Certainly! Here’s a detailed, unique article about Italian Drunken Noodles, including an easy step-by-step method to make this flavorful dish at home.
Italian Drunken Noodles: A Spirited Twist on a Classic Pasta Dish
When you hear “Drunken Noodles,” you might first think of the famous Thai stir-fry dish with wide rice noodles and a bold, spicy kick. But the Italian version of Drunken Noodles brings its own delicious flair—fusing rich Italian flavors with a splash of wine to create a hearty, comforting pasta experience.
Italian Drunken Noodles are a perfect dish for those who love rustic, bold flavors paired with the warmth of a good wine reduction. This recipe uses wide, flat pasta noodles, plenty of garlic, herbs, and a good dose of white or red wine to infuse the dish with depth and complexity.
What Makes Italian Drunken Noodles Special?
The name “Drunken Noodles” here refers to the wine-soaked noodles that soak up every bit of the savory, aromatic sauce. Unlike traditional Italian pasta dishes that might use just a splash of wine in the sauce, this recipe features a generous pour that gets cooked down to create a luscious, slightly boozy coating on the noodles.
The dish is typically enhanced with:
- Garlic and shallots for sweetness and pungency
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an earthy aroma
- Crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat
- Parmesan cheese for creamy umami finish
- Olive oil and butter for richness
It’s perfect for a cozy dinner party or a special weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (350 g) wide flat pasta noodles (pappardelle, fettuccine, or tagliatelle)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or red wine (choose a good-quality wine you’d drink)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Method to Make Italian Drunken Noodles
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large skillet or wide pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté gently until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes. Avoid browning to keep the flavors mellow.
- If you like heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and stir for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
- Pour in the white or red wine.
- Raise the heat to medium-high and let the wine simmer and reduce by about half. This concentrates the flavors and burns off the alcohol, leaving a rich taste.
- Scrape the bottom of the pan gently to release any flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
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