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Here’s a detailed, unique article on Italian Drunken Noodles: A Hearty & Flavorful One-Pan Meal, complete with a step-by-step cooking guide:

Italian Drunken Noodles: A Hearty & Flavorful One-Pan Meal

If you love bold flavors, cozy comfort food, and dishes that require minimal cleanup, Italian Drunken Noodles are about to become your new favorite weeknight meal. Inspired by the famous Asian “drunken noodles,” this Italian twist combines al dente pasta, savory sausage, juicy tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs in a single skillet, resulting in a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful. Best of all, it’s simple enough for a busy evening but impressive enough to serve guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this dish, gather the following ingredients:

12 oz (340 g) pasta – penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work best
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage – mild or spicy, removed from casings
4 cloves garlic – minced
1 medium onion – finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes – halved
½ cup dry white wine – adds that “drunken” flavor
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes – optional, for a little heat
Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for finishing
Fresh basil or parsley – chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water to help blend the sauce later.

Tip: Reserving pasta water adds a silky texture to the sauce without extra cream.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.