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Italian Drunken Noodles with Sausage & Peppers

Italian Drunken Noodles with Sausage & Peppers
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Italian Drunken Noodles with Sausage & Peppers is a vibrant and flavorful fusion dish combining spicy Italian sausage, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked wide rice noodles or fettuccine tossed in a savory tomato-based sauce. This quick and easy one-pan meal delivers a perfect balance of spice, savoriness, and comfort, ideal for weeknight dinners or satisfying family meals with customizable heat and ingredient options.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed if preferred)

Vegetables

  • 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Noodles

  • 8 oz wide rice noodles or fettuccine

Sauce & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste or 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Optional Toppings

  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook thoroughly until browned and slightly crispy on the edges for maximum flavor. Remove sausage and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers until tender but still vibrant and slightly crunchy.
  4. Build the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in tomato paste or crushed tomatoes. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer gently, adding a splash of pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
  5. Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix with the sauce and vegetables. Fold in the prepared noodles, tossing until every strand is beautifully coated and heated through.
  6. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh basil or Italian herbs over the dish. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor and texture.
  • Do not overcook the bell peppers; they should retain some crunch for balanced texture.
  • Reserve some pasta water while cooking noodles to help loosen and bind the sauce if necessary.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes gradually to control the heat level.
  • Always finish the dish with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for bright, fresh flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian drunken noodles, sausage and peppers, spicy pasta, one-pan dinner, quick dinner, Italian fusion, gluten-free pasta, spicy sausage recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/italian-drunken-noodles-with-sausage-peppers/