Italian Drunken Noodles: A Tipsy Twist on a Classic

Forget your usual Pad See Ew! This recipe takes the beloved drunken noodles and infuses them with a vibrant, Italian-inspired flavor profile. Get ready for a culinary adventure that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make.

What Makes These Noodles "Drunken"?

The "drunken" in drunken noodles refers to the rich, savory sauce that coats the noodles. Traditionally, this sauce uses a dark soy sauce base, but our Italian version takes a playful twist. We're swapping the soy for a medley of robust Italian ingredients that deliver a similar depth of flavor.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe serves 2-3 people. Feel free to double or triple as needed!

• Noodles: 8 oz wide rice noodles or fettuccine (for a more authentic Italian feel)
• Protein: 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your choice!), removed from casings and crumbled. Chicken or shrimp are also excellent substitutes.
• Veggies:
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup dry red wine (Chianti or Pinot Noir work well)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick!)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Get Started:

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Lightly toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Sauté the Sausage and Veggies:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
2. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic, broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.

Create the Magic Sauce:

1. Pour in the red wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Stir in the tomato paste, heavy cream, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Combine and Serve:

1. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the sauce.
2. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for the Perfect Italian Drunken Noodles:

• Wine Choice Matters: Don't be afraid to experiment with different red wines. A bolder wine will yield a more intense flavor.
• Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and substitute with firm tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Add Some Greens: A handful of fresh spinach or kale added at the end will add extra nutrients and vibrancy.

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