting Heat: Tailor the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste. If you prefer a spicier dish, add more flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
Italian Drunken Noodles offer a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes, bringing together the comfort of Italian ingredients with a touch of Thai-inspired spiciness. This dish is perfect for those looking for something different in their pasta routine. Enjoy this tasty and colorful meal!