Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Return the sausage to the pan. Lower the heat and let everything simmer for 10–12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Toss with Noodles
Add the cooked noodles directly into the sauce. If the mixture looks too thick, splash in a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Toss well to coat every strand of noodle in the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil and a generous grating of Parmesan. Serve hot, with crusty bread on the side to mop up the sauce—or even a glass of the same wine you used in the recipe.
Tips for Perfect Italian Drunken Noodles
- Choose the right wine: White wine adds brightness, while red wine gives the dish depth. Either works beautifully, depending on your taste.
- Spice it up: Use spicy Italian sausage or extra red pepper flakes if you enjoy heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty meat-free version.
- Use fresh herbs: Basil and parsley add a refreshing finish that balances the richness of the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Italian Drunken Noodles are more than just a pasta dish—they’re a cozy, flavor-packed experience. It’s the kind of recipe that feels rustic yet refined, making it equally perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a casual dinner party. Every bite delivers a comforting balance of savory sausage, tender vegetables, and wine-infused tomato sauce clinging to wide ribbons of noodles.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why this dish is quickly becoming a beloved favorite in kitchens around the world.
Would you like me to also give you a quick one-pot version of Italian Drunken Noodles (less cleanup, same flavors)?
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